Sun Valley Hosts Alpine Skiing World Cup Finals for First Time in Over Four Decades; New Safety Measures Introduced for Upcoming Season

In the upcoming 2024-25 season, Sun Valley, Idaho, is set to host the Alpine skiing World Cup Finals for the first time in over four decades. This marks a return to the venue that last hosted World Cup ski racing in 1977. The International Ski Federation (FIS) has released a provisional schedule for the season and has designated Sun Valley as the venue for the final races of the season from March 22-27. However, it’s important to note that Sun Valley’s status as the venue is not yet confirmed, as indicated by the (TBC) next to its name.

Sun Valley has previously held World Cup giant slalom and slalom races in 1975 and 1977. The World Cup Finals feature men’s and women’s races in downhill, super-G, giant slalom, and slalom. The U.S. last hosted the World Cup Finals in 2017 in Aspen, Colorado. The upcoming season’s provisional calendar also includes women’s races in Beaver Creek, Colorado, for the first time since 2013. Beaver Creek is a regular stop for men’s races in early December and will host men’s races from December 6-8 and women’s races from December 14-15.

In an effort to increase athlete safety, FIS has announced new measures for the upcoming season. Starting next year, skiers will be required to wear air bags during downhill and super-G races. These air bags inflate upon crashing to provide additional injury protection. Additionally, there is a proposal to strongly recommend cut-resistant undergarments for all disciplines at all levels