The Nationale slope wins over the skiers ahead of the downhill

Crans-Montana put on a postcard-perfect display on Saturday. Under Valais sunshine and among snow-covered larch trees, the world’s top speed specialists rediscovered the Nationale slope during the first downhill training session, one year after their initial debut. It was an opportunity for the athletes to test themselves not only ahead of Sunday’s race, but also with a view to the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 2027.

“It was great to ski, the slope is really well prepared. I enjoyed it,” said Alexis Monney, who was the fastest Swiss skier this morning, setting the fifth fastest time in the timed training. The skier from Fribourg, who stepped onto the podium twice here last season, arrives on the Nationale full of confidence. “It’s obviously nice to come into a race weekend knowing that I like this slope. It makes it easier to approach.”

Improvements compared to 2025

The other Swiss free spirit, Franjo von Allmen, winner of last year’s downhill, also found the terrain more than interesting. “It’s quite similar to last season, but some sections have been modified, with different waves and a few jumps that carry further. It was really enjoyable to ski,” he smiled after the first training run, which he finished in 18th place.

Star skier Marco Odermatt, who also stood on the top step of the podium here last year, this time in the super-G, echoed his teammates’ comments. “The slope is really great, and it’s a bit faster than last season, which also makes it more demanding.”

To increase the level of challenge on the Nationale slope, the terrain has been reworked. The organisers have accentuated certain terrain features, added several waves and a jump in the upper section, and adjusted the line to gain speed in specific sectors.

A first time on the Nationale for Kilde

Injured last season, Aleksander Aamodt Kilde discovered the Nationale slope this Saturday. A slope that clearly pleased the Norwegian. “With the speed it carries, I think it’s a really nice slope. You have to work the small bumps, stay focused all the time, and that’s exactly what a real downhill is about.” Taking part in this training session ahead of his third downhill of the season, the Scandinavian left with a smile, enjoying the atmosphere, the good slope conditions and the fine weather in the Valais resort.

Photo: Deprez-Dubuis