Marco Odermatt's Kitzbühel Gondola Unveiled

Kitzbühel, Austria – Some gestures transcend victory. This summer, Marco Odermatt — four-time World Cup champion, Olympic and World champion — has been honored at the top of the Hahnenkamm with one of the greatest recognitions an alpine skier can receive: a gondola bearing his name on the legendary Hahnenkammbahn.

This tribute followed his Super-G triumph last January, solidifying his dominance on one of alpine skiing's most demanding and iconic stages. It marked Odermatt's first summer visit to Kitzbühel in over 20 years, and he was not alone: more than 200 guests attended the official ceremony, alongside dozens of onlookers who spontaneously joined in celebrating the moment with the Swiss skier.

“Kitzbühel is the big moment of the year”

The president of the Kitzbüheler Ski Club, Michael Huber, stated clearly: “Marco Odermatt is not only the best skier in the world today; he is also a charismatic person who connects with everyone. That combination is unique.” Since 2019, Odermatt has competed in Kitzbühel twelve times, achieving eight top-10 finishes, including two second-place and one third-place result in downhill.

During the event, Odermatt declined to ask anything of the organizers, instead offering words of gratitude that reflect the circuit’s respect for this place: “Kitzbühel is and will remain the biggest event of our season. This mystique is largely due to you. Thank you for providing us, year after year, with this platform.”

A role model on and off the slopes

Not only his talent was celebrated, but also his attitude. Viktoria Veider-Walser, Kitzbühel's tourism director, emphasized: “What makes you special, in addition to your successes, is your personality. People like you make skiing an extraordinary sport.”

Anton Bodner, director of the ski lifts, extended the tribute to the entire Swiss team, with names like Justin Murisier, Thomas Tumler, Stefan Rogentin, Marco Kohler, and the legendary Beat Feuz present at the event: “You are role models for the younger generation, an example of how this sport is lived with passion and humility.”

Race director Mario Mittermayer-Weinhandl summarized the team's essence: “When I see you recognize the Streif before the race and approach it with such enthusiasm, it's like a children's competition. It’s refreshing, authentic. I sincerely hope you win the downhill someday too, Marco.”

“What makes you special, beyond your successes, is your personality. People like you make skiing an extraordinary sport.”

Viktoria Veider-Walser

“Now I am part of this list of legends”

Although Odermatt still dreams of conquering the downhill victory, the excitement for this recognition was palpable: “Winning the Super-G and receiving this gondola gives me a lot of peace for the future. It’s a great honor. The myth of this race is felt even in summer. I am happy to be part of this list of legends.”

A new symbol now hangs over the slopes of the Hahnenkamm. And while history is still being written, the name of Marco Odermatt already shines brightly among the greats.