Kandahar, a special aura

"From 2 to 4 February, the Chamonix Valley will host the Audi FIS World Cup circuit on the Verte des Houches for two downhill races and a & slalom. But the weekend is much more than just a stop on the World Cup calendar, it's an event that will merge the past and present of alpine skiing and offer a glimpse of the future.

It was in February, exactly 100 years ago, that Chamonix hosted the first Winter Olympic Games in history - and at the same time that the International Ski Federation was founded. The FIS can think of no better place to celebrate its centenary than where it all began: the iconic slopes of Chamonix. The races will be the perfect opportunity to pay tribute to past generations of racers, while presenting three thrilling events with today's stars."

Johan Eliasch,
President of the International Ski Federation.

"The Chamonix Valley is a unique site in the history of winter sports. In addition to the centenary of the FIS and the FFS, which were founded here in the lounges of the Majestic, our region has shaped winter sports. Our elders were already aware of the potential of the first Winter Olympic Games in 1924 and were looking to the future. Guided by this pioneering spirit and an unwavering passion for sport, the valley will be celebrating the centenary of its Winter Olympics and its shared heritage.

Thanks to the commitment and passion of its organisers, inherited from this tradition of hospitality, we are proud to once again be able to host an additional Alpine Skiing World Cup event in excellent conditions.

I look forward to seeing you at the start of February on the Kandahar piste to watch the world's best skiers compete in two downhill runs and a slalom.

Happy birthday and happy Kandahar! "

Eric Fournier, 
Mayor of the Commune of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, President of the Communauté de Communes de la Vallée de Chamonix Mont-Blanc, Special Councillor for the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

" Once again this year, the commune of Les Houches is honoured to welcome the Kandahar, the jewel in the crown of the Alpine Skiing World Cup, to the famous "Verte des Houches" piste. This year has a special significance, marked by the Olympic spirit that pervades the Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley.
From the World Championships in 1937 to the present day, ski competitions have shaped our region, leaving an indelible mark. La Verte" has been the scene of major transformations, evolving with the sporting exploits but also with ongoing renovation work.

Our municipality is therefore delighted to be hosting the two downhill runs and the slalom, demonstrating our commitment to ski racing. The Kandahar transcends borders, bringing together ski enthusiasts from all over the Alps.
To celebrate this popular festival together, I invite you to experience this exceptional event at the beginning of February. "

Ghislaine Bossonney,
Mayor of Les Houches, 8th vice-president of the Communauté de Communes de la Vallée de Chamonix Mont-Blanc in charge of finance.

"It is with immense pride that the commune of Saint-Gervais welcomes to its territory the two downhill runs of the Alpine Skiing World Cup during the legendary Kandahar. On the slopes of Saint-Gervais, the best skiers in the world will challenge the Cassure with its vertiginous jump, or the Rocher Blanc passage, one of the most technical on this legendary downhill run, which is only Green in name. Saint-Gervais, like these events, is a town of excellence where top-level sport has a central place. With the hosting and organisation of major sporting events such as the Tour de France, Saint-Gervais has sport in its DNA and happily shares its passion at events such as the Kandahar."

Jean-Marc Peillex,
Mayor of Saint-Gervais, Departmental Councillor for the Mont-Blanc Canton.

"The award of a slalom and two downhill events proves that Chamonix is a major organiser and brand of the Great White Circus. 
Obviously, it makes sense this year with the historic date of a centenary shared with the Olympics (and we must remember that we are talking about winter Olympics and that this has anchored the region in the culture of snow and competition for 1 century) but also of the FIS and our federation. These 3 competitions will raise the profile of alpine skiing, not only through the events themselves, but also through everything that goes on around them, particularly the bib and prize-giving ceremonies, which will make the event a great moment of celebration in the valley."

Fabien SAGUEZ,
President of the French Ski Federation.