SKI CHALLENGE WORLD CUP 26 IN ZERMATT

he World Cup arrives at the race that never was — Zermatt, home to what should have been the most spectacular downhill in alpine skiing history.

In 2022 and 2023, the FIS planned to launch the “Matterhorn Cervino Speed Opening” on the legendary Gran Becca course — the first-ever cross-border World Cup downhill, starting in Switzerland and finishing in Italy. The course, designed by 2010 Olympic downhill champion Didier Défago, would have been the highest start in World Cup history at 3,700 meters on the Klein Matterhorn glacier, dropping 935 meters over 4 kilometers with speeds reaching 135 km/h.

But nature had other plans. All eight scheduled races were cancelled — first due to lack of snow and warm temperatures in 2022, then ironically due to heavy snowfall and 130 km/h winds in 2023. The dream of racing past the iconic Matterhorn remains unfulfilled in real life.

In Ski Challenge, that dream becomes reality. The Gran Becca awaits.

This weekend we go all-in with two World Cup Race Events:

• One-Try Race – every decision counts, every mistake matters.
• Unlimited Event – chase your perfect line and push until you hit your best time.

This is a true speed track. Glacier conditions. Long gliding sections. Massive jumps. Fast skis are essential — if you’re not built for speed, the Matterhorn will humble you.

Whether you’re hunting the overall World Cup title, chasing a podium, or simply want to experience the race that real-world skiers never could — Zermatt is calling.

Training begins on Wednesday and lasts until Friday.

The race takes place on Saturday and Sunday.

RESULTS

The dream becomes reality — and delivers a split decision!

On the course that real-world skiers never got to race, Pepikum20 and Hermaaaaan each claim a victory. The Slovenian conquers One Try with the only sub-2:00 run of the race, while the Austrian strikes back in TimeAttack to maintain his unlimited format dominance.

Race (One Try)

1. 🥇 Pepikum20 — 01:59:913
2. 🥈 Hermaaaaan — 02:00:055
3. 🥉 mauronator — 02:00:158

Pepikum20 delivers the only sub-2:00 One Try run on the Gran Becca. mauronator earns Switzerland a home podium in the shadow of the Matterhorn.

1,528 racers competed

Time Attack (Unlimited Tries)

1. 🥇 Hermaaaaan — 01:59:397
2. 🥈 Pepikum20 — 01:59:570
3. 🥉 Wammerl — 01:59:710

1,542 racers competed

VIDEOS

LEADERBOARS

Race (One Try)