Kvitfjell, Norway – The highly anticipated World Cup Finals commenced today in Kvitfjell, setting the stage for the dramatic conclusion of the 2025-26 alpine skiing season. The men’s downhill, a discipline steeped in speed and precision, opened the week-long event, delivering an exhilarating contest marked by veteran triumph and the coronation of a season-long champion. Amidst fierce competition on the renowned Norwegian track, Italy’s Dominik Paris delivered a masterclass performance, capturing a resounding victory, while Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt, despite not reaching the podium, officially clinched his overall downhill Crystal Globe, cementing his status as the discipline’s undeniable king for the 2025-26 season.
Paris’s Masterful Performance on a Familiar Canvas
Dominik Paris, a seasoned downhill specialist and a true connoisseur of the Kvitfjell course, showcased precisely why this venue has long been considered his personal dominion. The 36-year-old Italian launched out of the gate with an aggressive yet controlled attack, immediately signaling his intent by clocking the fastest opening split. His run was a testament to his deep understanding of the Kvitfjell terrain, seamlessly blending raw power with an exquisite touch on the snow, a crucial advantage as warmer conditions began to soften the lower sections of the course.
Paris maintained an unrelenting pace through the challenging middle section, demonstrating remarkable composure and aerodynamic efficiency. However, it was in the final sector where he truly distinguished himself. Navigating the increasingly soft and technical bottom turns with surgical precision, Paris posted an unrivaled final split, widening his lead and ultimately securing the win with a time of 1:45.37. This victory marks his fifth downhill win at Kvitfjell, tying him for the most career victories at the venue and further cementing his legendary status on this particular track. With a history of multiple podiums and consistent top-ten finishes here, Paris once again capitalized on a hill that perfectly suits his powerful style, adding another significant achievement to his illustrious career and finishing his downhill season on the highest note.
Odermatt’s Unassailable Dominance and the Crystal Globe
While Paris celebrated his victory, the day also belonged to Marco Odermatt. The Swiss sensation, born in 1997, had already mathematically secured the 2025-26 downhill Crystal Globe prior to the Kvitfjell finals, a testament to his unparalleled consistency and dominant performances throughout the season. Even with the title assured, the intensity of a World Cup Finals race remained palpable, and Odermatt, ever the competitor, pushed hard, ultimately finishing outside the podium positions.
However, any fleeting disappointment from missing the race podium quickly dissipated as the larger achievement took center stage. With a total of 706 points, a staggering 191 points ahead of his closest competitor, Franjo von Allmen, Odermatt’s season-long superiority in downhill was undeniable. Standing on the stage to receive his coveted Crystal Globe, the symbol of discipline supremacy, Odermatt reflected on his campaign. "I’m not disappointed, for sure not," he stated with a characteristic calm. "Of course, I wanted to be a little bit faster today. To finish the season on the podium would be nice. But after some minutes, when you get another globe, that disappointment is gone, and I’m super happy about my season."
He further elaborated on the hallmark of his season, emphasizing the consistency that defined his winter and declaring it his strongest downhill campaign to date. "This year was my most consistent downhill season. I performed in every race. Today was nearly the worst result, but otherwise, I was always fighting for the podium. Super consistent, some very nice victories." Odermatt’s ability to consistently deliver top-tier results across diverse courses and conditions is a testament to his technical prowess, mental fortitude, and strategic race management, making him a formidable force in the world of alpine skiing.
The Podium Completes: Von Allmen and Kriechmayr Shine
Rounding out the Kvitfjell podium were two other formidable speed merchants: Switzerland’s Franjo von Allmen in second place and Austria’s Vincent Kriechmayr in third.
