Crash shock in Crans-Montana: Downhill race cancelled

It was a downhill race that produced some truly horrific images: The speed event in Crans-Montana saw several violent crashes, forcing multiple interruptions – until, after only six racers, it was all over. Lindsey Vonn was among those caught in the crash!

30 January 2026

From: fop/dl

The final downhill race before the Olympics on Friday provided plenty of fodder for discussion. Due to poor weather conditions in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, the start of the downhill was moved further down the slope before the race even began. Despite this, there were several crashes on the soft course. Of the first six racers, only three finished.

Starting skier Nina Ortlieb crashed after only a few gates and landed in the safety netting. She was uninjured – unlike Marte Monsen a few minutes later. The Norwegian lost not only her skis but also her helmet and goggles in her crash and slid practically unprotected to the finish line. From there, she was transported away in a snowmobile.

Marte Monsen crashed into the track barrier at full speed. © ANSA / ALESSANDRO DELLA VALLE

Then Lindsey Vonn had an unpleasant encounter with the soft snow at the Swiss World Cup venue. In the Fuchsloch section, at the same spot as Ortlieb, she was forced into a deep crouch, slipped, and landed in the safety netting. She lay there for a long time, surrounded by helpers and coaches. Only after a lengthy break did she get up and carefully ski down to the finish line, from where she was airlifted to the hospital. A major scare just days before the Olympics!

The cancellation sparks discussion

After Vonn's crash, the race was interrupted for a long time before a forerunner was sent out onto the course. Then came the decision: the downhill race was cancelled! The times of Jacqueline Wiles, who was in the lead, as well as Corinne Suter and Romane Miradoli, were nullified.

Lindsey Vonn slid towards the finish line, her face contorted in pain. © APA/afp / FABRICE COFFRINI

But the decision was promptly met with criticism. Some of the athletes still in the starting gate complained that the crashes were not due to the difficult slope conditions, but rather to individual skiing errors. What remains is a short race with many unpleasant images and just as much to talk about.

The speed weekend in Crans-Montana continues on Saturday (11 a.m.) with the women's Super-G. On Sunday (11 a.m.), the men will compete in a downhill race. From the middle of next week, the first Olympic downhill training runs are scheduled in Bormio and Cortina.