EXPERIENCE THE SKI WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS WITH STÖCKLI

The Alpine World Ski Championships – always a highlight for racers and a cause for celebration for every ski fan. Held from February 6 to 19, this is the 48th time they’re taking place. This time it’s the turn of Courchevel and Méribel.

The anticipation is huge here at Stöckli. How about you? If so, keep checking in here. This is where you’ll find out a) what the Stöckli team are up to as it moves about, and b) how our athletes are doing.

THE SON OF A STÖCKLI EMPLOYEE AT THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

What a wonderful story. Louis Monney, manager of the Stöckli store in St-Légier for over 20 years and a former trainer with Swiss-Ski, the Swiss ski association, is experiencing the world championships from a slightly different perspective this year: maybe a little more intensively! His son, Alexis Monney, is competing in the downhill in Courchevel. After becoming Junior World Champion two years ago and excellent performances this season (including coming 10th in Wengen and 11th in Kitzbühel), Alexis is now competing on the big stage. And Louis? He is, of course, extremely proud! We wanted to know how he was doing before Alexis’s World Cup debut.

What does it feel like to be a dad on the eve of his son’s first World Cup race?
I’m just very happy. And proud. Participation in the World Championships is the reward for what he’s achieved this season. He absolutely deserves it.

Are you nervous?
I’m always a bit tense at each of Alexis’s races. It’s always been like that, and I guess it’s just part of it. Alexis skis very solidly and knows his strengths and his limits. Knowing that helps me keep on top of my nerves.

And how did you feel during Alexis’s race in Wengen – when you think about his jump at the Hundschopf, for example?
We were all there that day. Family, fan club, everyone. It was a wonderful day and just nice to be able to share those moments with Alexis. To be honest, I only saw the jump at the Hundschopf in slow motion because I followed his race on the live FIS ticker. Maybe it was better that way (laughs). No, I just wanted to follow the intermediate times right from the start.

So you’re never fearful when Alexis is racing?
No, fear’s the wrong word. Of course, it’s a dangerous sport. But I know all the slopes very well and I know that Alexis can handle them.

What makes Alexis so special?
He’s calm and thoughtful. He always thinks before he acts; that’s very important to me. He also knows exactly what he wants. And he’ll do everything to achieve it.

Will you be attending the World Cup?
Of course, when Alexis starts the downhill, we’ll all be there together for him in Courchevel. The store will just have to get along without me for a while (laughs).