Training elite alpine ski racers is costly, time-consuming, and heavily dependent on weather and snow conditions. In addition, there is always a risk of injury. The “Digital Wind Tunnel” project aims to transfer selected training elements from the snow to a simulator, thereby making training more efficient, safer, and available year-round. Aerodynamics play a crucial role, particularly in the speed disciplines of alpine ski racing. At top speeds of up to 155 km/h, even small improvements in body posture can lead to measurable performance gains.

With the “digital wind tunnel,” Swiss-Ski can transfer selected training content from the snow to the digital wind tunnel, thereby making training more efficient, safer, and available year-round. Advantages of the digital wind tunnel:

More efficient training

• Year-round training regardless of weather or season
• No need to travel to and from the slopes
• More effective training time

Greater safety

• Reduced risk of injury
• Safe learning of optimal positions

Scientific support

• Objective performance metrics
• Standardized measurement protocols
• Automated analyses

Cost savings

• Less reliance on expensive wind tunnel tests
• Lower travel and training costs
• Early access for young athletes aged 15 and up

Long-term goals include:

• Introduction as a standard tool at Swiss-Ski’s three national youth training centers in Brig, Davos, and Engelberg
• Comparable performance evaluations
• Improved talent development and talent identification
• Scientifically grounded training throughout Switzerland

The digital wind tunnel combines:

• green-screen technology
• AI-powered pose estimation
• Real-time video analysis
• Dynamic simulation

Athletes receive immediate feedback on their aerodynamic position and can optimize it in a targeted manner.

In a joint intervention study conducted with the University of Bern and the athletes and coaches of the Davos Sports High School, significant improvements in positional quality were observed as a result of training with the digital wind tunnel.

In addition to the staff at the University of Applied Sciences of Graubünden, the project team also includes the following partners:

• Swiss-Ski
• University of Bern
• Davos Sports High School