Sun Valley to Host 2024-25 Alpine World Cup Finals, Marking a Return to American Soil with New Safety Measures in Place

The International Ski Federation (FIS) has announced the provisional Alpine World Cup schedule for the 2024-25 season, with the season-ending World Cup Finals scheduled for March 22-27 in Sun Valley, Idaho. The venue, which last hosted World Cup ski racing in 1977, will see the return of men’s and women’s races in downhill, super-G, giant slalom, and slalom.

Sun Valley previously hosted World Cup giant slaloms and slaloms in 1975 and 1977. However, it has been marked with (TBC) by FIS, indicating that it is not yet confirmed for the event. American ski racing fans are eagerly awaiting this much-anticipated return to their home turf.

The U.S. last hosted the World Cup Finals in 2017 in Aspen, Colorado, and this will be a much-anticipated return for American ski racing fans. Beaver Creek, Colorado has traditionally been an annual stop for men’s events in early December and will host a men’s downhill, super-G, and GS from Dec. 6-8 as well as a women’s downhill and super-G from Dec. 14-15.

FIS has also announced two new safety measures for athletes in the upcoming season. Skiers will be required to wear air bags in downhill and super-G races starting next season for injury protection. Additionally, there is a proposal to strongly recommend cut-resistant undergarments for all disciplines at all levels with a goal to make them mandatory starting with the 2025-26 season. These measures aim to enhance athlete safety and reduce the risk of serious injuries during competitions.

Overall, skiers can expect an exciting season of Alpine World Cup competition with these new safety measures aimed at protecting their health while still allowing them to reach their full potential on the snowy slopes of Europe’s most prestigious ski resorts.