Adelboden Ski World Cup begins with tribute to Crans-Montana fire victims
The ski resort of Adelboden has paused its usual pre-race excitement to honour the victims of a deadly blaze in Crans-Montana. A minute of silence was held on Friday afternoon, marking a solemn start to the World Cup weekend. The tragedy, which struck on New Year’s Eve, has cast a shadow over the event. On Friday at 2:00 PM, skiers, organisers, and spectators gathered to observe a minute of silence. The finish area, normally bustling with activity the night before races, stayed closed for much of the evening. Even the festival grounds took on a reflective tone, with a chapel set up for quiet thought. Electric candles flickered inside, while sombre images of the fire's aftermath played on a large screen. Four-time Adelboden champion Marco Odermatt, a Swiss skier, shared his condolences for those affected by the disaster. Fellow racers Loïc Meillard and Luca Aerni, both from Valais, have also spoken about the impact of the tragedy. The pair, who train nearby, discussed the event with their team to help process their emotions. Despite the sadness, they hope their performances can bring some joy to the weekend. The fire in Crans-Montana has left a lasting mark on the ski community. Adelboden's tribute and the athletes' words show solidarity with the victims. Racing will continue, but the event now carries a deeper sense of remembrance.
