Who’s Racing, When to Watch, and How to Tune In
A Storied Course in Ski Racing History
The Birds of Prey downhill course at Beaver Creek Resort, Colorado, has been a cornerstone of men’s World Cup ski racing since its debut in December 1997. Inaugurated with a Native American blessing by tribal elder Red Ute, the course quickly became one of the sport’s most challenging and iconic tracks. Designed by Swiss Olympic downhill champion Bernhard Russi for the 1999 World Championships, the venue has hosted 65 men’s World Cup races, ranking eighth all-time among World Cup venues.
Initially developed for the 1999 World Championships, Birds of Prey became the stage for Norwegian legend Lasse Kjus to achieve a historic feat: medaling in all five disciplines, an unmatched record. Austrian great Hermann Maier also won downhill gold in that event, marking the start of his dominance on this course. He claimed back-to-back World Cup downhill victories here in the following two seasons.
The course’s rich history includes pivotal moments for U.S. skiing. In 2004, American stars Bode Miller and Daron Rahlves achieved a historic one-two finish in the downhill, a first for U.S. men in the event. They swapped podium positions the following year, continuing their success on home snow. The course also hosted its only women’s race in 2011, when Lindsey Vonn won a relocated super-G, further establishing its reputation as a premier venue for elite competition.
Today, Birds of Prey remains a cornerstone of the early December World Cup calendar, attracting the world’s top racers to one of the most technically demanding courses in Alpine skiing.
Beaver Creek Returns with Downhill Action
After a two-year hiatus, Birds of Prey is set to host its first World Cup downhill since 2022. Last year’s event was canceled due to challenging weather conditions, including heavy snow, high winds, and poor visibility. These disruptions forced the men’s speed circuit to begin in Val Gardena, Italy, with back-to-back downhill races starting on December 14, 2023.
This year, the stakes are higher than ever. With only eight downhills completed last season, every race is a valuable opportunity for athletes to score critical points. Beaver Creek’s return allows racers to showcase their form on a course known for pushing competitors to their limits.
Odermatt’s Dominance in Focus
Swiss superstar Marco Odermatt enters the 2024-25 season as the undisputed leader in men’s Alpine skiing. Last season, he achieved an extraordinary feat, claiming the overall, downhill, super-G, and giant slalom World Cup titles. He also claimed the downhill world championship title at the 2023 World Championships in Courchevel, France.
Despite his dominance, Odermatt is eager to rebound after failing to finish the opening giant slalom in Sölden. Beaver Creek provides the perfect stage for his redemption and an opportunity to extend his streak of dominance. With Aleksander Aamodt Kilde sidelined by injury, Odermatt’s path to victory appears clearer, although the Norwegian’s absence will undoubtedly be felt.
Nations Represented in the Top 15
The field in Beaver Creek is as competitive as ever, featuring a diverse group of racers. Switzerland and Italy each boast three athletes among the top 15 on the World Cup Start List (WCSL), while France, the USA, Canada, and Austria have two representatives. Norway’s Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, though in the top 15, will not compete due to injury, leaving a gap in the field. However, the competition remains fierce, with racers like France’s Cyprien Sarrazin and Canada’s James “Jack” Crawford in top form.
2024-25 Men’s World Cup Downhill Start List
Sarrazin and Crawford Bring Momentum
France’s Cyprien Sarrazin, one of last season’s standout downhill racers, returns as a top contender. He secured three victories in 2023-24, including a rare double at Kitzbühel and another win on the demanding Stelvio in Bormio. His skill and consistency make him a favorite on any course.
Canada’s James “Jack” Crawford also arrives with high expectations. After finishing third in Beaver Creek in 2022, Crawford continues to impress as a rising star for Alpine Canada Alpin. Both athletes are poised to deliver strong performances on Birds of Prey.
A Look Back: 2023-24 Downhill Highlights
The 2023-24 season featured eight downhill races with five winners from five countries:
- Bryce Bennett (USA): Gröden 1, a shortened Saslong course.
- Dominik Paris (ITA): Gröden 2, a full-length Saslong.
- Cyprien Sarrazin (FRA): Wins in Bormio, Kitzbühel 1 and Kitzbühel 2 (Hahnenkamm).
- Marco Odermatt (SUI): Two wins at Wengen (short course and full Lauberhorn).
- Niels Hintermann (AUT): Victory in Kvitfjell to close the season.
With its challenging terrain and rich history, Beaver Creek’s Birds of Prey promises thrilling races and intense competition as the downhill season heats up. Fans won’t want to miss the action on Friday, December 6.
Sixty racers from 13 countries will compete in the Beaver Creek Downhill, with Austria and Switzerland each entering 10.
