Snowboard Alpine goes under the lights in Cortina

Dec 12, 2025·Snowboard Alpine

It is time for one of the crown jewels of the Visa FIS Snowboard Alpine World Cup. The sun will go down on the Dolomites and the racers will be ready to bring the drama under the lights in Cortina d’Ampezzo.

The tour returns to European snow from China for the third PGS race of the season. It will be the only PGS night race on the calendar.

The Return of the King of Cortina

The Italian men proved they will be the dominant force on tour once again this season. The team took four of six podium spots in Mylin last weekend and will be swinging for the sweep in front of their home fans.

Roland Fischnaller is set to return in Cortina. Photo: @FIS/Miha Matavz

The King of Cortina himself Roland Fischnaller (ITA) will make his season debut after missing the opening weekend due to injury. His nickname is well-earned after making the Cortina podium ten times in a row from 2015-2023 including five victories. He will be looking for redemption after missing the podium for the first time last season.

Team Italy has placed a male athlete on every Cortina podium since 2015, including seven wins. Daniele Bagozza topped the podium last season and is ready to repeat. After some struggles on the Chinese snow in Mylin, Bagozza feels much better closer to home.

“Home snow in Cortina is always a guarantee, it is the best snow condition race of the season and I cannot wait. I will try to stay calm, believe in myself, and avoid mistakes in the flat part,”– Bagozza said.

Mirko FELICETTI looking for another win in Cortina. Photo: @FIS/Miha Matavz

Maurizio Bormolini (ITA) and Mirko Felicetti (ITA) picked up wins last week and will be hoping for victory number two near their hometowns. Aaron March (ITA) took second in Cortina last season and aims to be a part of a potential Italian podium sweep.

Alexander Payer (AUT) and Benjamin Karl (AUT) will lead the Austrian attempt to disrupt the Italian’s fun. Payer took third in Cortina last season.

Women’s Race is Wide Open

Tsubaki Miki (JPN) and Lucia Dalmasso (ITA) are tied for the overall standings lead after winning the first two races. Miki will be gunning for her first victory in Cortina as will Dalmasso.

Dalmasso will have some stiff competition, especially from some of her teammates. Jasmin Coratti (ITA) chief among them. Coratti knows the course inside out and is eager to hit the Dolomite slopes.

“I think we all love racing at home, the snow, but also the view over the Dolomites makes Cortina one of the best races of the season. For me Cortina has always been special, the night race, the atmosphere, and also my fanclub that is always there cheering for me and my brother, it means the world to me. Cortina is one of the flatter slopes that we have on our tour so I think you just need to carve and push from the first to the last gate,”– Coratti said.

Sabine Payer (AUT) will be a favorite to break up the Italian good fortune after winning in Cortina last season. She already has one podium on the year and is looking forward to a return to European snow. She has the path to victory mapped out.

“Cortina was amazing. It is always a hill to carve. You have to have a plan. I love it there because it is carving and full on so you have to make very fast turns and long ones,”– Payer said.

The Austrian knows focus is necessary in the raucous atmosphere.

“The night race makes the conditions harder but the view is amazing. So you cannot be distracted by it. The steep section and transition to the flat is very special. You need to have speed there or you get lost,”– Payer said.

Olympic medalist Gloria Klotnik could also be a dark horse contender. Her only World Cup victory came at Cortina.

Add Megan Farrell to the veteran dark horse list. The Canadian reached the podium in Cortina in 2022 and is pushing for contention once again. The picturesque setting makes the Italian Dolomites her favorite stop on the circuit.

“I love exploring new places and appreciating the unique beauty in everywhere I go, but my favorite place is definitely Cortina. The panorama view is breathtaking! As a night event, you get to watch the sunset and race under the stars, which is very special,”– Farrell said.

The stunning slope and surroundings could give Farrell that boost she needs.

“Cortina is somewhere I feel energized. The beautiful view keeps me calm and focused. No day can be a bad day when you’re looking at that view. Since the hill is flatter, I have a lot of fun carving and with it being a night event, there is always a lot of excitement from the crowd at the bottom. Plus, pizza!” – Farrell said.

It will be one of the must watch events of the season. Check out the schedule below and all the info on how to watch.