Industry News
After the cancellation of yesterday’s Downhill race due to snow and wind, today’s Downhill race was canceled as well. The Local Organization Committee (‘LOC’) together with the International Ski & Snowboard Federation (‘FIS’) announced at 7 a.m. that today’s race would be canceled as well. Yesterday morning the LOC and FIS called off the race at the same time after strong winds, snowfall and fog. While there was a short-lived window where the skis cleared and the snow stopped, the wind remained, making the race on the glacier unsafe.
Heavy snowfalls, wind and fog forced a cancelation of the event. The previous two training runs from Thursday and Friday had also been canceled due to snowfalls. After last year’s race was canceled due to lack of snow, it is certainly a luxury problem to have, but it must be devastating for the athletes as well as the LOC and volunteers who have worked for weeks to hold the race.
“Due to the heavy snowfall from last night, and this morning, together with the strong wind, to ensure the safety situation for everyone, the Jury together with the OC have decided to cancel todays DH race.”
There is only a slim chance the race could be held tomorrow, Monday, November 13, 2023. Unfortunately the weather forecast for tomorrow is similar to today, so the chances are slim. A call will be made later today and we will keep you posted.
The Austrian team left Zermatt on Friday, as training had been canceled and they were able to train in native Austria, where the weather was clear.
This means, the Speed Opening will be once again in North America. Last year the Speed Opening in Zermatt had to be canceled due to lack of snow. While the irony is not lost on organizers, there is hope that the women’s race next weekend can take place. Unfortunately the women’s race will not be a cross-border event, as the start for the women had to be moved to a lower point for safety reasons. This will leave hopes for the inaugural cross-border race for 2024.
