Avalanche damages Kandersteg ski jump; FIS Cup weekend at risk with no plan B

The Lotschberg-Schanze in Kandersteg, Switzerland, has been damaged by an avalanche just days before it was due to host a FIS Cup ski jumping weekend on December 6–7.

According to Poland’s coach Maciej Maciusiak, rocks came down onto the hill and damaged the structure, including the take-off. Polish athletes were slated to compete there as staff planned roster decisions between the World Cup in Wisła and the lower-tier FIS Cup in Switzerland.

TVP Sport reported visible damage to key sections of the hill. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) is in contact with local organizers but, for now, there is no contingency venue.

FIS Cup coordinator Hubert Mathis told TVP Sport that there is currently no plan B and that, if the event cannot be staged in Kandersteg, the date may simply be left vacant. FIS is expected to issue an official update and statement on Monday. If repairs are not completed in time, the Kandersteg competitions could be canceled.