Featured Image: Breezy Johnson (USA) on the training run on the new Zermatt-Cervinia track. Photo: GEPA pictures/ Mario Buehner-Weinrauch

After harsh weather canceled the men’s downhill on the long-expected Gran Becca track, the World Cup women are hoping for a different outcome. The women’s World Cup speed teams arrived at the Matterhorn Cervino Speed Opening at the beginning of this week to get several days of training runs on the course. After only one day of training and two training day cancellations, the women are hoping that luck is on their side for the weekend of racing. 

Sofia Goggia of Italy is ranked first in the World in downhill by almost 150 World Cup points, and she aims to prove that spot with a victory on this course’s debut. During the 2023 season, Goggia won five out of the nine World Cup downhill races and podiumed at eight of them. 

Other European racers showed eagerness to win last season by claiming gold or podium positions. Ilka Štuhec (SLO), Kajsa Vickhoff Lie (NOR), and teammate Elena Curtoni (ITA) earned 1st place during the 2023 winter and are striving to claim gold this season. Corrine Suter (SUI) and Austrians—Nina Ortlieb and Mirjam Puchner are viable competitors for podium finishes this weekend. 

Nonetheless, the fact that none of the racers have competed on this track makes it anyone’s race. 

Highest ranked eight DH women from the 2022-23 season racing in Zermatt/Cervinia

There are four North Americans on the November 18th Zermatt/Cervinia DH start list

• Bib 1, Breezy Johnson, Stifel USST, Rowmark Ski Academy, Atomic, Level Gloves
• Bib 18, Isabella Wright, Stifel USST, Snowbird Sports Education Foundation, Atomic, Level Gloves
• Bib 34, Stefanie Fleckenstein, Canadian Independent, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, University of Colorado, Rossignol, LOOK, Level Gloves, SYNC
• Bib 40, Jacqueline Wiles, Stifel USST, White Pass Ski Club, Rossignol/LOOK

Breezy Johnson who will be running number 1 tomorrow is the top North American athlete skiing for the Stifel US Ski Team. After the first training day, Johnson said, “I’m obviously really excited to get the season going. My body’s feeling better than it has in a long time, so I’m pretty excited about that and ready to get going.” Last season, Johnson’s best result in a World Cup downhill was 5th place in St. Moritz, Switzerland. She is striving to find herself a spot on the leaderboard this season. 

Isabella Wright is ranked 20th in the World in downhill. She ended last season on a high note in Grandvalira Soldeu, Andorra, in 7th place, which was her top finish in 2022/23. Wright is excited to continue that momentum into this winter. Jacqueline Wiles endured an extensive knee injury in April, 2022 and had to go back into surgery for a full-repair. However, she was able to get back on snow last season for training after eight months of knee rehab. This past spring returned to May training camps with the Stifel US Ski Team and is striving to come back stronger than ever this season. Wiles said, “I’m super excited to be back on tour racing again after 20 months away from the starting gate. My body is feeling great and I’m ready to start racing again!” She continued, “The track doesn’t seem too complicated. Mostly need to nail the gates on the pitch to carry speed on the flats and the work the terrain and carry speed through to the finish.” Stefanie Felckenstien is racing as an independent athlete this year, and she is running with her success from last season to improve her world ranking this winter.

Overview of Zermatt-Cervinia World Cup

The women’s start gate will be slightly on the Switzerland side of the border, at an elevation of around 3,505 meters/11,500 feet. The racers will compete for over 1:30.00, ending in Italy at 2,840 meters/9,318 feet. When the men were here last week the excitement radiated throughout the villages. The bib-draw ceremony filled the streets with cheering, live music and enthusiastic locals. The women can were greeted with the same enthusiastic fans residing in the areas.

Matterhorn, Zermatt, Switzerland, is nestled beneath towering, rigged mountains and is a picturesque haven for winter enthusiasts. This alpine wonderland combines traditional Swiss charm with world-class skiing, offering visitors a mesmerizing blend of quaint village streets and panoramic mountain vistas. Zermatt is not just a destination; it’s an invitation to explore the sublime beauty of the Swiss Alps.

On the other side of the border lies Cervinia, Italy, a charming alpine village that beckons with its Italian flair and breathtaking views of the Matterhorn. Known for its wide, perfectly groomed pistes. The warmth of Italian hospitality mingles with the mountain air, creating an atmosphere where every twist and turn on the slopes feels like a journey through both nature and culture.

How to watch

The women’s race starts at 5:45 a.m. Eastern Time and 2:45 a.m. on the West Coast.

In the USA, the women’s World Cups in Zermatt/Cervinia will be available for viewing live and as a replay on the streaming service Ski & Snowboard Live.

In Canada, the World Cup can be viewed on CBC sports

Start list and race program for November 18th, Zermatt-Cervinia Women’s Downhill

Click on images to download the start list and program

Program for the for November 18th, Zermatt-Cervinia Women’s Downhill