A biography of victory

In the heart of the legendary mountains of Valais, a diminutive prodigy, called William, began to ski at the age of 3 and his natural predisposition for the sport took him a few years later to the height of his art. His passion today remains just what it was, since Wils still works in the world of alpine skiing. 

But naturally, between these two periods, Wils was able to gradually build up his list of triumphs; the years succeeded one another but looked different from each other. Abnegation followed success. Deception, which was sometimes extensive, took the place of glory, which was sometimes contagious, but nevertheless fleeting. How hard it was to stay at the highest level. 

In fact, after following the normal course of the first OJ (local Valais) and then FIS (International Ski Federation) races, at the age of 18 he took the title of "1986 Downhill Junior World Champion".

In 1987, he pursued success at the European Cup (precursor to the World Cup) and won the European Cup in downhill skiing that same year. 

Then, he entered the "big stage" and took part in the World Cup for thirteen seasons in a row. 

In 1992, he scored his "first" victory in downhill in Panorama (Canada). In 1993, he won his second race at Val Gardena (Italy). 

His best season came in 1994 when he won the impressive Lauberhorn at Wengen; "the" race that every skier dreams of winning one day. Then, he followed up his success with victory at Vail in Colorado (USA). 

At the final count, Wils mounted no fewer than fourteen podiums at the highest level during his career in World Cup alpine skiing, not forgetting the five Swiss Elite Champion titles, four of them in downhill and one in super G.

Retired from official competition for a few years now, he stays in contact with the alpine world via his different activities (ski competition lessons, consultant on television).

His latest passions

Today Wils stays close to the pistes since he gives ski lessons there, but he has also discovered new passions, such as sculpting objects in wood, and Canada where he rents out a chalet that he built himself. He also renovates chalets in Valais, and particularly specialises in floor coverings, parquets, Pergo flooring and renovations of all types.