Over the weekend of 11 and 12 January 2025, the Swiss resort of Adelboden hosted the men’s slalom and giant slalom races in the Alpine Skiing World Cup. On the legendary Chuenisbärgli piste, the world’s best skiers battled it out in technically demanding conditions, putting on a show packed with emotion. Here’s a detailed look back at the highlights and performances to remember.
Men’s slalom: Clément Noël, king of Adelboden
On Saturday 11 January, Clément Noël put in a remarkable performance to win the slalom, marking his third victory of the season and the thirteenth of his World Cup career. The win ties him with Jean-Noël Augert for the French men’s record.
With a total time of 1.53.24, Noël narrowly edged out Brazil’s Lucas Pinheiro Braathen by 0.02 hundredths and Norway’s Henrik Kristoffersen by 0.14 hundredths. This performance is all the more significant as it comes after an injury to his right ankle, an obstacle that the French skier overcame brilliantly.
Henrik Kristoffersen, always on target
Norway’s Henrik Kristoffersen confirmed his consistency by finishing third in the slalom. This performance enabled him to maintain his position as leader in the overall slalom rankings, with a 35-point lead over Clément Noël.
Steven Amiez and Victor Muffat-Jeandet, two Frenchmen on form
The day was just as positive for the other French racers. Steven Amiez took a fine 6ᵉ place, while Victor Muffat-Jeandet finished 11ᵉ, setting the fastest time in the second run. These results confirm the great momentum of the French group in the slalom.
Men’s Giant in Adelboden: Marco Odermatt confirms his supremacy
The giant slalom, originally scheduled for Saturday, has been postponed to Sunday 12 January due to the difficult weather conditions. On a technical and demanding piste, Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt once again imposed his law, claiming a fourth consecutive victory in this discipline in Adelboden. This result elevates him to the rank of legend, equalling a feat achieved by Sweden’s Ingemar Stenmark.
Marco Odermatt, a master of consistency, dominated both runs with a total time of 2.15.32. He beat Slovenia’s Zan Kranjec by 0.48 hundredths and Norway’s Lucas Braathen by 0.73 hundredths, who also climbed onto the podium after a busy weekend.
A weekend under pressure and demanding weather conditions in Adelboden
The skiers had to deal with complex weather conditions throughout the weekend. The slalom took place under overcast skies and compact snow, while the giant slalom was marked by thick fog in the first run and a highly technical piste in the second.
Next steps: bounce back and confirm
The world circuit continues, and the next round of races promises to be decisive. From 18 to 21 January, the men will be in Kitzbühel for the legendary downhill event, while the women will be in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
