The successful Swiss-Ski ski cross team has a new head coach: Stefan Abplanalp succeeds Enrico Vetsch.
Ski cross is considered a guarantee of success for Swiss-Ski, and the sport holds a correspondingly high position within the federation. Following the departure of head coach Enrico Vetsch, who wants to spend more time with his family and is therefore changing careers, Swiss-Ski is now setting the course for the new Olympic cycle. Stefan Abplanalp joins the team, which includes Fanny Smith, Ryan Regez, and Alex Fiva, as the new head coach.
"We expect Stefan Abplanalp to bring fresh impetus," says Sacha Giger, Director of Ski Freestyle, Snowboard & Telemark at Swiss-Ski. "Stefan knows how to transfer his positive energy and enthusiasm to a team. We are convinced that this team, under the leadership of Ralph Pfäffli as Head of Ski Cross, Snowboard Cross & Alpine Snowboard, and Stefan Abplanalp as head coach, will continue its many years of success."
``` Swiss-Ski has long maintained a fruitful collaboration in the sports of ski cross and alpine skiing. Talent transfer, training visits, research, development, and training – the exchange and synergies are diverse and valuable for both sides. The appointment of Stefan Abplanalp as the new head coach fits this strategy. The Bernese Oberland native looks back on a long and successful career as an alpine skiing coach. Most recently, Abplanalp was responsible for the speed skiers, including the two downhill world champions Corinne Suter and Jasmine Flury, as a group coach. Now he is taking on a new challenge. "I have maintained good contacts with the ski cross team for many years," says Stefan Abplanalp. "I am excited to contribute my knowledge and experience to this sport. I look forward to leading this strong team into the future together with my fellow coaches and the other staff members."
Enrico Vetsch's departure at the end of the Olympic cycle had been known for some time. Alongside Ralph Pfäffli, Vetsch has also played a key role in shaping the success story of the Swiss team. In the four years with Vetsch as head coach alone, there were numerous highlights to celebrate – such as the three World Championship titles in 2025 in St. Moritz won by Fanny Smith and Ryan Regez (individual and team), Smith's overall World Cup victory in the same year, and most recently, the Olympic medals won by Smith and Alex Fiva, as well as the victory in the World Cup Nations Cup. "We thank Enrico for his outstanding work and wish him all the best for the future," says Sacha Giger.