Beaver Creek GEPA pictures/Mario Buehner-Weinrauch

Excitement is buzzing in Tremblant as women prepare for this weekend’s giant slalom (GS) races. But there’s a lingering question: How can we bring North American women’s speed events back to the World Cup? Losing Lake Louise left a big void.

Rumors are swirling in Beaver Creek about women’s speed events potentially returning to the United States, specifically to Beaver Creek, the annual host of the men’s Birds of Prey. We contacted U.S. Ski & Snowboard, who confirmed the news.

“Following positive discussions with FIS, U.S. Ski & Snowboard and the Vail Valley Foundation are moving forward with plans to host women’s World Cup speed races at Birds of Prey in Beaver Creek during the second weekend in December 2024. This race weekend directly follows the men’s race, creating a two-weekend World Cup festival at Beaver Creek next season. The 2024-25 calendar is still subject to final ratification by the FIS Council in the spring of 2024.”

This follows discussions with the FIS, proposing a dual-weekend Beaver Creek World Cup spectacle alongside the men’s race. While Tremblant’s GS races are yet to unfold, the anticipation is high. The USSS’s response hints at a breakthrough for women’s speed events in North America.

The loss of Lake Louise is felt, but the focus now turns to Beaver Creek’s dual-weekend festivity—a celebration of speed and skill. The excitement is already building as we await confirmation from the FIS Council in spring 2024.

For the Stifel US Ski Team women, this announcement is a game-changer. There hasn’t been a women’s speed event World Cup in the US since the Aspen World Cup finals in 2017. For many on the team, this marks a historic moment and a chance to race on home soil—a thrilling opportunity they’ve been waiting for since Aspen. The excitement is palpable, and Beaver Creek’s dual-weekend World Cup promises to be a groundbreaking experience for these athletes, showcasing their speed skills on home soil. Get ready for a momentous 2025 season ahead! ????️????