Crans-Montana, Switzerland, January 16, 2024 – World cup speed skiing events will proceed in Crans-Montana, Canton of Valais, from January 30 to February 1, despite the recent tragedy that prompted a reevaluation of safety measures. The competition will feature two women’s races and a men’s downhill, marking a return to normalcy for the sport as it prepares for the upcoming Olympic Games.
A Community United in the Face of Grief
the decision to move forward with the races underscores the power of sport to offer hope and resilience in the wake of tragedy.
- The FIS, Swiss-Ski, and the organizing committee have officially confirmed the world Cup races in Crans-Montana.
- The event will include a women’s downhill on January 30, a women’s super-G on January 31, and a men’s downhill on February 1.
- All collateral events in the center of Crans-Montana have been cancelled as a mark of respect.
- The races are seen as a source of confidence and hope for the community following a devastating tragedy.
The confirmation came this afternoon following a period of reflection after a tragedy on New Year’s Eve at the “Le Constellation” venue resulted in 40 fatalities. The incident led to questions about the viability of continuing with the scheduled races,the last World cup events before the Olympics.
Resuming Competition with Sensitivity
Two European Cup slaloms for men were held earlier this week in Crans-Montana, utilizing an adapted format.The organizing committee has revised the program of collateral events, cancelling all those planned for Place d’Ycoor. “For the Crans-Montana community, for the snow sports community and for many others, sport and these World Cup races are a source of confidence and hope in this moment of emotional processing of such a tragedy,” stated Diego Züger, Co-CEO Commercial of Swiss-Ski. “We have fully supported the organization of these races from the beginning.”
Didier Défago, CEO of the Organizing Committee, echoed this sentiment, saying, “Since New Year’s Eve, we have all been united in shock and pain. We will remember this tragedy for the rest of our lives. Swiss-Ski and the FIS share the belief that sport can evoke many positive emotions and thoughts even in these circumstances. This strengthens our decision to organize the races.”
What factors led to the decision to proceed with the world Cup races despite the recent tragedy? The organizers believe that sport can provide a sense of hope and unity for the community during a difficult time, and that cancelling the event would have been a disservice to the athletes and fans.
Crans-Montana is preparing to host the World Championship in February 2027, which will mark the event’s return to the Valais town after forty years.
