World Championships for everyone, on and off the slopes

In 100 days, Crans-Montana will become the centre of the alpine skiing world. Fourteen days of competitions, medals and celebrations are planned throughout the resort. Tens of thousands of fans will gather on the Haut-Plateau. And these festivities are for everyone, as the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships Crans-Montana 2027 are firmly committed to inclusion, with numerous measures and adaptations designed to ensure that everyone, particularly people with disabilities, can fully enjoy the event.

As part of this commitment, volunteers from the special education class in Sierre will be integrated into the event team and assigned suitable roles. Above all, two inclusion days will be organised during the women's Super-G (4 February 2027) and the women's Team Combined (9 February), giving people who might not otherwise have the opportunity the chance to enjoy a unique experience close to the action. “This reflects the values of the event, bringing people together,” explains Victor Salvadori, Legacy Coordinator for the World Championships. “We want to create emotions and memories connected to skiing and the mountains that will leave a lasting impression on these people.”

Four associations at the heart of the project

A call for projects from associations was launched at the end of 2025. Following the application process, four associations were selected to play an integral role in these inclusion days. Together, they will receive 400 tickets for the two race days, and specific activities will be organised for each association.

• Défisport organises adaptive skiing outings for people with physical disabilities. Ahead of the World Championships, eight young people will have the opportunity to ski down one of the race slopes.
• Asa-Valais organises events and outings for people with intellectual disabilities. Some members will have the opportunity to visit Crans-Montana, while others will enjoy a small fan zone at their residential facility in Vercorin, complete with gifts, live race broadcasts and a special message from Malorie Blanc, allowing them to fully experience the event.
• The Valais Association of the Deaf will be able to experience its dedicated race day thanks to live sign language interpretation of the race commentary, shown on the giant screen with the help of two interpreters.
• Étoile filante, a foundation that makes dreams come true for children with illnesses or disabilities, will also be present in Crans-Montana. Eighty children will have the opportunity to attend the competitions, including a young girl whose dream is to watch three-time Olympic champion and Crans-Montana 2027 Ambassador Franjo von Allmen compete.

Dedicated areas for people with reduced mobility

The inclusion initiatives do not stop there. A comprehensive Easy Access system has been developed to facilitate access for people with disabilities throughout the event. At the Barzettes stadium, a dedicated area with 10 wheelchair spaces offers an excellent view of the competitions, with space for accompanying persons. “People with reduced mobility will have direct access to the stadium car park,” explains Fabienne Dirksen-Reuteler, Sustainability Coordinator for Crans-Montana 2027. “In addition, trained volunteers will be available to assist them.” Tickets are available at a reduced rate but must be reserved for each race day by emailing sustainability[at]cransmontana2027.ch by 30 November 2026. You can find all the information on our dedicated page.

The Fan zone Ycoor, which will host the official ceremonies and numerous concerts throughout the two weeks, will also feature around 10 wheelchair spaces. No ticket is required to access this central hub of festivities in the heart of the resort.

A safe space against discrimination and violence

Finally, the organisers have developed a “Safe space” concept, a safe space dedicated to visitors' safety and well-being. “Its aim is to provide a direct point of contact for people who have experienced discrimination, harassment or violence, offering immediate and accessible support, as well as a quiet retreat area at Ycoor,” continues Fabienne Dirksen-Reuteler. “It also provides a calm environment for people with particular sensory sensitivities, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and older people.”

Beyond the two weeks of competition, the organisers hope these initiatives will leave a lasting legacy, extending well beyond the Haut-Plateau. “We would like the measures we are putting in place to become a standard for winter sports events, making them increasingly accessible to everyone,” emphasises Fabienne Dirksen-Reuteler.

An ambition that reminds us that the greatest victories of the World Championships do not happen only on the slopes.