The Swiss resort of Crans-Montana is hosting Alpine Skiing World Cup races this week, four weeks after a tragic New Year's Eve fire at a bar killed 40 people, mostly teenagers, and injured 116. The events, serving as the final tune-up before the Milan-Cortina Olympics, proceed in a respectful, low-key atmosphere with tributes to the victims. Top skiers like Lindsey Vonn and Sofia Goggia have begun training amid mourning banners and team memorials.
In Crans-Montana, Switzerland, the Alpine Skiing FIS World Cup returned on January 28, 2026, with training sessions for the women's downhill, just four weeks after a devastating fire at the Le Constellation bar on New Year's Day. The blaze, reportedly sparked by sparklers in champagne bottles held too close to the ceiling, claimed 40 lives—mostly young people—and left 116 injured. The races, including women's downhill on Friday, super-G on Saturday, and men's downhill on Sunday, are the last before the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, where women's events start February 8 in Cortina d'Ampezzo and men's on February 7 in Bormio.
The atmosphere is markedly subdued, lacking the usual festivities. Finish areas feature black-and-white banners reading “Our Thoughts Are With You” in multiple languages. Race organizer Didier Défago, the 2010 Vancouver Olympic downhill gold medalist, emphasized balance: “This is, I think, a good point to find a good balance between tributes and a little bit of hope.” He opened a pre-training meeting with a minute's silence, noting the tragedy's lasting impact on the community.
The Italian women's team, affected deeply with six nationals dead and 13 injured, paid tribute by laying flowers at the boarded-up bar site under sleety snow. Skier Sofia Goggia and overall World Cup leader Federica Brignone will wear black armbands during races. Tensions arose when bar owner Jacques Moretti was released on 200,000 Swiss francs ($259,000) bail; Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's office expressed “deep outrage,” pushing for joint investigation.
U.S. coach Alex Hödlmoser shared the team's proximity to the site: “Our hotel is not really that far from where the tragedy happened... We drive by there every day and obviously have thoughts for the families.” He stressed respectful focus on sport, adding, “Still doing the events I think is important, because obviously with everything life is keeping on.”
Swiss athletes like Malorie Blanc and Justin Murisier, from the region, face emotional challenges. Murisier said, “We are all suffering... but life goes on.” Coach Reto Nydegger noted, “I think sport can also show the people that life goes on.” Lindsey Vonn, 41 and leading downhill standings, joined Goggia and Corinne Suter for initial runs on the Mont Lachaux slope.
Crans-Montana eyes future events, including 2027 world championships and potential 2038 Olympics. Défago aims to unite through sport: “The community wants to move on a little now... To live some positive emotions now.”
