Tumler, Haaser, Meillard: GEPA pictures
Kranjska Gora: Men’s World Cup GS: Who’s Racing, When, and How to Watch
Kranjska Gora GS: A True Test of Skill
The Kranjska Gora giant slalom course, known as Podkoren 3, presents one of the toughest challenges on the World Cup circuit. The course, often called the “Golden Fox,” is known for its steep pitches, blind turns, and ever-changing terrain. Skiers must navigate complex sections while adapting to shifting light conditions that make visibility difficult.
This Slovenian venue has a rich history in Alpine skiing. In 1972, the Podkoren 3 course hosted the first-ever two-run women’s giant slalom, marking a turning point in the sport. Today, the course continues to be an iconic race for the world’s best, testing their ability to maintain speed and execute demanding timing that requires technical excellence.
Course Details
- Location: Kranjska Gora, Slovenia
- Course Name: Podkoren 3
- Vertical Drop: 435 meters
Steep sections, sudden terrain changes, and an aggressive pitch means this race requires focus and confidence. As the 2025 World Cup season nears its end, this event will be a critical test for skiers hoping to solidify their rankings.
U.S. Success in Kranjska Gora GS
The United States has a strong history of success in Kranjska Gora’s giant slalom. Ted Ligety holds the record for the most GS victories at this venue, winning five times (2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, and 2014). His last win in 2014 also marks the most recent U.S. podium in Kranjska Gora GS.
Before Ligety’s dominance, Bode Miller claimed victory in 2004 and 2003. Phil Mahre was the first American to win a GS in Kranjska Gora, securing victory in 1982.
New World Champion Emerges in GS
The recent World Championship giant slalom crowned a new Austrian champion. Skiing with bib 22, Raphael Haaser finished the first run the 5th fastest, and then, to the delight of the enormous Austrian crowd, he beat the world’s best-ranked GS skiers to earn the gold medal.
To no one’s surprise, the other two medals were won by Swiss men, although neither was Marco Odermatt. Thomas Tumler secured second place, while Loïc Meillard claimed the bronze medal. Their performances further solidified Switzerland’s dominance in the discipline, despite Odermatt’s absence from the podium.
Kranjska Gora’s GS History
The last time the men raced giant slalom in Kranjska Gora was in March 2023. The event was scheduled for the 2024 season, but warm temperatures and insufficient snow forced organizers to cancel it. Also, the planned slalom could not be held as the snow melted too quickly to maintain a course.
However, in 2023, Kranjska Gora successfully hosted two GS races, with Marco Odermatt dominating both events and securing back-to-back victories. France’s Alexis Pinturault finished in second place in the first race, followed by Norway’s Henrik Kristoffersen in third. In the second race, Kristoffersen moved up to second, while Pinturault finished third.
Unfortunately, Pinturault was injured earlier this season and will not compete on Podkoren 3, leaving a significant gap in the 2025 field.
Season GS Podium Recap
| Race Location | Winner | Second Place | Third Place |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sölden, Austria | Alexander Steen Olsen (NOR) | Henrik Kristoffersen (NOR) | Atle Lie McGrath (NOR) |
| Beaver Creek, USA | Thomas Tumler (SUI) | Lucas Pinheiro Braathen (BRA) | Zan Kranjec (SLO) |
| Val d’Isère, France | Marco Odermatt (SUI) | Patrick Feurstein (AUT) | Stefan Brennsteiner (AUT) |
| Alta Badia, Italy | Marco Odermatt (SUI) | Leo Anguenot (FRA) | Alexander Steen Olsen (NOR) |
| Adelboden, Switzerland | Marco Odermatt (SUI) | Loïc Meillard (SUI) | Luca De Aliprandini (ITA) |
| Schladming, Austria | Alexander Steen Olsen (NOR) | Henrik Kristoffersen (NOR) | Marco Odermatt (SUI) |
With six GS races already in the books for the 2025 World Cup season, the battle for the giant slalom title is heating up. Odermatt remains a dominant force, winning three races so far, while Alexander Steen Olsen has claimed two victories, proving himself a serious contender. Kristoffersen has been a consistent podium presence, finishing second in two races and third in another.
The Swiss team continues to impress, with Meillard and Tumler securing podium spots, while Lucas Pinheiro Braathen‘s strong result in Beaver Creek showcased Brazil’s growing presence in Alpine skiing. Léo Anguenot’s podium in Alta Badia marked a breakthrough for the French team.
As the season nears its conclusion, the final two regular season GS races—including Kranjska Gora—will be decisive in shaping the overall standings. With several top athletes in peak form, the race for the Crystal Globe remains wide open.
Current Top 15 Men’s 2024-25 GS World Cup Standings
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With six of nine scheduled giant slalom races completed, nine countries are represented in the top 15 of the standings: Switzerland (3), Norway (3), Austria (3), France (2), Slovenia (1), Italy (1), Brazil (1), Croatia (1), and the United States (1).
