Odermatt Secures Downhill and Overall World Cup Titles in Courchevel

Courchevel, France – Marco Odermatt of Switzerland cemented his status as a dominant force in alpine skiing, clinching both the downhill and overall World Cup titles on Friday, March 13, 2026, at the Courchevel Alpine Ski World Cup races. The victory marks Odermatt’s fifth overall Crystal Globe and a third consecutive downhill crown, further solidifying his legacy in the sport. While the focus was on Odermatt’s achievement, Austria’s Vincent Kriechmayr took the win in the downhill race itself, securing his first victory of the season.

Kriechmayr Triumphs in Downhill, Odermatt Celebrates Historic Season

Kriechmayr navigated the challenging course in Courchevel with impressive skill, finishing ahead of Italy’s Giovanni Franzoni, who secured second place with a time just 0.09 seconds behind. Odermatt finished third, +0.31 seconds off the pace, but the podium finish was more than enough to mathematically secure his two globes. The race wasn’t without drama, as challenging conditions and a tricky piste led to several disruptions.

The day’s events were particularly significant for Odermatt, who now equals Marc Giradelli’s record of five overall Crystal Globes. This achievement underscores his remarkable consistency and skill across multiple disciplines within alpine skiing. For context, the Audi FIS Downhill Crystal Globe recognizes the top downhill skier of the season, while the overall Crystal Globe rewards the skier with the most cumulative points across all World Cup events.

Von Allmen’s DNF and Monney’s Injury Impact the Race

Odermatt’s path to victory was aided by a DNF (Did Not Finish) from compatriot Franjo Von Allmen, who was a key challenger for the overall title. Von Allmen suffered mid-course errors on the demanding slope, effectively ending his chances. Adding to the day’s challenges, Alexis Monney as well experienced a setback, falling and breaking a ski during his run, which caused a temporary interruption to the race. These incidents highlight the inherent risks and unpredictable nature of downhill skiing.

Kriechmayr’s Veteran Performance

For Kriechmayr, the victory represented a significant milestone, marking his first downhill win of the season. The Austrian veteran demonstrated his experience and mastery of the course, expertly handling the variable conditions. “It was very difficult, a very tough race,” Odermatt reflected after the race, as reported by FIS Ski. “I have never been as tired as at the finish today, it has been a long season.” He also noted the challenging snow conditions at the lower section of the course, stating, “I was pushing against nothing…”

Looking Ahead for Odermatt

With the downhill and overall titles secured, Odermatt can now focus on the remaining races of the season and preparations for future competitions, including the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. His consistent performance throughout the season has established him as a favorite for success at the Games. The Courchevel races served as a crucial step in his Olympic preparations, providing valuable experience and confidence.

The Swiss skier’s success extends beyond the World Cup circuit. He has already secured three medals at the 2022 Beijing Olympics and three World Championship titles, demonstrating his ability to perform at the highest level across various major competitions. His versatility and dedication to the sport have made him a role model for aspiring skiers worldwide.

A Season of Dominance

Odermatt’s achievement is particularly noteworthy given the competitive landscape of alpine skiing. He has consistently outperformed his rivals, demonstrating a rare combination of speed, technique, and mental fortitude. His ability to adapt to different course conditions and maintain composure under pressure has been instrumental to his success. The Courchevel victory is a testament to his hard operate, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

The Courchevel Alpine Ski World Cup continues with further races scheduled in the coming days. Fans can follow the action and stay updated on the latest results through the official FIS Ski website: https://www.fis-ski.com/alpine-skiing. Odermatt’s performance this season has undoubtedly raised the bar for alpine skiing, and his future endeavors will be closely watched by fans around the globe.

Next up for Odermatt and the alpine skiing world is the continuation of the World Cup circuit, with upcoming events planned across Europe. The focus will now shift to maintaining momentum and fine-tuning preparations for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.