Marco Odermatt Dominates Lauberhorn Downhill, Sets New Alpine Skiing Benchmarks

Marco Odermatt continues to solidify his status as a dominant force in alpine skiing, particularly at the renowned Lauberhorn downhill in Wengen, Switzerland. In January 2026, Odermatt secured his fourth consecutive victory at this prestigious event, further extending his lead in the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup standings and surpassing the achievements of renowned competitors such as Beat Feuz and Franz Klammer.

Odermatt's exceptional performance has redefined expectations on the challenging Wengen course, which is internationally recognized for its technical demands and historical significance. His streak of victories now places him ahead of past greats, marking a new era in Swiss skiing. Most notably, Odermatt's results come amidst a highly competitive Swiss national team and a fiercely contested World Cup season.

The Lauberhorn downhill, set against the iconic backdrop of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains, has long been a stage for legendary feats. Odermatt's consistent excellence has prompted discussions about whether course sections or features might one day bear his name, reflecting the scale of his impact on the sport.

In this season, Odermatt not only maintained his dominance in downhill but also demonstrated remarkable prowess in technical disciplines. Just a week prior to his latest Wengen triumph, he secured his fifth consecutive win in the giant slalom at Adelboden, another high-profile Swiss venue. This achievement broke longstanding records and further highlighted his versatility across alpine skiing disciplines.

His technique, particularly through the challenging Kernen-S section--a pivotal and technically demanding part of the Wengen downhill--has set him apart. While many athletes adopt conservative strategies or incur penalties at this point, Odermatt's precision and confidence enable him to maintain speed and control, often outpacing rivals who struggle to match his timing and execution.

Despite his dominance, the competitive landscape remains intense. In the Super-G event on the preceding Friday, Italian skier Giovanni Franzoni managed to outperform Odermatt in the same Kernen-S section, securing a rare victory. Odermatt responded positively, acknowledging the value of strong competition and the importance of continuous improvement. Franzoni's subsequent third-place finish in the downhill further underscored the high level of rivalry at the top of the sport.

Within the current season, Odermatt has claimed three out of four downhill victories, with only his Swiss teammate Franjo von Allmen managing to edge him out in Gröden. Such consistency underlines Odermatt's position as a leading contender and sets the stage for further milestones in the coming competitions.

Looking ahead, anticipation is building for the upcoming races in Kitzbühel, Austria, where the Hahnenkamm Streif remains one of the few major downhill titles yet to be claimed by Odermatt. Success on this course would further cement his legacy and potentially see new records established in the history of alpine skiing.

Odermatt's ongoing achievements are not only a testament to his skill and dedication but also contribute significantly to the profile of Swiss alpine skiing on the world stage. As the season progresses, his performances will be closely watched by both fans and competitors alike, with further achievements likely to enhance his status among the sport's all-time greats.