Linus Strasser: GEPA pictures
Schladming Men’s World Cup Night Slalom: Who’s Racing, When, and How to Watch
A Night to Remember: The Schladming “Nightrace”
The Schladming Night Slalom, famously nicknamed “The Nightrace,” first lit up the slopes of the Planai on January 30, 1997. This World Cup night slalom began a thrilling new chapter in ski racing. Alberto Tomba claimed victory at the inaugural race, cheered on by 27,000 fans who packed the finish area to witness history under the floodlights. The Planai, one of the most challenging slopes in the Alpine circuit, became the stage for an unforgettable night-time spectacle.
Over the years, “The Nightrace” has grown into a massive event, drawing over 50,000 fans annually. The combination of a world-class slalom race and a vibrant festival atmosphere makes it the ultimate skiing party. With its steep-finish slope and electrifying energy, the Planai transforms into the center of the skiing world, where only the best slalom skiers earn the title of “King of the Night.”
Last Season’s Schladming Podium
At the 2024 Schladming “Nightrace,” Linus Strasser claimed his second consecutive World Cup slalom victory of the season, following his triumph in Kitzbühel just days earlier. The German skier performed exceptionally under the lights, solidifying his place among slalom’s elite.
Norway’s Timon Haugan, who has already won in Alta Badia this season, finished second in Schladming. France’s Clément Noël, the current World Cup slalom standings leader with four victories this season, secured third place. Together, these athletes brought thrilling competition to the Planai, cementing the event’s reputation as one of the most electrifying events in ski racing.
Jett Seymour was the only North American to qualify for the second run last season. Unfortunately, despite a strong first run, Seymour could not finish his second, leaving the U.S. without a top result at the iconic event.
Podium Contenders
This season has delivered thrilling battles between established stars and rising talents. Noël has dominated with four World Cup wins in Levi, Gürgl, Adelboden, and Kitzbühel, cementing his position as the leader in the standings. Kristoffersen, sitting second, has consistently earned podiums, including his win in Val d’Isère. Norway’s depth was on full display in Wengen, where Atle Lie McGrath, Haugan, and Kristoffersen swept the podium.
Popov’s breakthrough win in Madonna di Campiglio emphasized the growing international depth in men’s slalom. Meillard has secured multiple podiums, while Pinheiro Braathen continues to impress by rising to contend with the leaders. The remaining World Cup slaloms and the World Championships promise high-stakes action and bold performances.
Current Standings and Season Outlook
Noël leads the slalom standings with 464 points, showcasing his dominance with four wins this season. Kristoffersen follows in second with 435 points, bolstered by consistent podium finishes. Meillard holds third with 370 points, proving his reliability throughout the season.
McGrath and Haugan remain competitive, ranking fourth and sixth with 322 and 279 points, respectively. Braathen, sitting fifth with 313 points, continues to challenge the leaders with his strong performances. Strasser and Popov, both in the top 10, add even more depth to the standings. With four World Cup races remaining, including the iconic Schladming Night Slalom, the race for the slalom title remains wide open.
Current Top 15 2024-25 Season’s SL Rankings
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Season Overview: Podium Battles and World Championship Implications
2024-25 Slalom Season So Far
The 2024-25 slalom season has been a thrilling battle among the world’s best, with eight of the twelve races completed. Noël leads the standings with four victories, while Kristoffersen and Meillard follow as top contenders. With just four races left, including Schladming, the competition for the slalom globe intensifies.
Season Podium Results So Far:
- Levi, Finland: Clément Noël (FRA), Henrik Kristoffersen (NOR), Loïc Meillard (SUI)
- Gürgl, Austria: Clément Noël (FRA), Kristoffer Jakobsen (SWE), Atle Lie McGrath (NOR)
- Val d’Isère, France: Henrik Kristoffersen (NOR), Atle Lie McGrath (NOR), Loïc Meillard (SUI)
- Alta Badia, Italy: Timon Haugan (NOR), Loïc Meillard (SUI), Atle Lie McGrath (NOR)
- Madonna di Campiglio, Italy: Albert Popov (BUL), Loïc Meillard (SUI), Samuel Kolega (CRO)
- Adelboden, Switzerland: Clément Noël (FRA), Lucas Pinheiro Braathen (BRA), Henrik Kristoffersen (NOR)
- Wengen, Switzerland: Atle Lie McGrath (NOR), Timon Haugan (NOR), Henrik Kristoffersen (NOR)
- Kitzbühel, Austria: Clément Noël (FRA), Alex Vinatzer (ITA), Lucas Pinheiro Braathen (BRA)
With Schladming as the final slalom before the Saalbach World Championships, the stakes are higher than ever for athletes aiming to secure national team spots and move up the rankings.
