2024/25 Alpine World Cup Season Highlights and Kirkwood Ski Education Foundation's Excitement for the Upcoming Season
Aleksander Kilde - Birds of Prey in Beaver Creek
As the 2024/25 Alpine World Cup season unfolds, ski enthusiasts around the world are eagerly anticipating the thrills and challenges that lie ahead. Steve Hodgkins, a dedicated board member at the Kirkwood Ski Education Foundation (KSEF), shares his excitement for both the international events and the upcoming KSEF season at Kirkwood Mountain Resort.
The 2024/25 Alpine World Cup season promises to be a riveting spectacle, beginning with the traditional giant slalom (GS) races in Sölden, Austria, during the last weekend of October. This event, as highlighted by Ski Racing, "sets the tone for an exciting season ahead," and is eagerly anticipated by athletes and fans alike .
Early Season Challenges and North American Races
Following the season opener in Sölden, both men's and women's competitors face early-season challenges with slalom races in Levi, Finland, and Gürgl, Austria. These races are a true test of their technical skills and resilience. The women’s tour then heads across the Atlantic to North America, starting with a high-profile GS/slalom weekend in Killington, Vermont, known for attracting the largest crowds of the women’s season. This is followed by GS races in Tremblant, Quebec, and the first speed races at the iconic Birds of Prey venue in Beaver Creek, Colorado.
The inclusion of Beaver Creek is particularly notable, as it marks the return of speed queen Sofia Goggia from injury and features hometown hero Mikaela Shiffrin in the super-G. This event is expected to draw record-breaking crowds, making it a season highlight.
Central European Circuit and World Championships
After Beaver Creek, the women's tour continues with 15 races in Central Europe before taking a break for the World Championships in Saalbach, Austria. Highlights include thrilling night slalom races in Flachau, Austria, and Courchevel, France, just before the World Championship break. The season then resumes with races in Sestriere, Italy, and Scandinavia, wrapping up with a speed series in La Thuile, Italy.
Season Finale in Sun Valley
The season finale for the women’s 2024/25 Alpine World Cup season will be held in Sun Valley, Idaho. This new venue is expected to draw significant crowds, especially with Mikaela Shiffrin competing in multiple events. The excitement is palpable as the world’s best female skiers compete on a new speed track built specifically for this prestigious event. The addition of Beaver Creek and Sun Valley means the women's tour includes nine races in North America, making this season particularly notable for American fans.
Men’s Season Highlights
The men’s season follows a similar path, starting with slalom races in Gürgl, Austria, and continuing with downhill and super-G races in Beaver Creek, where the GS returns for the first time since 2019. The men’s tour also includes traditional Central European races, with the Madonna di Campiglio night slalom scheduled after the New Year and exciting night races during the January Schladming GS and slalom.
KSEF's Enthusiasm for the New Season
Back at Kirkwood Mountain Resort, Steve Hodgkins and the entire KSEF team are buzzing with excitement for the start of their season. The Foundation, committed to developing young skiers and riders, is thrilled to see the world's best athletes compete and set the stage for what promises to be an inspiring and action-packed year. "The World Cup events are a testament to the dedication and skill required in our sport," Hodgkins states. "We look forward to channeling that same energy and passion into our programs at KSEF."
As the global ski community gears up for another unforgettable season, KSEF remains dedicated to fostering the next generation of ski champions. With the excitement of the World Cup and KSEF's commitment, the 2024/25 season is set to be one for the books.
Stay tuned for more updates, and join us at Kirkwood Mountain Resort for an incredible season ahead!
Stay'nThirsty for POW - Coop
For more details on the 2024/25 Alpine World Cup season, visit the full article on Ski Racing .
