Zermatt is already a preferred destination in summer for many of the best ski racers in the world thanks to the summer ski area available at Klein Matterhorn.

World Cup teams will train in Zermatt

The Theodul Glacier will be even more the focus for World Cup racers in future as Zermatt and Swiss Ski have formed a new partnership.

It means that World Cup teams from Switzerland and abroad will be able to enjoy the superb race training facilities on the glacier each summer.

Zermatt Bergbahnen will prepare training tracks on the Theodul Glacier, grooming them daily, while Swiss-Ski will be fully responsible for operating the training infrastructure.

Available for Swiss and international teams

The Swiss racing federation will use the slopes for its own teams but will also make them available to other nations.

The agreement will start in the summer of 2025 and continuing until at least 2034.

Zermatt to host World Cup races

In addition, the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) and Swiss-Ski are in discussion about holding World Cup races in Zermatt.

After the disappointment of the cancellations of the Matterhorn Cervino Speed Opening downhill races in 2022 and 2023, two men’s speed races have been proposed to take place on the new Gornergrat slope.

This is due to open to the public in December 2027 and the suggested races would take place in the latter part of March each year from 2028 to 2034.

The possible races are subject to certain conditions: the slope needs to be ratified by FIS and Zermatt must be able to fulfil various other requirements to host a World Cup race.

Sustainability benefits

FIS have also highlighted the fact that racers can significantly reduce the amount of training they need do in the Southern Hemisphere, helping to make ski racing more sustainable.

Walter Reusser, co-CEO of Swiss-Ski said:

“This new agreement is groundbreaking. Zermatt is the highest glacier ski resort with the best conditions for speed training in Europe and securing long-term access through a partnership is invaluable for global downhill racing and youth development.”

A World Cup weekend across Switzerland and Italy?

Franz Julen, President of the Zermatt Bergbahnen, has also raised the idea that Zermatt and Cervinia could both host races across the same weekend.

He has suggested that World Cup races in the technical disciplines could be held in Cervinia in conjunction with the new Gornergrat speed races in Zermatt.

“When the new Gornergrat slope is approved, Zermatt and Cervinia will have two highly attractive World Cup speed courses with very different levels of difficulty and views of the Matterhorn.”

Accommodation in Zermatt

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