Jett Seymour Photo: GEPA pictures/ Mario Buehner

Who is skiing, when and how to watch Wednesday’s January 24th Schladming Planai night Slalom

Get ready for an exhilarating Wednesday night Slalom (SL) in Schladming, Austria, on January 24th. With four Men’s World Cup slaloms already contested this season, including the upcoming Schladming night slalom, there are seven more thrilling races.

Austrian skier Manuel Feller is leading the pack with victories in Gurgl, Austria, and Adelboden, Switzerland. However, the competition is fierce, and anything can happen as the season unfolds.

Schladming is the Super Bowl of slalom races, drawing a massive crowd of 45,000  spectators. The village transforms into a giant party brimming with cheers and singing.  It’s the race every slalom skier dreams of winning, held on the majestic Planai slope. The venue offers spectators a live view of most of the course.

Feller sits on top of the current World Cup slalom standings, followed by Germany’s Linus Strasser, who secured victory in the recent Hahnenkamm race in Kitzbühel. Notably, Atle Lie McGrath, born in Vermont but skiing for Norway, holds an impressive third rank in the standings. Unfortunately, Austrian Marco Schwarz, winner of the second slalom, suffered a season-ending injury before Christmas while skiing downhill in Bormio.

Despite Schwarz’s absence and being out for the remainder of the season, the leaderboard could see some surprising twists in the upcoming races.

Top ten 2024 men’s season World Cup slalom standings

Seventy-four racers representing 22 countries are entered to start the Wednesday, January 24th Schladming Planai night slalom.

North Americans looking to ignite season

North American skiing faces a challenge in men’s slalom. The US and Canadian teams are in the 12th and 15th spots on the Slalom Nation Cup standings. Yet, there’s hope for a resurgence with a lineup of skilled athletes, including Benjamin Ritchie, Erik Read, Jett Seymour, Luke Winters and River Radamus. These talented skiers have showcased their ability to score in World Cup slalom events. As conditions are expected to be warmer in Schladmin

The last North American to win a World Cup Slalom was Bode Miller in 2004, securing five slalom victories during his illustrious career. His triumph in the Schladming night slalom in 2002 remains a memorable highlight. Nolan Kasper, another North American talent, is the most recent North American to grace a slalom podium. His success came in Kranjska Gora in March 2011. These achievements are a testament to the prowess of North American skiers in the slalom discipline.

North American Men with 2024 Slalom World Cup Points

As the Wednesday night slalom approaches, the excitement is palpable. Will Feller maintain his lead, or will a new champion emerge under the Schladming night lights? Be part of the action and witness the drama unfold on the spectacular slopes of Planai. It’s a race you won’t want to miss!

North Americans Racing Sunday, January 24th Schladming Planai Night Slalom

• Bib 37, Jett Seymour, Stifel USST, SSWSC, University of Denver, Fischer, One/Way
• Bib 39, Luke Winters, Stifel USST, Sugar Bowl Ski Academy, Dynastar, Lange, LOOK
• Bib 43, Benjamin Ritchie, Stifel USST, Green Mountain Valley School, Dynastar, Lange, LOOK
• Bib 45, Erik Read, ACA, Banff Alpine Racers, University of Denver, Atomic, UVEX, Level Gloves
• Bib 50, Asher Jordan, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, Atomic, Level Gloves
• Bib 61, Justin Alkier, ACA, National Ski Academy, Middlebury College, Rossignol/LOOK, Level Gloves
• Bib 74, River Radamus, Stifel USST, Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, Rossignol, LOOK, Level Gloves

About Schladming

Nestled in the northwest section of the Austrian state of Styria, Schladming, a small former mining town with a population of 5,000, has transformed into a tourist hotspot. Renowned for its history and charm, the village has become a prominent winter sports resort, hosting prestigious events like the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in 1982 and 2013

The shopping area adds to the allure, featuring numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops tailored to cater to the needs of tourists. Whether it’s the thrill of skiing competitions or the leisurely exploration of charming shops, Schladming blends its mining heritage with a contemporary tourist destination.

When and How to Watch the Schladming Planai Night Slalom

The men’s first run of the night slalom will begin at 11:45 am Eastern Time, 8:45 am Pacific Time and 5:45 pm Central European Time. The second run will start at 2:45 pm Eastern Time, 11:45 am Pacific Time and 8:45 pm Central European Time.

In Canada, sports enthusiasts can watch the World Cup on CBC Sports

In the USA, the men’s World Cups in Schladming will be available for viewing live and as a replay on the Peacock streaming service.

First run start list and Program for the Wednesday Schladming Night Slalom

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Program for the Wednesday Schladming Night Slalom