Nationale and Mont Lachaux, two iconic slopes with distinct characteristics

Two slopes mean two very different identities, but a shared objective, to deliver a demanding and spectacular stage. It is the first time since the 1998 Finals, which notably saw legend Alberto Tomba claim his 50th and final World Cup victory, that both Haut-Plateau courses are being used simultaneously. Here is a closer look.

Nationale slope

• Start: 2,514 m
• Finish: 1,545 m
• Vertical drop: 969 m
• Length: 3.8 km
• Estimated downhill time: 1:55.00
• World Championships events: men’s downhill, men’s super-G, women’s and men’s giant slalom

Key features

“If I had to describe this slope, ‘aerial’ would be the most fitting adjective, especially because of its postcard-perfect start,” says Luc Genolet, Chief of Race for the Nationale slope, referring to the surrounding panorama. With a start hut located at over 2,500 metres above sea level, the Nationale slope immediately makes an impression. The plunging view over the Rhône Valley sets the tone, this downhill will be fast, committed and leave no room for error. “It’s a very complete slope. You need to perform in every aspect, gliding, technique and in the rougher sections. If we were to compare it to another slope on the circuit, it would be Saslong in Val Gardena, although the Nationale slope remains unique in its own way.”

Key sections

The upper part, between Bella Lui and the Cry d’Er compression, features the first major challenges. Line choices are decisive here, with a gliding section that includes new terrain movements. The lower part of the wall, followed by the Hunters’ Hut and the Plat des Houlès, demands great precision to preserve speed before plunging into the forest with a major jump at the top of the Mur des Mélèzes. “It’s a downhill with rhythm, where technically you have to be very clean to avoid all the traps. From the Cry d’Er wall onwards, that’s where races can be won or lost. A downhill skier with good feeling will really enjoy this slope.”

SLope modifications

In 2025, speed specialists were able to race the Nationale slope for the first time on its original layout since the 1987 World Championships. To add even more spectacle this winter, and with the World Championships in mind next year, the slope has deliberately been made more demanding by accentuating certain terrain features. “We chose to smooth the slope less, to keep the natural terrain movements. After that, it’s up to the course setter to find the best possible line,” explains Luc Genolet. In the upper section, the terrain was reworked in the Bella Lui traverse, with the addition of waves and a jump before the first ski lift line. The Cry d’Er compression was also modified, with a line that follows the road more closely before a marked jump into the slope.

Which profiles?

Skiers who can combine long, fast turns in the upper section with technical finesse over terrain movements and in the narrower forest sections will be best equipped. “Those who stay calm at high speed and read the terrain well will have a clear advantage. Complete skiers, already strong in super-G, will be favoured.” Franjo von Allmen, Marco Odermatt and Alexis Monney, who completed a podium sweep in the downhill in 2025, will not complain.

Mont Lachaux

• Start: 2,210 m
• Finish: 1,545 m
• Vertical drop: 665 m
• Length: 2.45 km
• Estimated downhill time: 1:26.00
• World Championships events: women’s downhill, women’s super-G, women’s and men’s slalom, team event

Key features

“It’s a very impressive slope that makes no concessions,” acknowledges Pascal Philippe, Chief of Race for the Mont Lachaux slope. “It stands out for its changes in gradient, sometimes blind gates and major compressions. Female skiers are not often confronted with this type of profile during the season.” It is no coincidence that this slope, completely remodelled in 2010, is nicknamed the women’s Kitzbühel. “It’s a downhill that is won through commitment. There are not many phases of relaxation or pure gliding. You need courage from top to bottom.” Lara Gut-Behrami, Sofia Goggia and Lindsey Vonn, multiple winners on this slope in the sport’s premier discipline, would agree.

Key sections

The downhill is decided over the entire slope, but certain sectors are particularly decisive. The entry into the Marius wall, followed by the Trou du Renard, requires a precise balance between attack and control. Further down, the President’s bump launches the skiers at high speed into a section where the ideal line is crucial to maintain speed across the flat Traverse de Clavan. “It’s a slope where you can lose a lot of time very quickly. Skiers need to be clean, but also ready to attack without hesitation.” The final wall, with the Toboggan and then the aptly named Reck de Vermala, extremely steep, demands strong physical conditioning after more than a minute of intense effort. “That’s where you really have to dig deep. You still need reserves to make the difference.”

Slope modifications

Few structural changes have been made since the last women’s speed races held here in 2024. The aim was above all to preserve the slope’s identity. Only the super-G start was slightly moved, “for preparation reasons”, to provide better flow at the start. “The goal is to respect the existing lines.”

Which profiles?

On this slope, versatile and courageous skiers will be favoured. “The winner here is a complete downhill skier, courage, technique, relaxation and gliding ability. Even if it’s committed, in the end, it’s still speed.”

The slalom slope

While the giant slalom events of the World Championships will take place on the Nationale slope, the slalom races will be held on the final wall of the Mont Lachaux slope. “It’s very steep, with no recovery zones,” continues Pascal Philippe, who compares the Reck de Vermala to the Face de Bellevarde in Val d’Isère. These steep gradients impose a high rhythm from start to finish. “We will be very limited in the distances between gates due to the steepness of the slope, to avoid making it too dangerous. It promises great spectacle and very physical slalom races.”