The Eiger-sponsored anniversary ski race – a tradition for the Grindelwald Ski Club comes to an end
For half a century now, the Gepsi Slalom has been an integral part of the Grindelwald Ski Club – a race that is far more than just a sporting competition.
Over the years, the Heller family has supported the event as sponsors, providing additional enjoyment with the traditional Gepsi.
It is a living tradition. There is hardly a club member, young or old, who has not taken part at least once. Some even remember the year 1976, when it all began.
Over the years, much has remained the same – and that is precisely what gives this race its special magic. Whether then or now: The prize-giving ceremony always took place in the Gepsi Bar (now Barry’s Bar).
On Sunday, 8 March 2026, the time had finally come: the 50th and final edition of the Gepsi Slalom was held. Early in the morning, children and the legends of the past five decades gathered at Bärgelegg.
The event kicked off with a qualifying run – a slalom, of course, as it should be. After the qualifiers, the top 16 in each category competed against one another in the parallel giant slalom. It was a spectacular sight to watch the old and young racing veterans in action.
Afterwards, in keeping with tradition, everyone gathered one last time in the Gepsi for the awards ceremony. And here, too, they stuck to the tried and tested: the “Schnägge” were, of course, a must. The children were once again given their Gepsi as a souvenir, whilst the podium finishers were honoured with a “Barry” soft toy dog. There was a very special surprise for the legends: specially made medals – and best of all, they were edible.
After the official proceedings, the ‘legends’ (former podium finishers), together with the ski club’s board, the coaches, and Gisela and Daniel Heller, rounded off the day with a cosy cheese fondue in a convivial atmosphere at Barrys. There was laughter, storytelling and reminiscing. A touch of melancholy hung in the air, as this race marks the end of a long tradition. And yet it was a fitting finale – a final chapter that did justice to the Gepsi Slalom.
Results announcement:
Girls born in 2015 and younger: 1st place: Brawand Nadine, 2nd place: Suter Larissa, 3rd place: Geiser Mona
Boys born in 2015 and younger: 1st place: Schertenleib Timmy, 2nd place: Freiermuth Lias, 3rd place: Mirco Bucher
Girls born in 2014 and older: 1st place: Lulea Bucher, 2nd place: Jonna Kaufmann, 3rd place: Fiona Stuber
Boys born in 2014 and older: 1st place: Nino Leisi, 2nd place: Loan Brunner, 3rd place: Andrea Mignogna
Former female podium finishers: 1st place Schumacher Alyssa, 2nd place Borra Martina, 3rd place Seematter Alexandra
Former male podium finishers: 1st place Willems Armin, 2nd place Willems Björn, 3rd place Brunner Gianluca
