Bernhard Russi was born in Andermatt. He is a former ski racer and was one of the top downhill athletes during his heyday in the 1970s. He won an Olympic gold medal and two world championships and was
several times named Swiss Sportsman of the Year. In 1969, when he was largely unknown, he worked as a stuntman during the filming of the James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
After his career in skiing, Bernhard Russi was active as a commentator and race analyst for Swiss TV. He also worked in advertising and as a technical advisor to the International Ski Federation (FSI).
He had originally trained as a structural draughtsman, and now helped to plan numerous new downhill slopes, from the Calgary Olympics in 1988 to the Beijing Olympics in 2022. He also helped to design the World Championship courses in Sestriere, Åre, Beavercreek and St. Moritz, thereby making a significant contribution to the further development of alpine skiing. His manifold commitments and many public appearances mean he remains one of the most prominent personalities in Switzerland.
After his celebrated performances in Carnival of the Animals and Peter and the Wolf, Bernhard Russi returns to the Andermatt Concert Hall.
