For the fourth edition of the Longines Future Ski Champions race, 13 was the key number, as today February 13, 13 young women from 13 countries had the unique opportunity to follow the example of their idols and to prove themselves against the most promising international skiers in the U16 category, on the official slope of the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships. Selected by their respective ski federations, the promising athletes had the honour to receive their bib on the eve of the race from the hands of Longines Ambassador of Elegance Mikaela Shiffrin. The American champion – a source of inspiration for these young athletes thanks to her triumphs and the values of respect and fair play she promotes – attended the ceremony as the patron of the 2017 edition of the event.

Finnish victory

This year, the Longines Future Ski Champions title was claimed by Finland’s Erika Pykäläinen, ahead of Switzerland’s Aline Höpli and France’s Clarisse Brèche, after an exciting competition on the Salastrains slope. As a reward for her victory, the 2017 winner Erika received a Longines watch, as well as the event’s trophy. In addition, she earned the Finnish Ski Association considerable funding to promote the discipline among young people.

Longines and St. Moritz, a tradition spanning over a century

This is the second time that St. Moritz will host the Longines Future Ski Champions as last year the race took place during the FIS World Cup Finals. Longines is therefore perpetuating a tradition dating back over a century that links the brand to the Alpine village by virtue of its timekeeping of the sporting events held at the resort. After becoming Official Watch of St. Moritz in 2015, the brand marked this partnership by launching an exclusive watch designed specifically for the Engadine village: the Conquest St. Moritz. The hints of yellow and blue on the hands, dial and flange are reminiscent of the iconic St. Moritz logo, which is engraved on the back of the case.