The FIS World Cup is returning to Colorado for the second time this season, bringing the men’s World Cup tour to Aspen. The Men’s Stifel America’s Downhill is set to take place from March 3-5, featuring three days of racing and a boatload of other special events.
Events begin 4pm on Thursday, March 2, with an après ski party and opening ceremony in the Snowmass Base Village, but the races kick off on Aspen Mountain with the first men’s downhill at 11:30am on Friday. Saturday’s downhill race begins at 11am, and, on Sunday, the men’s super-G is set to take off at 10am. Attendees are able to view the action for free at the finish area grandstands located at the base of the Shadow Mountain lift, though spectators with ski passes will be able to watch at several location along the course (intermediate/advanced skiing may be required).
Outside of the races themselves, Aspen will be hosting several concerts throughout the weekend, including Saturday’s performance by Mt. Joy. At 3pm on Friday, the mountain will also be hosting a climate change panel, bringing together athletes and other industry voices to discuss what should be done to bring about change. More information on events and timing can be found on Aspen’s website.
Aspen held its first ski race in 1937 after the formation of the Roaring Fork Winter Sports Club (now the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club), and hosted the first FIS World Championships outside of Europe in 1950. In 1968, the mountain hosted its first official World Cup race, and in 2017, it saw the Audi FIS Ski World Cup Finals, where Mikaela Shiffrin became the first American to win the Overall Crystal Globe on American soil.
This should be a very cool event, and if you can make it there, I highly recommend doing so. You don’t get the chance to watch the best ski racers in the world every weekend!
Image Credit: Aspen Snowmass via Facebook