Top Five and Their Differential to Odermatt
| Rank | Skier | Country | Points | Differential to Odermatt |
| 1 | Marco Odermatt | SUI | 360 | — |
| 2 | Alexander Steen Olsen | NOR | 289 | -71 |
| 3 | Henrik Kristoffersen | NOR | 279 | -81 |
| 4 | Zan Kranjec | SLO | 222 | -138 |
| 5 | Luca De Aliprandini | ITA | 196 | -164 |
Odermatt holds a strong lead, but Steen Olsen and Kristoffersen are within reach if they perform well in the final three races. Kranjec and De Aliprandini need exceptional results to close the gap, but both remain contenders for strong season finishes. The final two regular season GS races—including Kranjska Gora—will be decisive in shaping the overall standings and who qualifies for the Sun Valley World Cup Finals Giant Slalom.
Sixty-seven men from 22 countries will compete in the Men’s World Cup Giant Slalom in Kranjska Gora on Saturday, March 1.
J. Lago (AND) set the first run, and R. Valsecchi (SUI) will set the second run.
Radamus Leads the U.S. Charge
River Radamus is the only active U.S. skier with World Cup GS points this season. The Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete is ranked 14th in the GS standings with 138 points. He has delivered consistent performances, finishing 11th in Sölden, 7th in Beaver Creek, 17th in Val d’Isère, 15th in Alta Badia, 10th in Adelboden, and 12th in Schladming, placing in the top 15 in all six GS races this season.
Other U.S. Skiers Seek Breakthroughs
With Tommy Ford sidelined for the season, Radamus takes on the responsibility of representing U.S. GS skiers at the highest level. Patrick Kenney, an independent athlete with Global Racing, is ranked 45th in the GS standings and earned his first World Cup points this season by finishing 23rd in Adelboden. He is working to build on that result.
For Bridger Gile, Isaiah Nelson, and 2024 Junior World Champion Ryder Sarchett, a top-30 finish in Kranjska Gora is the objective. None of the three has yet scored World Cup points, and this race presents a crucial opportunity to enhance their chances of earning starts in future World Cups. Nelson and Gile were part of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team roster at the 2025 Saalbach World Championships, with Gile finishing 19th.
2024-25 North American Men’s World Cup GS Rankings
Canada’s Representation in Schladming
Veteran Erik Read, an independent World Cup skier training with the World Racing Academy, leads the Canadian roster. Currently, Read is ranked 40th in the GS standings, having earned points in Alta Badia with a 20th-place finish. In 2023, he finished 21st and 28th in two Kranjska Gora World Cup GS races.
Read will be joined by Asher Jordan, who also earned GS points in Kranjska Gora in 2023, along with his Alpine Canada Alpin teammate Liam Wallace. Both have World Cup experience but have raced GS only in Adelboden this season.
What to Watch For
As the GS season approaches the finals, all eyes will be on Odermatt as he seeks to extend his lead and secure another crystal globe. However, Steen Olsen and Kristoffersen remain close behind, making each of the remaining races crucial. Kranjec and De Aliprandini will be contending for podium finishes, aiming to break into the top three.
The battle for the top 15 spots is intensifying, with Radamus looking to climb higher in the standings as the only U.S. skier in contention. Meanwhile, Read leads the Canadian effort, striving to add more points to his total.
Podkoren 3’s steep pitches and technical sections will challenge the skiers’ ability to maintain speed while adapting to the ever-changing terrain. Conditions and visibility could significantly influence the race outcome, making this one of the most exciting stops on the calendar.
With only two GS races left in the regular season, Kranjska Gora could be pivotal in shaping the standings before the World Cup Finals.
North American Men Racing GS
- Bib 14, River Radamus, Stifel USST, Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, SYNC Shields
- Bib 38, Bridger Gile, Stifel USST, Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, HEAD, Oakley, SYNC Shields
- Bib 42, Erik Read, CAN World Racing Academy, Banff Alpine Racers, University of Denver, Atomic
- Bib 45, Patrick Kenney, USA, Global Racing, University of New Hampshire, Burke Moutain Academy, Marker/Völkl, SYNC, SHRED
- Bib 50, Liam Wallace, ACA, Sunshine Alpine Racers, University of Alaska Anchorage, SHRED
- Bib 52, Isaiah Nelson, Stifel USST, Buck Hill Ski Team, SHRED
- Bib 63, Ryder Sarchett, Stifel USST, University of Colorado, Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation
- Bib 65, Asher Jordan, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, Atomic
How and When to Watch
The first run starts at 3:30 a.m. Eastern and 12:30 a.m. Pacific Time, followed by the second run at 6:30 a.m. Eastern and 3:30 a.m. Pacific Time.
U.S. audiences can watch the race live or as a replay on Ski and Snowboard Live.
Sports enthusiasts in Canada can watch the World Cup on CBC Sports.
Daily Program and First Run Start List
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First Run Start List
About the Author: Peter Lange