Franjo von Allmen, born in 2001, demonstrated remarkable adaptability and raw talent to secure his second-place finish. Despite softer snow conditions that typically present a challenge to his style, von Allmen proved he could excel. He navigated the course with aggressive intent, at times appearing to wrestle with the snow, particularly in the bottom section where he was visibly fighting for balance, arms flailing as he desperately sought to maintain speed. Yet, his strong positioning and innate feel for the turning ski allowed him to recover lost time from the upper sections and hold it together for an impressive result. Von Allmen expressed his affinity for the Kvitfjell track and the relaxed atmosphere of the finals. "I really like the slope. It’s smooth and fits well with the mountain. It’s not the most difficult, but it’s really fun to ski and a fast track." He added, "It’s a calm place for us athletes. The people around the race are very friendly, and for us, having the finals here is a great way to finish the season." Reflecting on his overall season, he concluded, "It was an amazing winter with ups and downs, but overall, I’m really happy. And today with second place, I’m really happy with that."
Vincent Kriechmayr, the 1991-born Austrian veteran, secured the third spot on the podium, continuing a strong late-season surge for the Austrian speed team. Following a recent victory in Courchevel, Kriechmayr once again delivered a high-caliber performance. He attacked from the top, taking impressive flight off the course’s major jump and maintaining a smooth, aerodynamic tuck through the middle section. Like many others, he encountered challenges with the softening snow towards the bottom, losing some crucial tenths. Nevertheless, Kriechmayr’s experience shone through as he skillfully carried speed to the finish, crossing the line with a green light that confirmed his third-place standing. Acknowledging the exceptional level of skiing on the day, Kriechmayr remarked, "Pretty good, but I mean maybe I would find two or three tenths. But Dominik Paris is six tenths ahead and Franjo, just incredible skiing. I think third place was maximum for me today." He also highlighted the unique allure of Kvitfjell, a venue cherished by many athletes. "It’s just the atmosphere. We stay up on the hill, ski, train, and it’s relaxed. And for sure the slope, it’s one of our classics now. It’s always fantastic to be here."
Top Five – World Cup Downhill Standings (after today):
1st 🇨🇭 Marco Odermatt (SUI, 1997) – 706 pts (Crystal Globe Winner)
2nd 🇨🇭 Franjo von Allmen (SUI, 2001) – 515 pts
3rd 🇮🇹 Dominik Paris (ITA, 1989) – 441 points
4th 🇦🇹 Vincent Kriechmayr (AUT, 1991) – 382 pts
5th 🇮🇹 Giovanni Franzoni (ITA, 2001) – 378 pts
Top 5 – World Cup Downhill Kvitfjell Race Results:
1st 🇮🇹 Dominik Paris (ITA) – 1:45.37
2nd 🇨🇭 Franjo von Allmen (SUI) – +0.19
3rd 🇦🇹 Vincent Kriechmayr (AUT) – +0.60
4th 🇨🇭 Alexis Monney (SUI) – +0.66
5th 🇸🇮 Miha Hrobat (SLO) – +0.86
Key Takeaways and Team Performances
The Kvitfjell downhill provided several insights into the current landscape of men’s speed skiing. Miha Hrobat of Slovenia, wearing bib number 1, delivered one of the day’s most notable early performances. Skiing with immense confidence, Hrobat set an impressive early pace and held the leader’s chair for a significant duration, showcasing his developing form. Following a personal best 7th place in Courchevel, his composed run and strong flight off the jumps, particularly the bottom kicker, underscored his growing momentum in his 134th World Cup start.
The Swiss men’s team once again underscored their remarkable depth, qualifying an impressive seven skiers into the exclusive 24-man finals and placing four within the top seven. This strong showing, featuring von Allmen in second and Alexis Monney in fourth, is a clear reflection of the strength and breadth of their speed program, demonstrating that multiple Swiss athletes are capable of contending for top results on any given day. Their consistent collective performance makes them one of the most formidable teams on the World Cup circuit.
The Italian team also made a strong statement, with six athletes earning a spot in the top 24. Led by the veteran Dominik Paris, the Italians are successfully blending invaluable experience with emerging talent. Younger athletes, such as the promising Giovanni Franzoni (born 2001), who stands 5th in the overall downhill standings, are beginning to consistently demonstrate real speed, signaling a bright future for Italian speed alongside their established leaders.
North American Challenge in Kvitfjell
For the North American contingent, the Kvitfjell downhill presented a tough conclusion to their season in the discipline.
