Record number of participants at MoonLightFight 2023

On Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023, more than 200 participants celebrated a top-class folk ski festival in Saas-Fee.

With over 200 participants, the organizers of the MoonLightFight were delighted with a record number of registrations for the eight categories. OC President Severin Imseng says: "This fact shows that we are on the right track with our event. We would like to thank everyone who has made this possible: Helpers, sponsors and of course the athletes."

The MoonLightFight is the idea of a young organizing committee from the valley. "We want to get as many people as possible excited about ski racing," says OC President Severin Imseng, "because the MoonLightFight is a ski race for everyone." The night-time atmosphere on the well-lit slope in particular provides a great setting for exciting head-to-head duels. The full moon over the mountains of the Saas Valley adds to the atmosphere.


The parallel slalom takes place on the Jowang slope, which is marked blue during the tourist season. The finish of the short race course is right on the edge of the village of Saas-Fee. There is a clear view of the entire race course from the festival area. Additional entertainment and refreshments are provided by DJs and a bar with various food stands.

Among the highlights were the duels between the U16 category winners and the two celebrity guests Elena Stoffel and Ramon Zenhäusern. The two World Cup athletes were more than challenged in their races. Ramon Zenhäusern won by a wafer-thin margin against Yannik Dorsaz. Elena Stoffel was narrowly beaten by Alena Abgottspon. For the talented youngster from Staldenried, it was "definitely a highlight" of her career, as she says: "I was able to have a few words with Elena before the start. She asked me if I was nervous. Of course I was, but I felt good. I had nothing to lose. Then I got off to a good start and was able to complete my run. It was incredible and I couldn't believe that I had won."


Gabriel Anthamatten came out on top in the adult competition under the floodlights at Jowang. The head of the Swiss Ski School Saas-Fee left nothing to be desired in both duels with Gian-Luca Bortis. He made the most of his home advantage on the piste at the edge of the village, where ski instructors usually hone their parallel turns with their guests.

The women's winner in the U40 category was Julie Kohler. She beat Irina Baumeler in the grand final. Other winners are: Beata Minchin Stoffel (ladies U40), Roger Näfen (men U40), Jannis Imboden (boys U12) and Sophie Strub (girls U12).

The next parallel slalom on the Jowang slope in Saas-Fee will take place on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024. It is the fourth edition of the MoonLightFight. The main proceeds from the MoonLightFight go towards projects to promote children's and youth sports projects, particularly in the area of skiing.