GEPA pictures/Mario Buehner-Weinrauch

The FIS scheduled eight Zermatt-Cervinia World Cup downhills in the last two seasons. However, with only two training runs—one for each gender—and seven consecutive race cancellations, tomorrow becomes the final opportunity to compete on the new Gran Becca International Border Crossing downhill course this season.

This year, snow, wind, and visibility have all caused the cancellations, which is undoubtedly regrettable for all involved. Organizers in both Switzerland and Italy have done everything humanly possible to host excellent races.

Organizers, teams, and fans hope for the inaugural race tomorrow, but the wind prediction is similar to today.

If fans are treated to a fantastic display of athleticism offered by the women’s World Cup downhillers, it will certainly be a reason to celebrate. Undoubtedly, the fact that no one has more than a single training run could contribute to unpredictable drama.

One positive outcome is that the entire skiing world now knows the area has plenty of snow to provide fantastic skiing, adding to its breathtaking vistas.

Everyone should cross their fingers and hope for the best. Maybe Sunday will bring us a fantastic display of excellence.

Fifty-four ski racers will represent 17 countries in the November 19th Zermatt-Cervinia downhill, with twelve women from Austria and nine from each Italy and Switzerland.

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

There are four North Americans on the November 19th Zermatt/Cervinia DH start list

• Bib 5, Isabella Wright, Stifel USST, Snowbird Sports Education Foundation, Atomic, Level Gloves
• Bib 20, Breezy Johnson, Stifel USST, Rowmark Ski Academy, Atomic, Level Gloves
• Bib 34, Stefanie Fleckenstein, Canadian Independent, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, University of Colorado, Rossignol, LOOK, Level Gloves, SYNC
• Bib 39, Jacqueline Wiles, Stifel USST, White Pass Ski Club, Rossignol/LOOK

Overview of Zermatt & Cervinia and the Gran Becca downhill course

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.

The towering, rugged mountains, including the Matterhorn, cradle Zermatt, Switzerland, make it 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. Its wide, perfectly groomed slopes make Cervinia well known. The warmth of Italian hospitality and the mountain air create an atmosphere where every turn on the slopes feels like a journey through 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 19th, Zermatt-Cervinia Women’s Downhill

Click on images to download the start list and program

Program for November 19th, Zermatt-Cervinia Women’s Downhill