Cowbells contribute to alpine combined gold

Fan culture is a huge part of the Torino 2025 FISU World University Games and at the men’s alpine skiing combined on Thursday, 16 January, enthusiastic supporters showed up in large numbers at Bardonecchia.

A characteristic feature of alpine skiing competitions is the distinct, percussive metallic tone produced by Swiss afficionados using their world-famous cowbells.

The clang of the internal clapper echoed their passion and unwavering support for athletes from their home nation — and, surprisingly, their neighbour Liechtenstein — as they competed for gold. Representing Switzerland in the combined were Loïc Chable, Gino Stucki, Aaron Christian Mayer, Robert Clarke and Federico Toscano.

Among the rhythmic bell ringers was Liechtenstein’s head of delegation, Raeto Raffainer, himself a Swiss national. The cowbell, deeply rooted in Swiss tradition, has become a symbol of national pride and fan unity in winter sports.

Raffainer explained its origins. “In the summertime back in Switzerland we put our cows in the mountains where there is enough green grass,” he began. “So, in order to find them, we put these cowbells around their neck, that is in case they wander off.”  

The cowbell is particularly used in alpine skiing since numerous events are held in the Alpine region shared by Switzerland and its neighbours.

Raffainer disclosed that Switzerland and Liechtenstein enthusiasts cheer for athletes from both countries due to their close proximity. “We are using our cowbells to cheer for athletes and para-athletes from other countries as well like Italy, France, and all the other neighbouring countries,” he cheerfully said as he struck the cowbell one more time. 

The winner of the event, Swiss racer Loic Chable, who studies real estate at the University of Denver in the United States, expressed great appreciation for this alpine tradition.

“You know when you are racing downhill you don’t see your time. And when I saw the fans cheering with the cowbell, that is when I knew I had won. It was a great feeling.”

France, Spain round out podium

Chable triumphed in 1:39.42, edging France’s Jonas Skabar (1:40.05), representing Grenoble Alpes University, by 0.63 seconds for gold.

Unlike powerhouses such as Switzerland, Austria and France, Spain lacks a strong alpine skiing tradition. However, a bronze-medal performance by Tomas Barata, a Esade Business School student, is a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication, as well as the growing potential of Spanish athletes in winter sports.

On Friday, 17 January, both the men’s and women’s Super-G will take place at Bardonecchia, and Chable has a clear goal in mind:  “Hold another gold medal.”

The take place from 13-23 January. Watch all the competitions live on . Click on the link to find the full schedule.

Written by Esther Owusua Appiah-Fei, FISU Young Reporter, Ghana.

The Young Reporters Programme exemplifies FISU’s commitment to more than sports competitions. At every FISU World University Games, a group of talented aspiring sports journalists are chosen to cover the competition.

We warmly thank FISU Official Partner Qiaodan Ltd. which provides remarkable uniforms to FISU Family and International Technical Officials since 2015. Qiaodan is a valuable partner for FISU as it continued to provide its support during the postponement of events due to the global pandemic, and recently extended the relationship with FISU up to and including 2025.