WENGEN, Switzerland — In a thrilling display of skill and speed, Italian skier Dominik Paris clocked an impressive speed of 154.99 kph (96 mph) during a World Cup downhill event on Saturday, marking one of the fastest speeds ever recorded in the history of Alpine skiing.

At 35 years old, Paris showcased his expertise as he sped through the notoriously challenging Haneggschuss section of the course, just two minutes into his run at the historic Swiss ski venue, Wengen. This location holds significance in skiing history; it was here that Johan Clarey from France established a World Cup record speed of 100.6 mph (161.9 kph) back in 2013.

The fast segment of the course provided Paris with the momentum needed to secure the second-fastest time amongst the early competitors, chasing Slovenian skier Miha Hrobat, who reached a speed of 154.57 kph (96 mph). The day’s weather conditions contributed to the speed, with bright sunshine, clear skies, and a chilly temperature of 2 degrees Celsius (36 degrees F) ensuring the snow remained hard and fast for the elite competitors.

This event represents the classic Lauberhorn race, noted for its length as the longest course in the World Cup circuit, spanning 4.45 kilometers (2¾ miles). The challenging run meanders beneath the imposing peaks of the Eiger, Jungfrau, and Mönch, which rise to around 4,000 meters (13,000 feet), adding to the drama and excitement of the race.

In this prestigious competition, skiers aim not only for speed but also for precision and control on a course that demands the utmost skill and courage from the participants.