Interview With Marco Odermatt

Having grown up in the Swiss Alps, you were introduced to ski racing at a young age. How has your relationship with the sport evolved over time?

I would say it’s both. I have loved skiing from day one, and I still love it, even without the clock component. Racing was something that came naturally when I first joined the ski club and then I wanted to get out there and win. I wasn’t always the fastest in my younger days; racing could be a bit of a challenge at times, and a source of frustration. But I’ve managed to overcome this and today racing is more about racing against and with the elements, trying to overcome the challenges that the mountain poses. It’s not like athletics, where the clock dictates a lot more.

Did you always imagine you would pursue life as a ski racer, or at what point did you realise, “I can make a career out of this”?

I always dreamed about it, but when you are young it’s hard to imagine where your passion might take you. I guess the first time I realized that I was onto something was when I managed to get into the sports school, a high school for athletes. That was a very important step in my development. That’s when a career became a possibility.

What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

Puuhh, another difficult one. It’s tough to name THE biggest. Winning the first Overall Crystal Globe was definitely a huge highlight because it is proof that you are a complete skier and can be consistent at a high level over an entire season. The Olympics rank very high because so many things have to fall into place in order to win a medal, but then something similar can be said about World Championships. Winning the Downhill World Championships itself was a highlight for sure, but also the race itself… It was as close to the perfect Downhill race I’ve ever had.

At just 26 years old, you’ve been dubbed one of the best Alpine skiers of your generation. How have you managed to maintain and improve on your success year on year?

I think any athlete always wants to get better, to be better today than you were yesterday. You set yourself goals and you know you have to work hard to achieve them – whether it’s a specific race, a record, or even the perfect run. I guess you can call it the pursuit of excellence. That’s a big driver. And then you have your competitors that help bring out the best of you. I thrive on the competition aspect and love when we can push each other.

Who or what has been the biggest support or inspiration to you during your career so far?

It all starts with my family. My parents had a major role, they taught me how to ski and showed me the beauty of skiing, without ever putting any pressure on me. I was also always a big fan of Didier Cuche, the record winner of Kitzbühel and one of the best downhill racers in history.

You’ve been in partnership with Descente since 2018, skiing in their race suits and working as an ambassador for the brand. Do you get to give much input into the design of the gear that you use?

I actually do, yes. We get together at least once a year to discuss the collection. Based on the first drafts that come from Descente I give my input and feedback, tell them my favourites, what I like, and what I don’t like. It’s great to know that my feedback is valued and makes a difference.

What’s your favourite bit of kit from Descente and why?

Tough one. I like the Swiss Pants because the zippers are exactly where they need to be; they’re functional and smart. I also really like the Hybrid Down Jacket because I can wear it both for skiing and leisure activities.

Tell us about your skis and boots setup for next winter?

Lucky to say that it’s basically the same setup as the last few years. With Stöckli’s team I have a fantastic relationship. We work together very closely in developing the best possible set-up. Salomon has been my boot and binding partner for many years, as well. I’m very excited how this combination has worked out for me.

Apart from winning medals, is there anything you hope to achieve with your success as a skier in the future?

Having idols and role models to look up to was very important for me when I was a young skier. I wanted to become like Cuche. Not just because he was a great skier but also because he’s a wonderful, likeable person. If I can inspire young boys and girls to become skiers and they see something in me that they want to become, then that would be wonderful. I just want to be a good role model for the generation that comes after me. Ideally on and off the slopes.