CANCELED: The Zermatt-Cervinia Course Did Not Get to Debut

Nov 12, 2023

Featured Image: Zermatt-Cervinia endured heavy snowfall and gusts of wind, which led to cancellations both days. Credit: GEPA/ Mario Buehner-Weinrauch

ZERMATT,SWITZERLAND,12.NOV.23 – ALPINE SKIING – FIS World Cup, downhill, men. Image shows a worker with a snow blower. Credit: GEPA pictures/ Mario Buehner-Weinrauch

Luck was not on the men’s side Sunday morning, and unfortunate weather conditions snowed in the speed-opener in Zermatt-Cervinia. The men were unable to race either day of the downhill that would debut the anticipated Gran Becca track. This completed the long week of challenging weather conditions where heavy snowfall and strong winds caused safety concerns.

Snowfall this morning started exactly when the forecast predicted, which initiated the FIS Chief Race Director, Markus Waldner, to question whether the men should race today. Then, gusts of wind blew in, which led to the ultimate decision to cancel.

This race was also canceled last year in 2022. Both years of cancellations have left many to question if early season is a good time for this track to see a debut. At the end of October, Sölden was supposed to be the men’s GS World Cup opener, but got canceled. This will be three races in a row that the men’s field has been unable to compete in during the early season. Hopefully the men’s tech teams will be able to kick out from the start gate in Gurgl next weekend. Excitement remains for the season and the men are eager to race for the top.

A line of cars as the World Cup Teams drive out of Zermatt after the cancellation.

About the Author: Ellie Hartman

Ellie Hartman was born and raised in Breckenridge, Colorado, and was on skis soon after she was able to walk. She raced for Team Summit, out of Copper Mountain, from the age of five until she was 18. After her PG program ended, she embarked on an unexpected journey when she was recruited to join the NCAA Division II rowing team at Barry University in Miami, Florida. She took on the role of team captain and led her squad to victory in two NCAA Championships, all while successfully completing her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Business Administration. After, she took 4 years to work, travel and write. Then, Ellie went back to Miami to assistant coach the University of Miami Women's Rowing Team and get a another degree in a Master's of Professional Science for Marine Conservation. She spent time as a Communications Specialist, Research Assistant and Marine Mammal Observer for NOAA SEFSC. After her contract ended, she was excited to find her way back into the ski racing world! Ellie enjoys skiing, ocean animals, great coffee, travel, SCUBA Diving, anything outdoors, delicious beer, and happy people.

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