In a crowning achievement that underscores his dominance in skiing, Marco Odermatt clinched the overall World Cup title for the fourth consecutive time on March 22, 2025. This victory came after the final downhill race in Sun Valley was cancelled due to adverse weather conditions, specifically heavy snow and wind, which left Odermatt secure at the top of the standings.
The 27-year-old star from Switzerland not only secured the overall title but also excelled in the downhill, Super-G, and giant slalom disciplines, showcasing his versatile talent. With this stellar performance, Odermatt now boasts a remarkable 13 Crystal Globes, marking him as the most successful skier in a span of four seasons. The previous record was held by Lindsey Vonn, who achieved 14 Crystal Globes in the same timeframe in women's skiing.
Even with his unprecedented success, Odermatt expressed conflicted emotions about winning without competition. "It’s not the nicest way to win a globe. It’s a strange feeling," he shared. Despite this, he had already amassed an impressive 83-point lead over fellow Swiss skier Franjo von Allmen before the cancellation, making it nearly impossible for anyone to surpass him even with a poor finishing position.
Von Allmen, who finished second in the Downhill World Cup standings, also voiced his disappointment at the cancelled race but gracefully acknowledged his rival’s skill: "I would have liked to give Marco a little fire under his ass. But he drove better throughout the entire season and fully deserved it." For the 23-year-old, this season was a major success; it was only his second season in the World Cup circuit, and he celebrated notable victories in the Super-G in Wengen and back-to-back downhill races in Crans-Montana and Kvitfjell.
The highlight of von Allmen’s season came when he snagged gold medals in both the Downhill and Team Combination events at the 2025 World Championships, securing his place among the elite. "I was in flow the whole season; things just happen, you notice them, but you can’t really place them yet," von Allmen expressed incredulity at his remarkable performance. This shift in fortune reflects a broader trend in Swiss skiing, where Odermatt, von Allmen, and Alexis Monney claimed three podium spots in the downhill standings for the first time since the retirement of Beat Feuz, who previously dominated the circuit.
Monney, who came in third in the Downhill standings, celebrated alongside his compatriots. The 25-year-old from Fribourg acknowledged the superb team spirit and their collaborative efforts throughout the season. He completed a successful campaign with a victory in Bormio, a podium finish in Kitzbühel, and a medal haul from the World Championships, including bronze in the downhill and silver in the team event. He reflected, "This entire season with the team and coaches was simply incredible. I hope it continues that way."
The Swiss team's emergence in these events stands in stark contrast to the previous season when, post-Feuz’s retirement, no Swiss skiers took home victories in the World Cup downhill events. This year, Odermatt and von Allmen have not only solidified their standing but also forged a friendly rivalry reminiscent of legends Pirmin Zurbriggen and Peter Müller from the 1980s.
Though they both share camaraderie, there are key differences in their skiing careers. While Odermatt struggled for 18 races before reaching his first podium spot in downhill, von Allmen did it in only 11 starts. Each first victory in their careers came at a World Championship, but their backgrounds highlight vastly different journeys; Odermatt tallied 32 World Cup downhill races before winning, while von Allmen achieved that milestone with just 14 races under his belt.
From an earlier age, Odermatt was seen as a skiing prodigy, securing five titles at the Junior World Championships before transitioning smoothly into the World Cup circuit. His approach developed steadily: starting with giant slalom, he gradually expanded into speed events like Super-G and downhill with guidance from former champion Feuz. In contrast, von Allmen adopted an aggressive approach, easing into the speed disciplines while also displaying substantial technical proficiency in slalom early on.
Their contrasting paths to success is part of what makes the current Swiss ski landscape so captivating. Von Allmen relied heavily on support from his family and crowd funding after experiencing early familial loss and financial challenges, while Odermatt’s upbringing included a strong paternal influence—his father being an accomplished skier himself, who played a vital role in nurturing Marco's career from childhood.
The duo’s accessible demeanor has contributed to their endearment among fans, as both emphasize the joy of skiing and staying grounded. Odermatt shared, "The key to my career is joy and enthusiasm." Similarly, von Allmen demonstrated resilience, expressing his desire to work as a carpenter during the offseason to maintain some normalcy in life after achieving world renown: "It brings some normality into life," he noted after his gold medal triumph in 2025.
Although they have reached early heights in their careers, neither Odermatt nor von Allmen seem inclined to rest on their laurels. The Swiss skiers are poised to continue pushing each other, stimulating growth within their sport. With each turning season, ski racing enthusiasts will undoubtedly anticipate thrilling contests between these two exceptional athletes as they seek to etch their names further in history.
