Alta Badia finish arena GEPA pictures/ Mathias Mandl

Who is skiing, when and how to watch the Sunday, December 17th Alta Badia GS

Nestled in the Südtyrol within the majestic Dolomite mountains, Alta Badia gears up for its annual alpine spectacle on the iconic Gran Risa race venue. Since December 1985, this renowned race hill has hosted the FIS ski racing circus, becoming a cornerstone in the history of World Cup races in alpine skiing.

Tomorrow’s Alta Badia GS promises a classic showdown, but the absence of Lucas Braathen, who quit the sport in October over disputes with his National Federation, changes the dynamics. Braathen, the victor in consecutive races last season, including the first Alta Badia GS, leaves a void in the competition, opening doors for new talents to make their mark on this prestigious course.

The transition for some athletes from three intense days of speed races in nearby Val Gardena/Gröden to the technical challenges of the Gran Risa adds a layer of excitement. The battle for supremacy unfolds between last season’s top performers, Henrik Kristoffersen and Marco Odermatt, and the Austrian contender Marco Schwarz. Schwarz led the season opener in Sölden GS before it was canceled due to wind, and he secured a second-place finish in the only GS of the season so far in Val dʼIsère. Odermatt has a slim 22-point lead over Schwarz in the men’s World Cup overall standings.

Joan Verdu, the Andorran athlete who stunned in the previous race, brings momentum to Alta Badia. His exceptional performance and swift climb up the leaderboard showcased the unpredictable nature of ski racing. As some of the racers arrive directly from the speed events, tomorrow’s giant slalom promises to be a thrilling spectacle of skill, agility, and adaptability on the renowned Gran Risa slope.

The anticipation builds for another chapter in the Gran Risa’s storied history, where the drama unfolds, champions rise, and the FIS ski racing circus continues its legacy in the heart of Alta Badia.

Top-ranked 2023-24 men’s GS skiers after Val d’Isère

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North American men in the Alta Badia Giant Slalom who have scored World Cup GS points this season

The elven North Americans entered in the December 17th Alta Badia Giant Slalom

• Bib 17, River Radamus, Stifel USST, Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, Rossignol, LOOK, Level Gloves
• Bib 21, Erik Read, ACA, Banff Alpine Racers, University of Denver, Atomic, UVEX, Level GlovesAtomic, UVEX
• Bib 25, Tommy Ford, Stifel USST, Mount Bachelor Sports Education Foundation, HEAD
• Bib 31, James Crawford, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, HEAD, Level Gloves
• Bib 34, 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 52, Liam Wallace, ACA, Sunshine Alpine Racers, University of Alaska Anchorage, Rossignol/LOOK, Level Gloves
• Bib 58, Patrick Kenney, Global Racing, University of New Hampshire, Burke Moutain Academy, Marker/Dalbello/Völkl, TOKO, SYNC

Seventy-one athletes representing 21 nations will race in Sunday’s Alta Badia World Cup GS.

Stenmark’s Alta Badia legacy

In December 1985, Alta Badia began its storied ski racing history with a memorable moment. Ingemar Stenmark, the iconic Swedish legend, earned his 80th World Cup win on the Gran Risa slope. This victory was especially significant as it came over a year after his previous win on the tour, adding to the allure of Alta Badia as a venue. Stenmark, a symbol of technical excellence in modern ski racing, had a career spanning 15 years, from December 1974 to March 1989, during which he amassed 86 World Cup wins and numerous gold medals and crystal globes.

Brief history of the region

Around 9,000 years ago, the first humans, hunters, and gatherers discovered Val Badia Valley. Fast forward to the Roman conquest 2,000 years ago, and the Ladins saw a transformative period. Despite the fall of the Roman Empire and subsequent threats, the Ladins held onto their identity in the mountainous Dolomite valleys. There are still echoes of the First World War. Then, the emergence of tour tourism in the 18th century and the post-World War I revival shaped Alta Badia into a renowned international destination, balancing modern life with its rich cultural heritage.

When and how to watch the Sunday, December 17th Alta Badia World Cup giant slalom (GS)

The first run of the Giant Slalom begins at 4:00 am Eastern time and 1:00 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.

Start list and program for the Sunday, December 17th Alta Badia Giant Slalom

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Program for the December 17th Alta Badia Giant Slalom