Ligety names 2015 World Champs slalom contenders

Ligety and Neureuther together at the 2013 Munich parallel slalom. GEPA/Christian Walgram

While he may be Mr. GS, back-to-back World Champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Ted Ligety knows a thing or two about the men’s slalom scene too. Here is Shred’s call on who to watch next February:

Felix Neureuther (GER) – He wins a lot of slaloms, is an all-around good guy and can flat out turn it on when it’s big. He’s bound to be world champ.

Marcel Hirscher (AUT) – He is the Olympic gold medalist from Sochi and basically a slalom podium guarantee every race.

Henrik Kristoffersen (NOR) – He’s super young and has already won an Olympic medal in slalom (bronze). He’s young and should only get better.

Mario Matt (AUT) – Plain and simple, he seems to get better with age.

Andre Myhre (SWE) – Andre is super fun to watch ski. He has amazing speed and versatility.

But don’t count out Ted. He’s been slapping the plastic all month in New Zealand and word on the street is “fast feet.”

Release courtesy of USSA

Editor’s note: Marcel Hirscher won the silver medal in Sochi but gold at the 2013 World Championships.