Swiss athletes Malorie Blanc and Franjo von Allmen claimed victories in the women's Super G and men's downhill at the Crans-Montana World Cup, the final races before the 2026 Winter Olympics. The event was overshadowed by a New Year's Eve fire tragedy and the cancellation of the women's downhill due to crashes, including one involving Lindsey Vonn. Vonn's participation in the upcoming Olympic downhill remains uncertain as she recovers from a knee injury.
The World Cup alpine ski races at Crans-Montana, Switzerland, served as the last major competition before the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics began this week. Held last weekend, the event unfolded against a backdrop of mourning following a devastating bar fire on New Year's Eve that claimed 41 lives, with another death confirmed during the races. Organizers paid tributes, altering the finish area with black and white mourning signs reading “Our thoughts are with you” in multiple languages.
Diego Züger, Co-CEO Commercial of Swiss-Ski, emphasized the role of sport in providing hope: “For the community of Crans-Montana, for the snow sports community, and for many others, sport and these World Cup races are sources of confidence and hope during this time of emotionally processing this tragedy.” Didier Défago, CEO of the Organizing Committee, added: “Since New Year’s Eve, we have all been united in shock and grief; we will remember this tragedy for the rest of our lives.”
Friday's snowfall led to the cancellation of the women's downhill after several crashes, including one by Lindsey Vonn, the 41-year-old American favorite for Olympic gold. Vonn, who returned from retirement partly to compete in Cortina d’Ampezzo—site of the women's Olympic races—is recovering from a left knee injury sustained in the crash. Her history in Cortina dates back to 2002, including her first World Cup podium in 2004 and a record-breaking 63rd career win in 2015, surrounded by family.
Saturday brought clear skies for the women's Super G, where local Malorie Blanc secured her maiden World Cup victory, ahead of Italy's Sofia Goggia and the United States' Breezy Johnson. The crowd's roar echoed up the mountain as Blanc crossed the finish line.
On Sunday, the men's downhill saw Swiss skier Franjo von Allmen edge out Italy's Dominik Paris and American Ryan Cochran-Siegle for first place. Marco Odermatt, the season's dominant Swiss downhill leader, surprisingly finished fourth. Britain's Owen Vinter achieved his first World Cup downhill finish, earning warm applause from the Swiss audience.
Crans-Montana, a sunny plateau resort at 1,500 meters with views of 18 peaks over the Rhone Valley, offered excellent skiing conditions beyond the races, blending high-level sport with family-friendly vibes and luxury.
