This is what a winner looks like: Dominik Paris won in Kvitfjell. © ANSA / Geir Olsen

“We are all happy for him”: The ski world celebrates Dominik Paris

The victory spell has finally been broken: Dominik Paris returned to the highest World Cup podium on Friday after 15 months. Afterwards, not only the Ultner was happy, but it seemed like the whole skiing world.

March 07, 2025

From: det

Dominik Paris is one of the most popular figures in the World Cup. Whether it is in his authentic TV interviews, in his tactical analysis with his competitors immediately after the race or in his selfies with the fans – the Ultner is popular with everyone. Therefore, it is not surprising that that on Friday after the downhill triumph in Kvitfjell There were numerous pats on the back for the 35-year-old.

But that's not all: Paris received particularly warm words from Marco Odermatt, currently the best skier in the world. "We all wish him this success," said "Odi" in an interview with the ORF. "He hasn't had the easiest season this year, but his form has been on the rise for some time now. He was on the podium in Crans-Montana, so it's no surprise that he's winning now."

The podium in Kvitfjell, from left Marco Odermatt (2nd), Dominik Paris (1st) and Stefan Rogentin (3rd). © ANSA / Geir Olsen

Strong words from Odermatt, who finished the race in second place. Paris himself was overjoyed after his first victory since December 2 (when he triumphed in Val Gardena). "Nice, really nice," he told the Italian Winter Sports Federation. "I didn't have the best feeling today, it's not easy to interpret the slope in this wind and the salty conditions. But in the end, time is what counts," said Paris, who now has 2023 World Cup victories and is only one triumph behind the legendary Gustav Thöni.

“Now the others know: Paris can still win races.” dominik paris

The Ultner has often struggled this season. Paris just couldn't get going, especially at the start of the winter. But in the last few weeks there has been a steady upward trend, which has now culminated in victory. "I changed my setup a bit and that was the solution. There is a lot of work between my last victory in Val Gardena and this one. In Bormio I noticed that I was on the right track, in Wengen and Saalbach I came close to the podium, so in Crans-Montana and Kvitfjell it worked out," said Paris.

At the same time, the Ultner launched a challenge: "It was fundamentally important to prove to myself and the others that I can still do it, also with a view to the future. Now the others know: Paris can still win races." The Nordica pilot already has the chance of another triumph on Saturday in the second downhill race in Kvitfjell (10.30 a.m.).