Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, the Lauberhorn ski race stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of alpine skiing. This iconic event, held annually in mid-January, transforms the picturesque village of Wengen into a thrilling arena where the world’s best skiers battle for glory on one of the most challenging courses in the sport. Welcome at the The Lauberhorn Ski Race: A Legendary Downhill race with 70,000 spectators

A Rich Ski Racing History

The Lauberhorn race boasts a storied past that stretches back nearly a century. In 1930, local skier Ernst Gertsch had a vision to put Wengen on the ski map. With a modest budget of 500 Swiss francs, he organized the first Lauberhorn races on February 1st and 2nd of that year. What began as a small competition quickly grew into a prestigious event, attracting competitors from five nations, including women.

Over the decades, the Lauberhorn has witnessed the triumphs of skiing legends:

  • Karl Molitor, a local hero, dominated the early years with an impressive 11 victories.
  • International stars like Toni Sailer, Karl Schranz, and Franz Klammer left their mark in the post-war era.
  • More recently, Croatia’s Ivica Kostelić and Switzerland’s Beat Feuz have etched their names in Lauberhorn lore.

The world’s longest downhill ski race

The Lauberhorn downhill course holds several impressive records that cement its status as one of the most challenging and thrilling races in alpine skiing. At 4.5 kilometers, it stands as the longest downhill ski race course in the World Cup circuit. The course also boasts one of the steepest sections in competitive skiing, with the iconic “Hundschopf” featuring an incredible 42-degree (90%) incline. Speed is another hallmark of the Lauberhorn, with top speeds exceeding 160 km/h (100 mph) on the Haneggschuss straightaway. The current speed record is held by French skier Johan Clarey at a blistering 161.9 km/h. As for the overall course record, Italy’s Kristian Ghedina set an astounding time of 2:24.23 in 1997, achieving an average speed of 106.33 km/h (66.1 mph).

However long and fast it is just a mere fraction of the true world’s longest downhill ski race which is the Inferno in Mürren which takes place just a week later at the other side of the valley in Mürren.

Legendary & Supreme Status

In the world of alpine skiing, the Lauberhorn races stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the legendary Hahnenkamm in Kitzbühel, Austria, as the two most prestigious and challenging events on the World Cup calendar. Both races have rich histories dating back to the early 1930s and are considered the ultimate tests of skill, courage, and endurance for elite skiers. The Lauberhorn’s status is further elevated by its breathtaking backdrop of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains, which create an unparalleled visual spectacle. Winning at Wengen is a career-defining achievement for any skier, with victors joining an illustrious list of alpine legends. The race’s significance is underscored by the fact that many overall World Cup champions have triumphed here, including versatile skiers like Marc Girardelli, who remarkably won in all disciplines at Wengen. The Lauberhorn’s legendary status continues to grow, as evidenced by Marco Odermatt’s recent back-to-back downhill victories in 2024, which have already become part of skiing lore.

The Patrouille Suisse aerobatic flying show

Beyond the thrilling ski races, the Lauberhorn weekend offers another breathtaking attraction: the Patrouille Suisse aerial display. These six elite Swiss Air Force pilots transform the alpine sky into a canvas of precision and artistry, performing their legendary aerobatic show directly above the race course.

Flying their iconic red-and-white F-5E Tiger II jets, the team executes a mesmerizing 15-minute performance that leaves spectators awestruck. Their signature formations include the challenging “Swiss Cross” – a perfect cross formation symbolizing Switzerland’s national emblem – and heart-stopping maneuvers like synchronized rolls, tight crossover passes, and near-impossible precision flying at speeds up to 750 km/h.

The Patrouille Suisse has been a beloved tradition at the Lauberhorn since the 1960s, representing more than just a military display. Their performance is a cultural moment, symbolizing Swiss precision, skill, and national pride. As the jets roar above the snow-covered mountains, creating contrails against the pristine alpine backdrop, they add an unforgettable dimension to the ski race, turning the event into a multi-sensory celebration of Swiss excellence.

The Course: A True Test of Skill

What sets the Lauberhorn apart is its sheer magnitude. At 4.5 kilometers, it holds the distinction of being the longest World Cup downhill run. This grueling course pushes athletes to their limits, combining speed, technical prowess, and endurance.

Key features of the Lauberhorn include:

  • The breathtaking 60m Hundschopf jump, set against the backdrop of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
  • A course that demands everything from the skiers, winding through natural terrain. with many ‘strange’ narrow sections combined with speedy drops
  • The current downhill record of 2:24.23, set by Italy’s Kristian Ghedina in 1997.

A Modern Spectacle

Today, the Lauberhorn races have evolved into Switzerland’s most popular sporting event. The three-day extravaganza typically features:

  • Super-G on Friday
  • The legendary downhill on Saturday
  • Slalom on Sunday

Each January, Wengen welcomes around 70,000 spectators to the course, with an additional million viewers tuning in from across Switzerland. The event has become more than just a ski race; it’s a celebration of Swiss culture and alpine tradition.

Lauberhorn Wengen Ski Race Schedule

For an overview of all the events, parties, races and shenanigans have a look at the official program here.

Looking Ahead

As we approach the 95th International Lauberhorn Race in January 2025, the event continues to captivate ski enthusiasts worldwide. Despite the challenges posed by modern times, including adapting to pandemic-related measures, the Lauberhorn remains a cornerstone of the World Cup calendar.

The magic of the Lauberhorn lies not just in its sporting prowess but in its ability to transport us to a world where time seems to stand still. As two-time downhill winner Beat Feuz eloquently put it, “If you don’t love the Lauberhorn, it’s your loss. The atmosphere is simply unique.”

For those lucky enough to witness this alpine spectacle, whether in person or through the lens of a camera, the Lauberhorn continues to be a place where heroes are born and legends are made.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *