GOMS – WORLD CUP KICK-OFF WITH AN ENTHUSIASTIC CROWD

Goms, 23 January 2026 – From Friday to Sunday (23–25 January 2026), the international cross-country skiing elite will be competing at the Nordic Centre Goms. Over the course of these three World Cup days, around 240 athletes will compete in six races. Guaranteed snow conditions, demanding courses, state-of-the-art infrastructure and a fantastic crowd ensure unforgettable competitions. Today’s opening day was already a complete success: around 2,000 spectators enjoyed thrilling, top-level races in beautiful weather.

After a two-year break, Goms is once again appearing on the international cross-country skiing stage and is one of the host venues of this year’s Coop FIS Cross-Country World Cup. However, the snow-reliable high valley in Valais is not only a stronghold for professional cross-country skiing and biathlon, but also has plenty to offer for recreational cross-country skiers.

The team sprint kicked off the World Cup weekend in Goms on Friday. In this attractive format, the 15 best teams qualify for the final. After the qualification, the Swiss teams had justified hopes of a podium finish. “Switzerland I”, with Janik Riebli and Valerio Grond, secured victory in the qualification. In the final, they were able to ski at the front until halfway through the race. In the last laps, however, their strength began to fade. The varied course with two climbs demanded everything from the athletes. In the end, the Swiss team finished in 6th place. The Norwegian duo Harald Oestberg Amundsen and Einar Hedegart extended their lead in the final of the six laps and won convincingly ahead of “Italy I” with Elia Barp and Federico Pellegrino, and the US team of Ben Ogden and Gus Schumacher.

A similar picture emerged for the Swiss women. After finishing 13th in qualification, Nadja Kaelin and Alina Meier skied in contention for a podium place for a long time. Around 2,000 spectators, including school classes from the Münster day school, cheered loudly for the athletes. In the end, the Swiss women had to let the leaders go and also finished in 6th place.

In the women’s race, the strong German team of Laura Gimmler and Coletta Rydzek came out on top. Second place went to “Norway I” with Astrid Oeyre Slind and Julie Bjervig Drivenes. The podium was completed by the second Norwegian team with Karoline Groetting and Tiril Udnes Weng.

The organising committee was satisfied with the start to the World Cup weekend. The weather was better than expected and is also forecast to show its best side on Saturday and Sunday.

Cross-country skiing without limits

With over 100 kilometres of perfectly groomed trails, modern infrastructure and a wide range of offers for beginners, families and ambitious athletes, the region provides ideal conditions for unforgettable cross-country skiing experiences. The extensive trail network stretches from Oberwald to Niederwald and impresses with snow reliability, varied route profiles and a stunning alpine backdrop. Classic or skating, flat or challenging – everyone will find the right track in Goms.

A wide range of offers for every level

In addition to the freely accessible trail network, Goms scores with a variety of specialised offers: cross-country skiing schools and courses for beginners, returners and advanced skiers / guided tours led by experienced guides who convey technique, safety and knowledge of nature / children’s and family offers that make getting started fun and playful / barrier-free trails for people with limited mobility. Numerous rental stations, service points and modern changing and shower facilities ensure comfort and short distances.

“Gourmet Cross-Country Skiing” offer

Glide through the picturesque winter landscape from Oberwald to Niederwald and enjoy a delicious three-course menu in selected restaurants? The Gourmet Cross-Country Skiing offer makes it possible. Participants decide themselves where each course is enjoyed. The three-course menu (excluding drinks), without a trail pass, costs CHF 68; the three-course menu (excluding drinks), with a trail pass, costs CHF 84.

The special challenge

The Gommer Challenge offers the opportunity to push yourself to peak performance or to compete against other skiers. Digital time tracking via website or GPS device makes the perfect challenge possible. Four different stages on blue, green or black trails (classic and skating) are available free of charge and without limits. The start of the Gommer Challenge is located at the Nordic Centre in Ulrichen.

About Goms: Goms lies right in the heart of the Swiss Alps. The high valley, with its traditional mountain villages, is a paradise for nature lovers, sports enthusiasts and those seeking peace and quiet. With up to 300 days of sunshine per year, spending time in nature becomes a radiant pleasure. The nature is unique, and the landscape is shaped by the mountains. Goms is not only a paradise in winter – summer also offers plenty of opportunities for sport and well-earned relaxation. In the restaurants, top Goms chefs create true works of art on the plate. Hospitality has always been a top priority in Goms. The king of hoteliers and hotelier of kings, César Ritz, was born and raised here.

All information about the event as well as the competition and supporting programme can be found here:

www.weltcup-goms.ch

Image material from the first race day – World Cup:
https://www.swisstransfer.com/d/58c2ba7a-dbdf-41b7-a789-b113128da125

World Cup contact: medien@weltcup-goms.ch

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