The 96th Lauberhorn World Cup weekend runs Jan 16‑18, 2026 in Wengen, Switzerland, featuring a Super‑G, the legendary 4.48‑km downhill and a final slalom. Around 30,000 fans per day will watch elite skiers battle for crucial points, with live coverage on Swiss TV and the FIS streaming platform.
Schedule: Super‑G, Downhill & Slalom (Jan 16‑18, 2026)
The three‑day program delivers nonstop speed and technical action.
- Friday, 16 January – Super‑G: Starts at 11:30 CET. The course mixes downhill velocity with giant‑slalom precision.
- Saturday, 17 January – Downhill: Kicks off at 10:00 CET. The 4.48‑km run from the Lauberhorn summit remains the longest active World Cup downhill.
- Sunday, 18 January – Slalom: Begins at 09:45 CET. A classic forest slalom decides the final podium spots.
All events are broadcast live on Swiss television (SRF), the International Ski Federation’s (FIS) streaming platform, and major European sports networks.
Historical Significance of the Lauberhorn
First held in 1930, the Lauberhorn races are the oldest continuously staged alpine World Cup events. The course has survived World War II and retains its iconic “Kernen” section where skiers exceed 150 km/h. Together with Kitzbühel’s Hahnenkamm and Val d’Isère’s Face de Bellevarde, it forms the “Classic” trio that defines alpine heritage.
Key Athletes to Watch
- Aleksander Aamodt Kilde (Norway) – Defending downhill champion and speed‑discipline leader.
- Jake Vonn (USA) – Nephew of Lindsey Vonn, making his downhill debut.
- Marco Schwarz (Austria) – Aiming for a Lauberhorn slalom victory.
- Mikaela Shiffrin (USA) – Potential wildcard in the Super‑G after last season’s surprise win.
- Luca Aerni (Switzerland) – Protégé of retired star Marcel Hirscher, targeting his first World Cup win.
Impact on World Cup Standings
With only two World Cup events left before the season finale in Åre, Sweden, the Lauberhorn weekend offers a massive points swing. A downhill win can shift the overall race by up to 100 points, while a strong Super‑G performance can boost a technical specialist into speed‑discipline contention. The final slalom will decide the crystal globe for technical racers.
Economic and Cultural Benefits for the Bernese Oberland
The weekend brings a significant economic boost: hotels, chalets, and local merchants expect a surge of visitors, and ticket sales are already sold out. Culturally, the event showcases Swiss alpine traditions—folk music, fondue, raclette, and the “Märzen” cheese market—creating a festival atmosphere that blends sport with community spirit.
What to Expect from the 2026 Edition
Fans can anticipate high‑speed drama, surprise breakthroughs, and possibly the final chapters of distinguished careers. The Lauberhorn races consistently deliver memorable moments, and the 2026 edition promises to reinforce its status as the beating heart of alpine ski racing. Stay tuned for live updates, expert analysis, and the iconic thrills that define this historic venue.