Who is racing, when and how to watch the Garmisch-Partenkirchen night slalom

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a German mountain town just north of the Austrian border. Many of Germany’s best ski racers come from this area, and when you are there, it is easy to see why. It was also the host of the 1936 Winter Olympic Games. 

Notably, the games were opened by Adolf Hitler, and now it is home to a significant US army base. The base is used for education as well as rest and relaxation for our troops based overseas. 

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is also home to a classic speed venue. However, the slaloms occur on a slope to the skier’s left of the magnificent Olympic Ski Jump. At the bottom of the race trail, the course takes a hard right and finishes in the ski jumping stadium. 

There is always a sizeable vocal crowd from the military base. Uniquely, it includes the children of service members who often attend and enthusiastically support the US slalom skiers. 

Race surface

Unfortunately, the weather is a challenge. It is raining, but there is hope for clear skies tonight. FIS sources report they are experiencing above-freezing temperatures. However, they have watered the slope twice, salted, and boot packed from top to bottom. To finish the process, the course crew side-slipped the entire hill to make it as smooth as possible. Now the slope will sit overnight and be evaluated in the morning.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen always delivers excitement

The race, however, will be exciting. Henrik Kristoffersen, bib one, has been too close to winning to think that it won’t happen soon. Lucas Braathen, bib two, put on a master class display of slalom in Val d’lsère. Notably, Daniel Yule, bib 6, showed everyone in Madonna di Campiglio he was there to win. 

Unfortunately, we have only seen the men’s slalom skiers twice this season. With so many highly capable slalom skiers, we may not have a big enough sample of results to make valid predictions. But it is known fans will witness plenty of January slalom drama. 

North America has two racers starting in the top 30. Luke Winters, the US representative in the World Cup Finals last season, will start 27th. Additionally, Canadian Erik Read, bib 28, earned points in Val d’lsere and Madonna di Campiglio.

All six North Americans are capable of competing in the World Cup. In total, the US and Canada will each enter three. The coaches from both countries report that the men have been training well, and their time is coming. 

North Americans racing the Garmisch-Partenkirchen slalom January 4th, 2023

• Bib 27, Luke Winters, USST, Sugar Bowl Ski Academy, Dynastar, Lange, LOOK, SWIX, ASP
• Bib 28, Erik Read, ACA, Banff Alpine Racers, University of Denver, Atomic, UVEX
• Bib 43, Benjamin Ritchie, USST, GMVS, Dynastar, Lange, LOOK, ASP
• Bib 54, Liam Wallace, ACA, Sunshine Alpine Racers, Rossignol/LOOK
• Bib 57, Asher Jordan, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, Atomic
• Bib 63, Jett Seymour, USST, SSWSC, University of Denver, Fischer

The first run for the men’s SL starts at 9:40 am Eastern time and 6:40 am on the West Coast. Additionally, the second run will begin at 12:45 pm Eastern Time and at 9:45 am on the West Coast.

In the USA, the race can be viewed live and replayed on the streaming service Ski and Snowboard Live.

In Canada, look for the races on CBC Sports

First run start list and program for the January 4th Garmisch-Partenkirchen slalom

Program for the January 4th Garmisch Partenkrichen night slalom