Bummer news for American ski fans, FIS just canceled all North American stops on the 2020-21 World Cup alpine circuit due to the coronavirus, including Women’s races at Killington. WCAX reports The International Ski Federation says the World Cup tour will be strictly in Europe through early December.
“As much as we regret not being able to host the HomeLight Killington Cup this year, we have to be smart, keep everyone safe and focus efforts on keeping Killington operating in these challenging times.” -FIS
World Cup champion skier Mikaela Shiffrin is super bummed and posted a video about Killington being one of her favorite races and looking forward to coming back when its possible:
“It’s such a pleasure to ski in front of the American crowd, to race back in the East Coast and this is a big bummer. But I think it’s the right decision. I mean, actually, I’m sure it’s the right decision. If we’re able to race at all I’d say that’s a win. We’re going to have to do it without Killington this year, but will be back and we’re going to be back with a vengeance.”
The tour traditionally moves to North America in November and December with events in Killington, Lake Louise, and Beaver Creek. Val d’Isère and Courchevel in France and St. Moritz in Switzerland have penciled as possible replacement venues. As part of the FIS announcement, it was confirmed that the Women’s World Cup will return to Killington in 2021.
KILLINGTON’S STATEMENT:
Due to impacts from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020-21 Audi FIS Alpine World Cup Tour will remain in Europe through early December. All North American stops, including the Killington, VT giant slalom and slalom events on Nov. 28-29, will be shifted to other locations.
While the entire Killington community and our record-breaking crowds will surely miss cheering on the athletes this November, we support the decision to remain in Europe to help safeguard the wellbeing of the athletes, ski race fans and our entire Killington community during these ongoing challenging times. We look forward to the return of the HomeLight Killington Cup for the 2021-22 Olympic Qualification season!