For more than 60 years, the ski races in Adelboden have been popular. The World Cup event, which is also known as Chuenisbärgli, after the mountain where it takes place, has a set sequence of events which has become a tradition. After the fans’ arrival by train via Bern or Brig to Frutigen, a special bus service brings them to the location which transforms for a short period of time into the stronghold of ski racing. The drawing of the start numbers is a spectacular event in itself when the competitors sail on a zip wire across the spectators’ heads. On the Saturday, there is a carnival atmosphere in the finish area when the professionals compete in the giant slalom race. In the evening, the skiers head to the traditional party at the Märitplatz where they are being celebrated by the fans who always create an amazing and unique atmosphere throughout the World Cup.

With the starting line at an altitude of 1,730 metres and a maximum gradient of up to 60 percent, the giant slalom is not for the faint-hearted. From the Kanonenrohr (the steep starting hill) via the Wintertal and down to the Giisbruni (the last slope before the finish line), the giant slalom course demands a flawless performance of the competitors. In the end, the five best skiers are celebrated by the fans and enjoy the iconic drawing of the start numbers for the next day’s slalom. The organisers pull out all the stops to ensure the event is a success: in 1974, 120,000 litres of water were brought to Adelboden, in 1998, 450 trucks full of snow saved the event. Since 1999 a snow-making machine has been installed to create snow depots in time, if the temperatures aren’t right, and to ensure that the slope, if necessary, can be covered with snow from top to buttom.

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