Ryan Cochran-Siegle, the sole American in the downhill finals, finished 16th on the day. While he has enjoyed a solid season overall, securing two podium finishes in eight downhill starts, he struggled to find the necessary speed on the Kvitfjell track. Observers noted that he appeared harsh on his edges in the upper section and seemed to be holding back through some of the wider, sweeping turns, which cost him valuable time early in his run. A renowned technician, Cochran-Siegle still exhibited flashes of his characteristic quality skiing, but it wasn’t enough to generate the green light at the finish. The wait for an American downhill win on the World Cup circuit continues, with Bode Miller’s triumph in 2008 remaining the last for the U.S. men. Reflecting on his performance, Cochran-Siegle acknowledged the challenge of adapting to the day’s conditions: "There’s definitely something to be found with how to ski better in these conditions. It’s fun to ski, but I need to find more commitment and more solidity through the turns." Looking ahead to the Super G, he remained focused on execution: "Just trying to ski well and connect the turns. I’ve felt that in Super G, but tomorrow is another battle, so I’ve got to find the right skiing." He also commented on the evolving track conditions: "Up top it’s holding up pretty well, but as you get lower it starts to get looser. Still, there’s enough firmness underfoot to push against."
Canada’s Cam Alexander, the only Canadian racer in the field, finished 12th, earning points but falling short of the top result he might have hoped for, especially given his past success at Kvitfjell, where he famously won in 2022. Alexander never quite found his signature rhythm on the track. He appeared to struggle with maintaining an aerodynamic tuck and seemed to ride too low in the big sweeping turns, a factor that drained his speed through crucial sections of the course. This ultimately prevented him from carrying the necessary momentum all the way to the finish, leaving valuable time on a track where he has historically excelled.
An Emotional Farewell: Nils Hintermann Retires
The Kvitfjell finals also bore witness to an incredibly emotional moment as Nils Hintermann took his final World Cup downhill run, signaling the end of his distinguished career. The Swiss skier, a two-time winner on this very track, was greeted at the finish area by a throng of teammates and competitors, all eager to celebrate his career and congratulate him. Champagne flowed freely as the Swiss team enveloped him, acknowledging not just his athletic achievements but also his profound impact on the sport and his peers.
Hintermann’s connection to Kvitfjell runs deep; he secured a victory here in 2024 and famously shared a joint victory with Cam Alexander in 2022. His career journey has been one of both remarkable triumphs and profound adversity. In 2022, he was diagnosed with lymphoid cancer after discovering a lump in his neck. His courageous battle saw him make a remarkable return in 2025, cancer-free, and continue to compete at the highest level. However, after deep reflection earlier this season in Courchevel, he made the difficult decision to step away from professional racing, feeling that the delicate balance of risk and reward had fundamentally shifted.
At the bottom of the course, surrounded by his family, friends, and teammates who had traveled from Switzerland to witness this poignant moment, Hintermann blew an emotional kiss to the cheering crowd, visibly taking in every last second of his competitive career. A universally respected figure on the tour, he departs the sport with the admiration of his peers and will undoubtedly be missed on the World Cup circuit.
Reflecting on his career and the significance of ending it in Kvitfjell, Hintermann shared, "It was a perfect finish for my career. Not always the easiest journey, but I always came back. Today was a completely different mindset, but it was fun, and I’m really happy I was able to do it." When asked about the most memorable moment of his career, one stood out above the rest: "My most emotional result was Kitzbühel, finishing third there. Standing on that podium in front of so many people, that feeling is something I will never forget." Ending his career at the same venue where he made his World Cup training debut added another layer of personal meaning: "I did my first World Cup training run here, so to finish here is really special. It wasn’t always an easy track for me at the beginning, but it became one I really loved. It’s fast, flowing, and you can push all the way down."
The men’s downhill at Kvitfjell provided a fitting opening to the World Cup Finals, blending the exhilaration of high-speed racing with the emotional resonance of a champion’s coronation and a beloved athlete’s farewell. As the week progresses, the alpine community looks forward to more thrilling contests and defining moments on the slopes of Kvitfjell.
