Adelboden Slalom 2024: A Showdown on the Legendary Chuenisbärgli

Adelboden fans GEPA / Mathias Mandl

Who is skiing, when and how to watch Sunday’s Adelboden Slalom

As the Men’s World Cup Slalom season charges forward, anticipation builds for the upcoming Adelboden race scheduled for Sunday, January 7th. With two thrilling races already in the books, the competition promises to be fierce on the legendary slopes of Chuenisbärgli.

In the season opener in Gurgl, Austria, the local crowd witnessed a remarkable spectacle as Austrian skiers dominated the podium. Manuel Feller secured the top spot, accompanied by his compatriot, Marco Schwarz, in second. A noteworthy comeback from 17th to 3rd by Michael Matt added significant drama to the event.

The cancellation of the Val d’Isère race due to severe weather shifted the focus to Madonna di Campiglio, Italy. In a night race filled with twists and turns, Marco Schwarz showcased his skills by overcoming a first-run deficit to claim victory. Seasoned British skier Dave Ryding once again displayed his prowess with a remarkable climb to third. Ryding became the oldest to ever podium in a World Cup slalom.

However, the absence of Marco Schwarz in the upcoming races due to a season-ending injury shakes up the standings. Manuel Feller now leads the slalom discipline, but with Dave Ryding and Clément Noël hot on his heels, the battle is far from over.

Top Six Men 2024 World Cup SL Standings

Last year’s result

In last year’s Adelboden slalom, the now-retired Norwegian sensation Lucas Braathen stole the spotlight, clinching victory. Adding to the Norwegian triumph, his best friend and teammate, Atle Lie McGrath, secured a commendable second place. Germany’s Linus Strasser rounded out the podium in third. This year, as the anticipation for the upcoming race builds, both McGrath and Strasser are back in the race, eager to recreate the excellence of the previous season. The echoes of last year’s triumphs linger, setting the stage for a riveting showdown as these skilled athletes aim for a repeat performance on the challenging Chuenisbärgli.

Diverse international field

The international flavor of the competition is clearly illustrated by the diverse list of nations scoring in this season’s slalom events. A total of 14 nations have left their mark on the slalom scoreboard, emphasizing the widespread reach of slalom skiing. Austria stands at the forefront with seven athletes, closely followed by Switzerland with six, and Norway represented by five.

Delving deeper into the top 15, Switzerland continues to assert its presence with three athletes, Austria with four, and Norway also with four. The inclusivity of the contenders extends beyond these nations, encompassing France, Britain, Bulgaria, and Germany, each with a skier among the top 15. This dynamic mix underscores the truly international and competitive nature of slalom, where skill knows no borders.

This year, 70 athletes representing 23 nations are entered into the Sunday, January 7th Adelboden World Cup slalom. Both Austria and Switzerland have entered eight.

North Americans competing

North American teams have faced challenges so far this season. There were no qualifiers in Gurgl, and only Canadian veteran Erik Read made the cut in Madonna di Campiglio. However, with a talented group of athletes and plenty of races remaining, the potential for a North American turnaround remains.

North Americans racing Sunday, January 7th, Adelboden slalom

• Bib 27, Erik Read, ACA, Banff Alpine Racers, University of Denver, Atomic, UVEX, Level Gloves
• Bib 36, Jett Seymour, Stifel USST, SSWSC, University of Denver, Fischer, One/Way
• Bib 38, Luke Winters, Stifel USST, Sugar Bowl Ski Academy, Dynastar, Lange, LOOK
• Bib 42, Benjamin Ritchie, Stifel USST, Green Mountain Valley School, Dynastar, Lange, LOOK
• Bib 48, Liam Wallace, ACA, Sunshine Alpine Racers, University of Alaska Anchorage, Rossignol/LOOK, Level Gloves
• Bib 59, Justin Alkier, ACA, National Ski Academy, Middlebury College, Rossignol/LOOK, Level Gloves
• Bib 70, River Radamus, Stifel USST, Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, Rossignol, LOOK, Level Gloves

About Adelboden

Now, all eyes turn to Adelboden, home to the Chuenisbärgli, a venue rich in skiing history. Hosting races since 1967, it stands alongside Wengen and Kitzbühel as one of the three venues consistently featured in the FIS World Cup.

The Chuenisbärgli slalom course, with its 211 meters of vertical drop, promises a challenging battleground. With steep pitches and an average gradient of 30%, skiers will need precision and skill to navigate its twists and turns.

As Sunday approaches, the world awaits the unfolding drama at Adelboden. The Chuenisbärgli, with its storied past, is set to witness another chapter in alpine skiing, as athletes from around the globe tackle its slopes in pursuit of glory. The stage is set for a dramatic spectacle in the beautiful Swiss Alps.

When and how to watch the Adelboden slalom

The first run for the men’s SL starts at 4:30 am Eastern Time and 1:30 am Pacific Time. The second run will begin at 7:30 am Eastern Time and 4:30 am Pacific Time.

In Canada, the World Cup can be viewed on CBC Sports

The race can be viewed live and replayed in the USA on the streaming service Ski and Snowboard Live. If you are not a current subscriber, sign up to take advantage of every run.

First run start list and program for the January 7th Adelboden World Cup slalom.

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Program for the January 7th Adelboden World Cup slalom.