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Crans-Montana Opens Subdued World Cup Weekend After Deadly Bar Fire

A contentious Swiss investigation shapes a muted final tune-up before the Milan–Cortina Olympics.

A general view of the "Le Constellation" bar, after a deadly fire and explosion during a New Year's Eve party in the upscale ski resort of Crans-Montana in southwestern Switzerland, January 6, 2026. REUTERS/Umit Bektas/File Photo
Members of Italy's alpine ski team, which will take part in the World Cup races in Crans-Montana, laid flowers in front of Le Constellation bar
Swiss army soldiers clean banners in tribute to the victims of the deadly New Year's Eve fire in Crans-Montana
The Swiss resort of Crans-Montana will host the final World Cup races before the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics start on February 6

Overview

  • The event runs with a restrained setup that removes advertising, cancels side activities and features mourning messages and moments of silence.
  • Racing is scheduled for a women's downhill on Friday, a women's super-G on Saturday and a men's downhill on Sunday, the final World Cup contests before the Games.
  • Italian athletes laid flowers at the Le Constellation bar, will race wearing black armbands and honor six Italian victims and 13 injured compatriots.
  • Bar owner Jacques Moretti is suspected of negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm and causing a fire by negligence, and he was released on bail with travel restrictions and daily police check-ins.
  • Italy expressed deep outrage at the release, recalled its ambassador and is seeking joint management of the investigation as teams compete under challenging weather that already canceled Thursday training.