Ski superstar Marco Odermatt is causing a stir. © ANSA / ANDREA SOLERO

Odermatt's criticism: Then I'd rather have a ski race in Dubai.

Superstar Marco Odermatt has caused a stir in the ski world with a curious idea.

02 October 2026

It's a topic that has recently been a major topic of discussion in the skiing world: The FIS plans to hold a World Ski Championship every year – except during seasons with the Winter Olympics. The idea behind it is clear: to generate more revenue. Currently, the World Championships are only held in odd-numbered years. However, the International Ski Federation's new idea hasn't been met with much enthusiasm.

“I think it’s a load of rubbish. It completely diminishes the value of a World Championship. It might as well be a normal World Cup race,” said two-time Olympic champion Franjo von Allmen. Loic Meillard added: “I understand that it would be financially advantageous for the FIS to hold a World Championship every year. But from the athletes’ perspective, it would take away some of the value of the medal.”

Odermatt with a completely different vision for the future

Superstar Marco Odermatt echoes this sentiment, stating: "You see it in cycling or ice hockey: if a World Championship takes place every year, its value diminishes. I'm somewhat worried about that." However, the Swiss athlete demonstrates foresight and introduces a new idea. "I would advocate for holding another major event during those two weeks at the beginning of February."

Odermatt is the most successful skier of our time. © APA/afp / JOE KLAMAR

Odermatt is thinking of an event like the Ultimate Games in athletics. These took place for the first time in mid-September and were a kind of super final, in which the best of the best (world champions, Olympic champions, Diamond League winners, top-ranked athletes in the world) competed against each other. Only the most popular athletics disciplines were contested.

Races in Dubai?

Odermatt also mentions another idea with a smile. "Perhaps there will soon be a slalom in Dubai." In other words, the serial winner doesn't want an annual world championship, but rather a different event where the focus isn't on the traditional square medals – but on the spectacle itself. "Trying something new every four years would be perfect," says Odermatt.