French skier Nils Alphand was seriously injured during training for the World Cup downhill event at Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on February 21, 2025. The 28-year-old athlete fell approximately 50 seconds after starting his run, prompting immediate medical assistance from the event's emergency staff.
The incident occurred during Alphand's second training run for the event, marking the return of Crans-Montana to the World Cup calendar after 13 years. The son of Luc Alphand, who is renowned for winning the downhill World Cup three times, Nils was seemingly performing well, having clocked the 17th-best time during the first training session the day before.
Emergency teams quickly arrived on the scene, where they placed Alphand in a neck brace before transferring him to the helicopter for evacuation to Sion, the nearest hospital. According to the French Ski Federation, preliminary scans revealed no significant injuries, yet he remained under observation for precautionary measures. "Having lost consciousness, he underwent a body scan, which turned out to be normal. Nils will nevertheless be kept under observation," stated officials.
The crash adds to the concerning trend of injuries among the French ski team this season. It follows serious setbacks for other team members, including Cyprien Sarrazin, who suffered a severe head injury last December, and both Alexis Pinturault and Blaise Giezendanner, who faced season-ending injuries earlier this January.
The psychological impact on the team has been palpable, especially as they prepare for the much-anticipated competitions. Prior to the crash, Alphand had been regarded as the leading member of the French squad, demonstrating significant potential during his recent performances. He had participated recently at the World Championships held at Saalbach, Austria, where he faced challenges but continued to push himself. He did not finish his Super-G event but managed to place 24th in the downhill and contributed to the team event with a 14th place finish.
Alphand's promising career is viewed with optimism, particularly after achieving remarkable feats earlier, such as becoming the junior world champion for Super-G in 2017. Despite the challenges faced due to various injuries, there remains hope for his recovery and potential return to skiing.
The event at Crans-Montana is particularly significant as it resumes after over a decade. This series of accidents has drawn widespread attention, highlighting the inherent risks athletes face as they compete on challenging terrains during high-speed descents.
The family legacy continues, with Nils carrying the weight of his father's legacy alongside his own aspirations. Luc Alphand once dominated the sport, which adds both pressure and inspiration for Nils as he endeavors to forge his path through the competitive skiing circuit.
While the immediate future remains uncertain for Alphand, the French Ski Federation is committed to providing updates on his condition and potential recovery timeline. The broader skiing community is rallying support, hoping to see him back on the slopes, competing at the level expected. His resilience and performance ability are awaited as fans and fellow competitors watch closely.
The crash has sparked discussions on safety protocols and the heightened risks faced by competitors, particularly during training sessions. Given the increasing trend of accidents this season, there is urgency among officials and teams to reassess safety measures and prepare for the unexpected consequences of high-speed skiing.
Regardless of the challenges, athletes like Alphand remain determined, representing not just personal ambitions but the spirit of competition itself. The focus now shifts to healing and recovery, hoping for positive news as updates from the hospital are anticipated.