The Nationale – The Return of a Legendary Slope

The Nationale slope is reconnecting with its illustrious history. Thirteen years after the exploits of Didier Cuche, Marcel Hirscher, and Benjamin Raich, the men’s World Cup is making its grand return to the legendary Crans-Montana course. It’s a unique opportunity to watch world champions Marco Odermatt, Franjo von Allmen, Loïc Meillard, and the biggest stars of alpine skiing tackle this challenging and spectacular course on the Haut-Plateau, the stage for two high-level speed races.

Before Sunday’s super-G, the highlight of the weekend will be Saturday’s downhill race, which, for the first time since the 1987 World Championships, will follow its original course from the historic summit of Bella Lui. Perched at 2,514 meters, the start hut offers a breathtaking view over the Rhône Valley—a stunning backdrop before diving into the competition.

A Two-Minute Descent

“This is a truly challenging course,” says Didier Défago, General Director of the World Cup races and Crans-Montana 2027. “It’s a long downhill that will put the athletes’ legs to the test, as the race will last around two minutes.” In numbers, the Nationale slope stretches over 3,800 meters, with a vertical drop of 969 meters.

It promises to be a relentless descent, marked by numerous terrain changes and sections that are as technical as they are fast. Right from the first meters, the athletes will face a demanding side slope, followed by several spectacular jumps—including the impressive Cassure de Cry d’Er—and many high-speed, sweeping curves. All of these challenges will deliver adrenaline rushes for the skiers and stunning images for photographers and TV audiences around the world. “It’s a complete race, with rhythm, and the racers will have to stay fully focused because the snow is also fast,” continues Didier Défago. “It’s going to be an incredible downhill.”

A Prestigious History

The history of the Nationale slope is filled with unforgettable moments. In 1987, during the World Championships, Switzerland achieved its most successful medal haul, winning 14 medals. The course also hosted the World Cup Finals in 1998, marking the farewell race of the legendary Alberto Tomba. Since then, only Lindsey Vonn and Dominique Gisin have added their names to its prestigious record in 2010, before the women’s World Cup moved to the neighboring Mont Lachaux course in 2014.

Now, the Nationale is finally regaining its former glory and preparing to write a new chapter in Swiss skiing history. In 2027, it will host the men’s World Championship events—forty years after the legendary Swiss downhill podium sweep by Peter Müller, Pirmin Zurbriggen, and Karl Alpiger. A symbolic return to the roots, on a course that has never ceased to captivate ski enthusiasts.