A Global Field
Seventy-four men from 20 nations will compete in the World Cup night slalom in Schladming on Jan. 29.
S. Costazza (ITA) has set the first run, and S. Kogler (GER) will set the second run.
North Americans with 2024-25 World Cup Slalom Points
Progress in Slalom: The Stifel U.S. Ski Team
The Stifel U.S. Ski Team has gained promising strides in slalom this season, with Benjamin Ritchie leading the charge. Ritchie has earned 95 points and is ranked 20th in the standings. His breakout season includes six scoring finishes, with the last four coming consecutively. A career-best eighth-place first run in Wengen highlighted his potential to compete at the highest level. With four races remaining, Ritchie is on track to qualify for his first World Cup finals in Sun Valley, Idaho.
Seymour faces challenges in his quest for the season finale. After failing to qualify in the last two races, his push for the finals has become more difficult. With 44 points and a 32nd-place ranking, Seymour’s season highlight remains his 13th-place finish in Alta Badia. However, three DNFs, including the second run in Madonna di Campiglio, have hindered his consistency. Strong results in the next races will be crucial to keeping his hopes alive.
River Radamus, the Stifel U.S. Ski Team’s top GS skier, will return to slalom competition in Schladming. Radamus scored four points with a 27th-place finish in Alta Badia earlier this season. While he is primarily focused on giant slalom, he aims to sharpen his slalom form as he prepares for the upcoming World Championships.
Independent Canadians: Erik Read, Simon Fournier, and Declan McCormack
Canadian skiers Erik Read and Simon Fournier are competing independently this season while training with the World Racing Academy. Read, a seasoned veteran, has scored slalom points for an impressive 11 consecutive World Cup seasons. His 21st-place finish in Kitzbühel highlighted his consistency on one of the most challenging slopes on the circuit.
Fournier, who continues to push for a standout result in slalom, brings skill and determination to every race. The two will be joined by their World Racing Academy teammate, Declan McCormack. The 25-year-old and former University of Vermont skier will make his World Cup debut in Schladming. Returning from injury, this will be McCormack’s first race of the season since competing in the Australia-New Zealand Cup slaloms back in August. All three Canadians will aim to make their mark at the iconic Schladming “Nightrace.”
North American Men Racing Slalom
- Bib 26, Benjamin Ritchie, Stifel USST, Green Mountain Valley School, HEAD
- Bib 32, Jett Seymour, Stifel USST, Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, University of Denver
- Bib 43, Erik Read, CAN World Racing Academy, Banff Alpine Racers, University of Denver, Atomic
- Bib 46, River Radamus, Stifel USST, Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, SYNC Protection
- Bib 58, Declan McCormack, World Racing Academy, Osler Bluff Ski Club, University of Vermont
- Bib 59, Simon Fournier, Mont Tremblant Ski Club, University of Denver, SYNC
A Night of Slalom Glory
The Schladming “Nightrace” is a must-watch event, combining world-class slalom racing with an electric atmosphere. As the final slalom before the Saalbach World Championships, it’s a pivotal moment for top contenders and those aiming to secure team spots. Don’t miss the drama and excitement as ski racing history unfolds on the Planai.
How and When to Watch
The first run kicks off at 11:45 a.m. Eastern and at 8:45 a.m. Pacific Time, with the second run set for 2:45 p.m. Eastern and 11:45 a.m. Pacific Time.
U.S. audiences can catch the Schladming night slalom live or replay it on Peacock.
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
