Adelboden grandstands GEPA Photo

Who is skiing, when and how to watch the Saturday, January 6th Adelboden GS

In the heart of the Bernese Oberland lies the Chuenisbärgli race slope, a skiing marvel that opened in 1955. This iconic World Cup giant slalom course hosted its inaugural World Cup event in 1967, marking the first season of alpine skiing’s global circuit.

Anticipation builds for the Adelboden GS on January 6th, an event that transcends competition. The venue, weaving through natural terrain, is a race hill that showcases the essence of giant slalom.

Renowned as one of the circuit’s oldest and most challenging slopes, the Adelboden GS offers a thrilling spectacle. From steep pitches that challenge the skiers’ skills to blind rolls that demand precision, it’s a rollercoaster of alpine excitement.

The Adelboden finish area, charged with energy, adds to the allure. This isn’t just a race; it’s a celebration of skill and courage where the home crowd welcomes every athlete.

Last season, Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt left an indelible mark on Adelboden. His spectacular 2023 season included seven World Cup victories and a World Championship GS title in Courchevel. Odermatt, a skiing maestro, secured back-to-back wins in the last two Adelboden GS races, establishing him as the home country favorite. This season, he has continued his dominance by winning all three World Cup GS races, further cementing his reputation as the skier to beat on the storied Adelboden Chuenisbärgli slope.

Yet, the absence of injured Austrian Marco Schwarz opens the door for contenders like Croatia’s Filip Zubčić, with an impressive record in Alta Badia, and Slovenia’s Žan Kranjec, consistently showcasing his rocket-like speed

Adding a touch of intrigue is Andorra’s Joan Verdú, whose podium in Val d’Isère and a remarkable 5th in Alta Badia position him as a dark horse in the season standings.

Top-ranked 2023-24 men’s GS skiers

Click on images to enlarge.

North Americans

North American aspirations in the giant slalom (GS) domain rest prominently on the shoulders of River Radamus and veteran Tommy Ford. Both men are Stifel US Ski Team members, who have showcased superior performances this season.

Radamus, currently holding the 14th rank, is on a mission to decipher the secret to Adelboden after a solid 22nd-place finish last year. On the other hand, the seasoned Tommy Ford, ranked 20th this season, brings a wealth of experience and a promising glimpse of his pre-injury speed. Their collective prowess adds an extra layer of anticipation to the North American representation, injecting excitement into the upcoming Adelboden GS showdown.

On the Canadian side, Erik Read, currently holding 28th in rank, is on a mission to reclaim his world-class speed, aiming to build on his impressive track record of past top-15 performances in Adelboden. As a seasoned campaigner, Read’s determination to make his mark on the giant slalom stage adds an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming Adelboden GS.

And then there’s James “Jack” Crawford, the super-G World Champion, progressively finding his stride in the GS discipline. With each race, Crawford inches closer to the coveted top 10, showcasing his growing prowess and potential to become a dominant force in the GS category.

The Canadian duo, with their distinct strengths and ambitions, adds an exciting and compelling narrative to the anticipation surrounding the Adelboden GS, embodying the North American spirit in alpine skiing.

North American men racing in Adelboden who have scored World Cup GS points this season.

The ten North Americans entered in the January 6th Adelboden Giant Slalom

• Bib 15, River Radamus, Stifel USST, Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, Rossignol, LOOK, Level Gloves
• Bib 21, Tommy Ford, Stifel USST, Mount Bachelor Sports Education Foundation, HEAD
• Bib 22, Erik Read, ACA, Banff Alpine Racers, University of Denver, Atomic, UVEX, Level GlovesAtomic, UVEX
• Bib 31, James Crawford, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, HEAD, Level Gloves
• Bib 33, George Steffey, Stifel USST, Stratton Mountain School, Marker/Dalbello/Völkl, Level Gloves
• Bib 39, Isaiah Nelson, Stifel USST, Buck Hill Ski Team, Rossignol, LOOK, Level Gloves
• Bib 41, Brian McLaughlin, Stifel USST invitee, Dartmouth College, GMVS, Marker/Dalbello/Völkl, TOKO, SYNC
• Bib 42, Asher Jordan, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, Atomic, Level Gloves
• Bib 51, Liam Wallace, ACA, Sunshine Alpine Racers, University of Alaska Anchorage, Rossignol/LOOK, Level Gloves
• Bib 57, Justin Alkier, ACA, National Ski Academy, Middlebury College, Rossignol/LOOK, Level Gloves

Seventy-one athletes from 20 nations are entered in the January 6th Adelboden GS.

Adelboden information

Beyond the thrill of competition, Adelboden offers a scenic retreat. Engstligen falls and the towering Gross Lohner Mountain paint a picturesque backdrop for this winter spectacle..

As skiers ascend from 4,430 ft. to 7,900 ft., the air fills with anticipation. Adelboden becomes the epicenter of alpine ski racing annually.

So, as the alpine world convenes on this idyllic Swiss chalet village, one thing is certain – Adelboden GS is not just a race; it’s a trip into the heart of alpine history and sporting drama.

When and how to watch the Saturday January 6th Adelboden World Cup giant slalom (GS)

The first run of the Giant Slalom begins at 4:30 am Eastern time and 1:30 am Pacific time. The second run is scheduled to air at 7:30 am Eastern time and 4:30 am Pacific time.

In Canada: CBC Sports will have live-streaming

In the United States, Ski and Snowboard Live will offer a live and full replay with English announcers.

First run start list and program for the Monday, January 6th Adelboden Giant Slalom

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Program for the January 6th Giant Slalom