World Cup in Zermatt/Cervinia – OK optimistic: “Slope will be ready at the end of October” – Sport

The organizers of the speed races on the Matterhorn are confident that the premiere can take place this year.

In 2022, the double downhill runs in Zermatt/Cervinia, which were announced as a big spectacle, had to be canceled due to a lack of snow. This year the situation is different, as Zermatt OK boss Franz Julen assures: “We are organizationally ready and are convinced that the slopes will be ready for snow control at the end of October.”

Two reasons make Julen optimistic:

• The race dates have been pushed back two weeks compared to 2022. The two men’s descents on the “Gran Becca” are scheduled to take place on November 11th and 12th, the women’s descents a week later.
• The reserve has been expanded: “Last year we had 2 snow depots, this year there are 5,” says Julen – without wanting to reveal the number of cubic meters.

“Fantastic” situation on the glacier

Rolling out snow from depots is only plan B, emphasizes the Valais native. First and foremost, if there is a lack of snow, the lower part of the slope should be artificially snowed. “The problem in 2022 was the last 300 meters. The glacier part would have been ready and this year the situation there is even better. The training conditions are fantastic at the moment.”

Legend:

Promotes Zermatt

Franz Julen.

key/Dominic Steinmann

Only had on Thursday Scientists reported unexpectedly strong glacier melting and particularly highlighted southern Valais. Julen confirms that the glaciers near Zermatt are also suffering. “Climate change cannot be explained away,” he says. But: “Where we prepare for skiing, the glacier is better protected from retreat by the snow and thanks to higher reflection.”

“Center for Speed ​​Teams”

According to Julen, the preparatory work not only benefits the World Cup race weekends: “We can then use the snow depots for the tourist slopes.”

In addition, the “Gran Becca” will be available to all World Cup teams for two weeks of training after the races. “Zermatt will be the training center for speed athletes from all over the world for a month,” hopes the 65-year-old. Julen is particularly targeting women who, unlike in previous years, have no speed races in Lake Louise and therefore no reason to travel overseas.