Marco Odermatt and Franjo Von Allmen switch name cards: GEPA pictures
Information in this article was provided by Blick (Switzerland).
From Rising Star to Target
He turned 24 in July, but Franjo von Allmen has already climbed to the top of alpine skiing’s elite. The Swiss downhill and team combined World Champion enters the 2025–26 season with new pressure — and the confidence to handle it.
Last winter, von Allmen captured three World Cup victories — a super-G win in Wengen, followed by downhills in Crans-Montana and Kvitfjell — and eight career podiums overall. He finished the season ranked second in downhill and fourth in super-G, remarkable numbers for a 23-year-old athlete still in the early stages of his career.
Now, with Olympic year anticipation growing, von Allmen knows he’s no longer the hunter. “There’s definitely more interest in me now,” he told Blick at Swiss-Ski’s media day in Dübendorf. “But I have good people around me who look after me.”
Managing Pressure and Expectation
Von Allmen admits the spotlight feels different this season, but he’s focused on what he can control. “The external expectations are certainly there,” he said. “But as an athlete, I already put enough pressure on myself to perform. I just want to live up to my own standards.”
The trained carpenter has always carried a grounded, easygoing attitude, and that balance could prove critical. Known for his calm presence and measured approach, he seems ready to prove that last season’s breakthrough was no fluke.
A Summer Worth Extending
While most athletes can’t wait for winter, von Allmen admits he would have liked the warm months to last a bit longer. “I’m the kind of guy who likes it warm,” he said with a smile. The sentiment comes after a long and productive off-season spent between South America and Zermatt.
His training block in Chile featured nearly perfect weather — almost too perfect. “Sometimes, in that beautiful weather, I was a little tempted to visit the après-ski bar,” he joked.
Even so, von Allmen used the time to sharpen his technical skills and refine his strength and control. “I was still lacking a bit in terms of control,” he said. “But we made great progress.”
Risk and Relaxation
The Swiss standout didn’t shy away from adventure during his off-season. Like Marcel Hirscher before him, he spent time on his motocross bike — though he insists he knows the limits. “It involves a certain amount of risk, but I’m okay with that in the spring,” he explained. “Now in the fall, the bike stays in the garage.”
Between motocross rides, mountain trails, and even a friendly football tournament, von Allmen found balance in both recovery and recreation. It’s clear he enjoys life as much as he enjoys racing — a rare quality among elite athletes constantly under pressure.
Ready for the Next Step
Despite his wish for a longer summer, von Allmen knows it’s time to shift focus. “From now on, it’s all about getting back into racing mode,” he said. Training in Zermatt helped him find rhythm on snow again, while high-altitude sessions in South America allowed for focused technical work.
His final preparations will take place in Copper Mountain, Colorado, where he’ll open his World Cup season with a super-G on November 27. The race marks the start of his Olympic winter — the next chapter in a career already filled with speed, power, and promise.
After a breakout year that turned him into one of Switzerland’s brightest stars, Franjo von Allmen now faces the challenge every champion must: proving he can do it again. And judging by his confidence and calm energy, he looks more than ready.
About the Author: SR Staff Report
