GOMS – CROSS-COUNTRY WORLD CUP AT OLYMPIC LEVEL

Goms, 25 January 2026 – From Friday to Sunday (23–25 January 2026), the international cross-country skiing elite gathered at the Nordic Centre Goms. Over the course of these three World Cup days, around 240 female and male athletes from 28 nations competed in six races. Snow reliability, challenging courses, state-of-the-art infrastructure and a fantastic crowd promised unforgettable competitions. Overnight snowfall posed major challenges for the tireless volunteers, but their efforts were more than rewarded with brilliant sunshine and the two 20 km races. The athletes delivered competitions at Olympic level, thrilling more than 4,000 enthusiastic spectators. In total, close to 10,000 fans from around the world attended the cross-country skiing weekend.

After a two-year break, Goms once again presented itself on the international cross-country skiing stage as one of the venues of this year’s Coop FIS Cross-Country World Cup. The snow-sure high valley of Valais is not only a stronghold of professional cross-country skiing and biathlon, but also offers plenty for recreational cross-country skiers.

The World Cup weekend concluded on Sunday with the 20 km mass start in classic technique. Before the start, the favourites’ roles seemed clear only in the men’s race. The strong Norwegian team once again demonstrated its dominance in Goms, claiming the first seven places. A trio consisting of Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, Emil Iversen and Harald Østberg Amundsen quickly broke away from the field. At halfway, they held a 13-second lead over the chasing pack, extending it to 38 seconds by the final of four laps. It was not a question of if, but when Klæbo would launch his attack. The outstanding Norwegian pulled away by 16 seconds before the final climb and once again claimed a commanding victory ahead of Iversen and Amundsen.

Beda Klee produced a standout performance. Carried by the Swiss crowd, he finished in an impressive 10th place. Nicola Wigger was also delighted with his 21st-place finish, while Cyrill Fähndrich crossed the line in 25th position. Valais native Candide Pralong finished 31st.

In the women’s race, a preliminary decision emerged halfway through the competition. A leading group of six, including overall World Cup leader Jessie Diggins, pulled away from the rest of the field, setting the stage for an exciting finish. At the line, Diggins was beaten by just 0.9 seconds by Johanna Matintalo. For the Finnish skier, it marked her first-ever World Cup victory after a long wait. Astrid Øyre Slind finished third, having already stepped onto the podium in Friday’s team event. Nadine Fähndrich once again delivered a strong performance: following her third place on Saturday, she finished ninth over 20 km, 1 minute and 16 seconds behind the winner. Anja Weber in 19th place and Marina Kälin in 21st rounded off a solid Swiss team result.

With the mass start, a highly successful weekend came to an end. On Sunday alone, close to 4,000 spectators once again made their way to the Nordic Centre, bringing the total attendance to nearly 10,000 fans over the weekend. A lively atmosphere, favourable weather and satisfied athletes and teams allowed the organisers to draw an initial positive conclusion.

GOMS – AFTER THE CROSS-COUNTRY WORLD CUP, THE NEXT RACES AWAIT

International Gommerlauf

The International Gommerlauf, a traditional popular cross-country skiing event, is firmly established in the event calendar and will take place for the 54th time on 21 and 22 February 2026. In addition to the “Gommer Klassiker,” the “Gommerlauf Freestyle” and the “Gommer Try-Out Race” are scheduled on Saturday. On Sunday, the International Gommerlauf Marathon and the Mini Gommerlauf will take place. The 42-kilometre International Gommer Ski Marathon is one of the most ambitious and attractive mass-participation races in the Alpine region.

A moving grandstand offers a unique way to follow the International Gommer Ski Marathon on Sunday. A special train operated by the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway allows passengers to stay close to the action and watch the skiers along the course from the train.

Spectators will also have the opportunity this year to watch the marathon live on Kanal9 or Swiss Sport TV. However, it is well worth attending in person, as a varied supporting programme will once again be on offer. In addition to live music on Saturday, Air Zermatt will be present throughout the entire event weekend with a helicopter that visitors can admire up close. The Gommer Village invites guests to relax and enjoy a wide range of offerings. Catering at the start and finish area ensures excellent food and refreshments. Younger guests are also well catered for, with children’s entertainment on Saturday and face painting in the Goms Tourism tent on Sunday. The supporting programme promises great entertainment for the whole family and makes the Gommerlauf an unforgettable cross-country skiing experience.

More information:
https://www.goms.ch/gommerlauf

Special Olympics (Cross-Country Skiing)

The Special Olympics cross-country skiing competitions for athletes with disabilities take place one week after the International Gommerlauf. On Sunday, 1 March 2026, athletes from across Switzerland will compete at the Nordic Centre Goms over distances of 500 metres, 1 km, 3 km and 6 km. Qualification races in the morning will determine the group allocations for the finals.

More information:
https://www.goms.ch/gommerlauf/special-olympics

Alpen Cup Biathlon Final

To conclude the winter season, the biathlon elite of the Alpine region will return to Goms. From 11 to 15 March 2026, the Nordic Centre Goms will host the Alpen Cup Final – a sporting highlight with international flair and competitions at the highest level.

Spectators can look forward to thrilling races, strong athletes and a unique atmosphere in the snow-covered Goms mountain landscape. Perfectly prepared trails, modern facilities and a sports-loving region provide ideal conditions for participants and fans alike.

More information:
https://www.goms.ch/event/alpencup-final

Images from the third World Cup race day:
https://www.swisstransfer.com/d/5a478c59-23ed-45ae-8ac7-2346d33f996b

World Cup contact: medien@weltcup-goms.ch
Destination contact: maria-sol.burgener@goms.ch