Snowboarders ready to attack sweet Swiss slopes in Davos

Dec 19, 2025·Snowboard Alpine

Photo: @FIS/Miha Matavz

There is no time to rest on the Visa FIS Snowboard Alpine World Cup tour. Just a mere two days after a thrilling PGS race on the tough slopes of Carezza, the snowboarders will be at it again.

They will cross the border to Switzerland for the first PSL race of the season in Davos. Saturday will be jumping as Davos always brings a raucous crowd. The gallery at the bottom of the hill will be jam packed and festive. The event is located near the city center and easily accessible to the public.

Can anyone knock off the Italians?

The Italian men have upped their dominance of the sport this season. They swept the podium in Carezza this week and have won every men’s race thus far.

The first PSL race on the calendar will be in Davos, which brings a big opportunity for someone to break up the forza Italia.

Arvid Auner is a PSL specialist and will lead the Austrian charge on Saturday. Auner is the reigning PSL champion and won in Davos last season. He also finished second there in 2023. He will bring that experience on Saturday.

“I bring a lot of experience, and I really like the slope in Davos. With its spectacular roll-over, it’s definitely one of the most beautiful courses on the World Cup tour,”– Auner said.

Auner also knows the course inside out and has the breakdown to what it takes to win.

“In Davos, you have to fully trust your turns, approach the roll-over with the right mindset, and then take the speed with you all the way to the finish. If you manage that, you give yourself a real chance. I know how to manage the roller but it’s important to make a strong plan through the gates, especially on the downer part. I like that, so I will bring the best slalom riding in my suitcase and want to show it in Davos,”– Auner said.

Arvid Auner topped the podium in Davos last season. Photo: @FIS/Miha Matavz

This technical knowledge gives Auner an edge when the tour shifts to PSL racing. Many other riders do not train as much at PSL, especially since the Olympic competition in 2026 will be PGS.

The differences may not be massive while watching but Auner points out the nuances and why he excels on the PSL courses.

“To win in PSL, the minimum requirement is real trust in your turns. Everything happens faster than in PGS, and your turns have to be placed much more precisely around the gates. The level of difficulty is higher because there’s no time to correct mistakes. Staying calm, stable, and mentally clean under pressure is a key factor, only then can you be sharp enough to execute at that speed,”– Auner said.

The Austrian also praised the atmosphere and organization in Davos. The snow will be high quality and the energy from the fans will push the riders.

The feat to repeat will be hard-earned for Auner. His Austrian teammate Andreas Prommegger (AUT) has the skills to win.

Daniele Bagozza (ITA) won the inaugural race in Davos and will lead the Italian effort. Aaron March (ITA) and Maurizio Bormolini (ITA) are off the strong starts and will be in the mix.

Can Swiss women find glory on home snow?

The Swiss fans in Davos will be loud and proud. Julie Zogg (SUI) will hope for an extra boost.

Tsubaki Miki (JPN) celebrates in Davos last season. Photo: @FIS/Miha Matavz

Zogg suffered a DNF in Carezza but did finish second earlier this season in Mylin. She will not be the only Swiss hope.

Flurina Neva Baetschi (SUI) reached the podium in Davos with a third place finish. She will be gunning for a higher spot this season in front of her friends and family.

“I’m really excited and happy to be racing at home. It’s always a special race for me, and honestly it’s my favorite one. Having my family and friends there made a big difference. Their support really pushed me in the finals and gave me extra energy,”– Baetschi said.

Hopes will be high for the Swiss but they will face stiff competition. Tsubaki Miki (JPN) won two PSL races last season including in Davos.

Sabine Payer (AUT) will be the favorite after two PSL wins last season. She is the PGS yellow bib holder after two straight wins and three straight podiums. She will try to go into the holiday break with three wins in a row.