Ski Mountaineering: Spectacular sprint finale under clear skies

The final day of competition delivered a spectacular ending under perfect weather conditions. The sprint event, which will be part of the Olympic program in 2026, provided one last highlight. The athletes tackled a demanding sprint course, which followed an elimination format. The track, mirroring the second half of yesterday’s route, challenged the competitors with a steep ascent, a short running section, and a technical descent. In total, they had to overcome approximately 60 meters of elevation gain—a test of speed and endurance that had to be completed in just 2.5 to 3 minutes.

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The day began with a qualification round, where athletes fought for a spot in the heats. After intense elimination races, the top competitors advanced to the finals, where six athletes battled for the medals. Due to a larger number of participants in the men's category, the finalists had to complete the course four times, whereas the women's final consisted of three rounds.

In the men's competition, Nicolo Ernesto Canclini from Italy claimed the gold medal, while Andreas Mayer from Austria secured silver. The Swiss athlete Patrick Perreten delivered a strong performance, earning bronze for the host nation.

Among the women, Marianne Fatton from Switzerland dominated the race, taking home the gold. Lena Bonnel from France followed with silver, while Tatjana Paller from Germany rounded off the podium with bronze.

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Toni Niffeler, the organizer of the ski mountaineering events, reflected on the successful competition: “We are very proud that everything went so smoothly.” While minor challenges arose, they were swiftly resolved. He was particularly pleased that Switzerland managed to secure two more medals on the final day.

This evening, the final ski mountaineering medals were awarded in a celebratory ceremony. The athletes proudly received their honors, marking the end of an exciting competition. With one last evening to enjoy, they now look forward to tomorrow’s grand closing ceremony in Lucerne, which will officially conclude the event. A fitting end to an unforgettable competition filled with great moments, camaraderie, and lasting memories for both participants and spectators.