On the way up
An athlete driven by his passion for the mountains
Fabrice is an athlete who knows exactly what he trains for. He is now part of the national squad of the Swiss Para Snowboard Team and competes in European Cup and World Cup races. His return to winter sports shows how, even after the tragic turning point in his life, Fabrice continues to do what he is most passionate about: spending time outdoors in the mountains, surrounded by nature.
He grew up in the Gstaad holiday region near Zweisimmen. Movement has been a constant companion throughout his life and it gives him the freedom he longs for. On the slopes, he pursues his sporting goals with determination. He aims for top performances, and his competition calendar is therefore aligned with the major international sporting events. After all, nowhere do para-athletes receive as much attention as they do at the world’s biggest competitions.
Rigorous training for two disciplines
Fabrice competes in two very different disciplines: Snowboard Cross (SBX) and Banked Slalom. While cross races demand explosiveness, quick reactions and mental toughness, banked slalom requires precision, a sense of rhythm and maximum control. Accordingly, Fabrice von Grünigen’s training is highly versatile, sharpening strength and technique just as much as decision-making, focus and mental calm.
By his side is Silvan Hofer, coach and steady anchor. Their collaboration is defined by trust and clarity. Silvan analyses every detail and shows the athlete where and how to make adjustments in order to improve continuously. Fabrice listens attentively and uses every run for fine-tuning. Try, implement, repeat. What matters most is the ability to reset after each attempt and keep the goal firmly in sight.
Snow secure with a panorama
Training on Glacier 3000 offers us more than just ideal sporting infrastructure. The altitude creates distance from everyday life and brings us closer to what truly matters. In the only glacier ski area in the Bernese Oberland, the high altitude allows for focused training very early in the winter season,” Fabrice explains.
The slopes and the snowpark on the glacier guarantee reliable snow conditions. At the top, the platform opens up to a meditative panorama. As Fabrice takes in the 360-degree view over the Alps, he finds the calm he needs to internalise his goals. Doubts fade away, and his objectives become clearer.
Major competitions in mind
For Fabrice, this year’s Paralympic Winter Games are not a distant event, but a goal within reach. His training is focused on qualifying for the major competition. He speaks openly about his ambitions, without exaggerating them. His calm modesty keeps him grounded.
And yet: he does not just want to take part in the major sporting event, he wants to achieve strong results and leave his mark on the sport of snowboarding.
On the way to Cortina
At the end of the day, calm returns to the ski area. The sun hangs low in the sky as Fabrice reflects on the day… the dreamlike winter weather, the perfectly groomed slopes and a snowpark exactly to his taste. Days like this - today on Glacier 3000 - bring him ever closer to his goal. Cortina is calling. The next training camps are already planned. With great discipline, Fabrice sets out on his journey not to prove anything to himself, but to keep moving forward.