North Americans on the Downhill World Cup Start List
The 2024-25 downhill season features a strong contingent of 10 North American men on the World Cup Start List (WCSL). Among them are five Stifel U.S. Ski Team members, four from Alpine Canada Alpin, and one U.S. independent skier. Together, this group showcases the depth of talent across the continent, many of whom bring podium potential into the season opener at Beaver Creek.
Bryce Bennett and Ryan Cochran-Siegle of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team lead the charge for North America. Both are established downhill stars who have won World Cup podiums. Bennett, the highest-ranked North American on the WCSL, is a two-time World Cup downhill winner, including his victory on the Saslong course in Val Gardena during the 2023-24 season. Cochran-Siegle, an Olympic silver medalist in super-G, is also a proven contender who excels on challenging courses like Birds of Prey.
Alpine Canada Alpin’s Cameron Alexander and James “Jack” Crawford follow close behind. Alexander made history with a World Cup downhill victory in Kvitfjell, while Crawford, a 2022 Olympic medalist, continues to be a force in speed events. Both athletes have shown they can deliver on the biggest stages and will strive for solid performances in Beaver Creek.
Depth Across the North American Ranks
Six other North Americans scored downhill points last season and earned spots on the WCSL. Jared Goldberg, Sam Morse, and Kyle Negomir, all members of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team, bring significant depth to the U.S. squad. Negomir, a former junior standout with Ski & Snowboard Club Vail, is particularly familiar with Colorado’s demanding terrain and could deliver a surprise performance before a home crowd.
The experienced Wiley Maple, hailing from nearby Aspen, represents the U.S. as an independent racer. A long-time U.S. Ski Team veteran, Maple continues to demonstrate his ability to compete at the highest level. For Canada, Jeffrey Read and Brodie Seger round out the North American contingent. Both Alpine Canada Alpin skiers have shown flashes of brilliance, with Seger narrowly missing a World Championship Super-G medal in 2021.
North Americans on the DH World Cup Start List (WCSL)
North Americans Eager for a Comeback
Beyond the North Americans on the WCSL, two additional racers are returning after injuries: Erik Arvidsson of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team and Samuel DuPratt, also of the U.S. squad. Arvidsson missed last season entirely but has scored six times in his World Cup career, split evenly between downhill and super-G. Samuel DuPratt raced until late December, suffering a season-ending injury in Bormio on December 28, 2023. Both skiers bring significant potential and hunger to succeed as they aim to contribute to their team’s success at Birds of Prey.
For Canada, Kyle Alexander brings momentum to the 2024-25 season after competing throughout the 2023-24 campaign. Last season, Alexander scored World Cup points in super-G, demonstrating his potential at the highest level. Although he has yet to score racing World Cup downhill, the promising Alpine Canada Alpin racer will aim to break through and earn his first points in the discipline this season. With experience under his belt, he is poised to make an impact on the demanding Birds of Prey course.
With its challenging terrain and rich history, Beaver Creek’s Birds of Prey promises thrilling races and intense competition as the downhill season heats up. Fans can expect North America’s best to leave it all on the course on Friday, December 6.
North American Men Racing the Downhill
- Bib 7, Bryce Bennett, Stifel USST, Team Palisades Tahoe
- Bib 9, Ryan Cochran-Siegle, Stifel USST, Mt Mansfield Ski Academy, Cochran’s Ski Club, HEAD
- Bib 12, Cameron Alexander, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club
- Bib 16, James Crawford, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, HEAD
- Bib 24, Sam Morse, Stifel USST, Carrabassett Valley Academy, TOKO
- Bib 25, Jared Goldberg, Stifel USST, Snowbird Sports Educational Foundation
- Bib 32, Jeffrey Read, ACA, Banff Alpine Racers, Atomic
- Bib 34, Kyle Negomir, Stifel USST, Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, Atomic
- Bib 38, Erik Arvidsson, Stifel USST, Team Palisades Tahoe, Middlebury College, HEAD
- Bib 40, Wiley Maple, USA Independent, Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club, SYNC, Atomic, Oakley
- Bib 49, Brodie Seger, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, Atomic
- Bib 56, Kyle Alexander, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club
- Bib 59, Sam Dupratt, Stifel USST, Park City Ski Team, University of Utah, Atomic, Oakley
How and When to Watch
The race starts at 1:00 p.m. Eastern and 10:00 a.m. Pacific time,
U.S. audiences can catch the Beaver Creek Birds of Prey Downhill live or on replay.
Watch live on Outside TV and on-demand at Outside+.
Sports enthusiasts in Canada can watch the World Cup on CBC Sports.
Daily Program and Start List
Click the images to enlarge or download.
Start List
About the Author: Peter Lange
