Cresta Run: A Thrilling Return for Women’s Tobogganing

The Cresta Run, nestled in Switzerland’s St Moritz Tobogganing Club (SMTC), has long been renowned as the world’s most exhilarating natural ice chute. After a ban of over a century, women are once again gracing its icy bends, marking a historic moment in winter sports.

Four-time Olympian and Ski Sunday presenter, Chemmy Alcott, describes the Cresta Run as “exhilarating, risky, and addictive,” likening it to an even more intense version of downhill skiing. Despite not competing in the Ladies’ Grand National race herself, Alcott embarked on a head-first tobogganing experience down the 1.2km track, reaching speeds of up to 55mph over 75 seconds.

For Alcott, the Cresta demands relinquishing control and finding the flow, resulting in a thrilling and adrenaline-fueled ride. Her participation highlighted the significance of the first women’s race since 1921, symbolizing a milestone in the sport’s history.

Carina Evans secured her place in history by becoming the first Ladies’ Grand National winner in over a century, clocking an impressive time of 57.76 seconds at a top speed of 71.35mph. Reflecting on her victory, Evans expressed profound joy and emphasized the collective effort behind her accomplishment, honoring the women who paved the way before her.

The Cresta’s storied past dates back to 1884 when it was built, with the SMTC established in 1887. Until the 1920s, women and men competed equally in the annual Grand Nationals. However, fears of potential health risks, notably breast cancer, led to the ban on female racers in 1921 and their expulsion from the club in 1929.

In December 2018, a landmark decision overturned the ban, allowing women to ride the Cresta once more. Evans, the trailblazer of this new era, has since ridden the track 139 times, embodying the spirit of determination and resilience that defines the Cresta Run’s legacy.

The return of women’s tobogganing to the Cresta Run marks a triumphant revival of inclusivity and equality in winter sports, heralding a new chapter in its illustrious history. As athletes like Chemmy Alcott and Carina Evans continue to inspire, the Cresta Run remains an iconic symbol of courage, speed, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.