Plans to launch the Alpine Skiing World Cup speed events with a series of high-altitude cross-border races in early November won't be attempted for a third time at the start of the 24-25 World Cup season, the International Ski & Snowboard Federation (FIS) have announced.
The new racecourse, which would have made history for its altitude, length and being the first World Cup racecourse to cross an international border, was due to launch the 22-23 season but races were cancelled due to too little snow on the lower half of the course.
The racecourse was then set to host two 23-24 season opening downhills each for the women and the men, known as the Matterhorn Cervino Speed Opening, on successive weekends last November, but were cancelled due to too much snow, among other issues, last autumn. Somewhat ironically, midweek training runs were staged successfully but the bad weather arrived on race day weekends.
In an online statement, the FIS said:
After a thorough consultation with the athletes, their teams and other stakeholders involved in the event, it has been agreed by FIS, Swiss-Ski and the Federazione Italiana Sport Invernali (FISI) not to include Zermatt/Cervinia in the Alpine draft calendar 2024/25. FIS would all like to thank the athletes for their valuable feedback and all stakeholders for the productive discussions. The three federations will use the next few months to find possible ways and solutions for future World Cup races in Zermatt and Cervinia. The Local Organising Committee, Zermatt and Cervinia will analyse these proposals constructively."
Prior to the attempt to launch the speed racing season in Zermatt/Cervinia, Lake Louise was the traditional starting location for the tour each autumn, however it pulled out of hosting a stage last autumn due to funding issues, although Canada's ski racing governing body say they are committed to hosting an Alpine Ski Racing World Cup stage in the country.
David Taugwalder, Head of PR/Communications Zermatt Tourism issued his own statement saying,
"Zermatt and Cervinia believe in ski racing and want to remain committed to it. The two destinations are convinced that altitude and guaranteed snow will be a key criterion for ski race venues at the highest level in the future. Special thanks are due to all the supporters in both destinations, the local organising committee, the many volunteers and Franz Julen, who brought the races to Zermatt/Cervinia in the first place with his experience and network."