The International Ski Federation (FIS) has unveiled the provisional schedule for the 2024-25 Alpine World Cup, with the season-ending Finals set to take place in Sun Valley, Idaho from March 22-27. This will mark a historic return to the venue, which last hosted World Cup ski racing in 1977 and will see men’s and women’s races in downhill, super-G, giant slalom, and slalom.
Sun Valley has previously hosted giant slaloms and slaloms in 1975 and 1977, but its participation for next season is yet to be confirmed by FIS. The U.S. last hosted the World Cup Finals in 2017 in Aspen, Colorado, and this upcoming event is eagerly anticipated by American ski racing fans.
The provisional calendar for next season also includes a first for women’s ski racing at Beaver Creek, Colorado since 2013. Beaver Creek traditionally hosts men’s events in early December and this year will see a men’s downhill, super-G and GS from December 6th to 8th as well as a women’s downhill and super-G from December 14th to 15th.
In addition to these exciting developments on the race calendar, FIS has 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 of making them mandatory starting with the 2025-26 season. These measures aim to enhance athlete safety and reduce the risk of serious injuries during competitions.