The slope of the Zermatt-Cervinia men's World Cup downhill races was built outside the boundaries of the ski area.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/ac
This was the conclusion of the Valais Cantonal Construction Commission (CCC), which prohibited the use of the encroached space. The race can now be held as planned.
Only safety nets ‘can exceptionally be tolerated’ in this area for the occasion, writes the CCC. This is ‘applying the principle of proportionality and considering the temporary nature of the event’.
After having had to postpone its trip a first time, the CCC was able to travel to the Teodulo glacier in Zermatt to ascertain the facts, accompanied by an engineering and surveying firm. The authority pointed out that the slope ‘initially proposed by the organisers was entirely within the ski area’. On site, however, the groomed slope was found to be too wide along the start area of the men’s race.
Criminal proceedings
After analysis, the CCC determined that the perimeter, located on Swiss territory and where excavators were used, was outside the ski area. Originally intended to provide access to the start of the women’s race (which is located on Italian territory), this area is now precluded from use, the authority added, pointing out that the work had been stopped.
At this stage, restoration of the site is not advisable, as the snow and ice should be left in its natural state. The CCC emphasises that the criminal proceedings are ongoing and refused to provide any further information.
The organisers of the race took note of the CCC’s decision and refrained from appealing, they indicated in a note. However, they point out that GPS measurements carried out by the independent surveyor of the municipality of Zermatt and the Zermatt Bergbahnen lifts gave different results from those of the CCC.
This news story has been written and carefully fact-checked by an external editorial team. At SWI swissinfo.ch we select the most relevant news for an international audience and use automatic translation tools such as DeepL to translate it into English. Providing you with automatically translated news gives us the time to write more in-depth articles. You can find them here.
If you want to know more about how we work, have a look here, and if you have feedback on this news story please write to english@swissinfo.ch.
Popular Stories
More
Climate adaptation
Why Switzerland is among the ten fastest-warming countries in the world
Has your continent reached its peak or is there still potential for economic growth?
Some regions of the world are on an upward trajectory with the promise of a steadily improving future. Where do you live? And in which direction is your region or continent developing?
Swiss citizens will also participate in flotilla against Gaza blockade
This content was published on
Swiss citizens are also taking part in the worldwide flotilla that intends to break the sea blockade in Gaza. The Waves of Freedom Association (WOFA) plans to leave with five boats loaded with baby milk powder and water filters.
Switzerland commemorates Italian partisans who died escaping fascists
This content was published on
Italian partisans tried to flee to Switzerland in October 1944. However, two died and a third was injured in a hail of bullets between their fascist pursuers and Swiss border guards in Ticino. They are now commemorated by so-called stumble stones.
Switzerland follows the EU with new sanctions against Russian oil
This content was published on
Switzerland is stepping up its sanctions against Russia in the context of the war in Ukraine. The measures are aimed at Russia's oil windfall. The European Union (EU) approved the same package of sanctions, the 18th since the start of the war, in mid-July.
Swiss government makes a case for e-ID ahead of referendum
This content was published on
The electronic-ID is secure and easy to use and its use is voluntary and free of charge: these are the arguments the government made in its campaign for a 'Yes' vote on the e-ID Act slated for September 28.
Switzerland trials muzzles and electric harps against Asian hornets
This content was published on
Scientists have fitted several beehives in Cornol in canton Jura with electric harps and muzzles to electrocute and stop Asian hornets.
Record number of fawns saved by Swiss drone volunteers
This content was published on
Thousands of fawns were saved from the blades of mowers thanks to volunteers equipped with drones with thermal imaging cameras.
This content was published on
Houses and flats became more expensive again in the first half of the year. In the second quarter of 2025 in particular, momentum increased across Switzerland due to high demand and low interest rates.
Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof receives first Locarno City of Peace Award
This content was published on
The new award was created to strengthen Locarno’s role as a symbol of dialogue and peaceful coexistence, and to mark the centenary of the 1925 Locarno Treaties – a crucial milestone in twentieth-century European diplomacy.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.