This Friday, January 2 around 11 a.m., the first hearses began their funeral parade in Sion, around thirty kilometers from Crans-Montana, to transport the bodies of the victims of the tragic fire which devastated the ski resort during the night of New Year’s Eve.
The sad toll still shows, at this time, around forty dead and more than a hundred injured. The investigation and identification of victims continues.
It’s hard to think at this moment that in a little over a year, from February 1 to 14, 2027, the Swiss resort where the New Year’s drama took place will host the Alpine Ski World Championships. Obviously no mind is turned towards this event. Especially not that of Didier Défago, the general director of these future World Cups.
Contacted this Friday, the Olympic downhill champion in Vancouver in 2010 responded to us by message. “The entire community of Crans-Montana is deeply affected by this tragedy. We would like to mark a moment of reflection with a thought for the families as well as all the staff involved.”
In a message published on Instagram, the organizing committee also expresses its pain. “It is with deep sadness that the Crans-Montana 2027 organizing committee learned of the tragedy that occurred last night in Crans-Montana. Our most sincere thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones and all those affected by this tragedy. In these particularly painful times, we wish to express our solidarity and compassion to them. »
At this time of mourning and contemplation, it is logically out of place in the station to talk about the World Championships. “At this stage,” Didier Défago answers us. “We do not wish to comment on any possible impact on our events.”
These next events will not be long. They will take place at the end of this month. Crans-Montana is due to host a World Cup stage, the last before the Milan Olympic Games (February 6-22). This stage will take place from January 30 to February 1, exactly one month after the fire. It is intended to serve as a dress rehearsal before the Worlds.
As of January 2, the appointment is not called into question. “Preparations for the next races are continuing according to schedule” confirms the Olympic champion. They will sadly have a particular flavor.
