Draft Calendar for the 2024/25 NorAm Cup Season

Eleri Smart photo, Gary Yee, Simon Fournier photo Jace Stout

The draft calendar for the 2024/25 NorAm Cup season is out, and it looks to be a comprehensive test of skiing. The suggested schedule will hopefully become the officially approved calendar, becoming the path for North America’s top ski racers in the coming season.

The NorAm Cup represents the highest level of ski racing, with all competitions occurring entirely in Canada and the United States. It is crucial to highlight that the best two competitors in each discipline for both genders earn a coveted World Cup start spot in that discipline for the following season. Additionally, the overall champions for men and women gain a personal start spot in all World Cup disciplines. However, this does not guarantee a place in the World Cup finals. Only performance in the World Cup season or winning the Junior World Championship can secure a World Cup finals start position.

It is important to note that this is the proposed calendar but needs final approval from the host resorts.

Season Overview

For the 2024/25 season, both men and women will compete in four downhills, six super-Gs, eight giant slaloms, and eight slaloms. The season begins with two super-G races on Copper Mountain on November 16-17. The men remain at Copper for two giant slaloms and slaloms, while the women move to Loveland for their giant slaloms and slaloms.

November

The push for early NorAms is mainly to make it convenient for World Cup skiers training in Colorado to participate in the November NorAms. This, in turn, drives minimum NorAm penalties, creating a better opportunity for the best-performing North American athletes to score lower FIS points. Consequently, over the season, it benefits everyone involved, allowing skiers to gain valuable experience competing against the best and potentially improving the penalties of future domestic races. This strategic scheduling fosters a higher level of competitive North American ski racing.

The men benefit from the challenging technical terrain at Copper Mountain, known for its demanding courses. Meanwhile, the women face the Loveland challenge, which, although easier than Copper Mountain, may create significant difficulties if added terrain is built like the Tremblant women’s World Cup giant slaloms.

December

In mid-December (12-15), both genders once again return to Panorama, British Columbia, for two giant slaloms and slaloms. Panorama is a true test of skill, particularly in December when the light is flat and early morning snow-making plumes often create challenging conditions.

January

Following Panorama, both genders return to Canada for races in Lake Louise and Norquay, Alberta, within Banff National Park. Remember to get your park pass to avoid a fine. On January 27-28, the women race two slaloms at Norquay while the men tackle giant slaloms at Lake Louise. The giant slaloms at Lake Louise will take place on the dormant World Cup downhill slope, adding an element of prestige to the event. Norquay stands out as a venue for slalom races due to its interesting terrain and excellent conditions. They switch venues on January 29-30, with men at Norquay for slaloms and women at Lake Louise for giant slaloms.

February

Both genders are calendared to be in Kimberly, British Columbia, February 3-9 for the season’s first two NorAm downhills and a set of super-Gs. The course at Kimberly is a mild introduction to downhill racing, ideal for NorAm skiers beginning their downhill careers.

Moreover, although the Junior World Championships are not part of the NorAm Cup and do not affect the titles, the best junior NorAm racers from the US and Canada will compete in the FIS Junior World Ski Championships. Experienced host Tarvisio, Italy, will hold these championships from February 24th to March 6th.

March Finals

The NorAm finals are scheduled in Vermont and Maine. Sugarloaf will host two downhills and two super-Gs for both genders. The women will then remain at Sugarloaf for their final giant slaloms and slaloms, while the men move to Burke Mountain, Vermont, for their concluding giant slaloms and slaloms. These venues, known for their challenging courses, will provide a fitting end to the season.

The discipline and overall champions will be honored at the finals, revealing the season’s top performers.

In summary, the draft calendar for the 2024/25 NorAm Cup promises a season of intense competition and thrilling races. Ski racing fans and competitors can look forward to events that test every skill in the skiers’ repertoire.

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