Ski World Cup Poised for Zermatt Return
Switzerland could gain another home race in March 2028. Zermatt is working intensively on its return to the Alpine Ski World Cup.
According to the Swiss newspaper "Blick", the Ski World Cup is set to return to Zermatt. A men's downhill race is planned to take place for the first time on the adapted "Gornergrat-Piste" in the 2027/28 season. The race has already been integrated into the provisional calendar of the International Ski Federation (FIS).
This would mark a new attempt for the Valais resort in the World Cup after the cancellation of the "Gran Becca" downhill. The controversial, cross-border downhill was removed from the World Cup calendar by the FIS in spring 2024.
Spectacular Downhill Planned
The planned course is expected to be around 3.2 kilometers long and cost approximately 13 million Swiss francs. It was designed by former Swiss downhill racer Didier Défago.
Spectacular sections are also planned: the course is intended to lead over the roof of a Gornergratbahn gallery, followed by a jump.
Swiss Ski Stars Show Enthusiasm
The plans have been met with approval by Swiss ski stars. Marco Odermatt is impressed by the initiative. Franjo von Allmen also anticipates an exciting race – provided the course is implemented as planned.
Construction work on the course is scheduled to be completed by autumn 2027. The first training runs on the "Gornergrat-Piste" are already planned for January 2028. The return to the World Cup is set for March 2028.
