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The racers, schedule, and how to watch the Sunday, March 17th Women’s Saalbach World Cup Finals GS

With the Women’s World Cup GS Finals in Saalbach, Austria, just around the corner, the buzz surrounding the Sunday, March 17th giant slalom (GS) event intensifies. This season has been a rollercoaster ride of fierce competition and jaw-dropping victories. At the forefront of this gripping narrative stands Lara Gut-Behrami of Switzerland, dominating the GS scene with her stellar performances.

However, Italy’s Federica Brignone has emerged as a force to be reckoned with. She is rewriting history as the oldest woman to clinch a GS victory, breaking the record three times. Despite Brignone’s incredible feats, Gut-Behrami holds a commanding lead in the GS title race, leaving her Italian rival trailing by a nearly insurmountable 95 points. To steal the season’s GS title, Brignone would have to win and Gut-Behrami would have to finish outside the top 15.

As excitement mounts for the showdown in Saalbach, Mikaela Shiffrin’s announcement that she won’t be competing in GS at the finals is a disappointment. Despite Shiffrin’s injury-related absence from the GS races earlier this season, her triumphant victory in Lienz, Austria, last December showcased her undeniable talent and reignited anticipation for her return to competitive skiing.

Who is qualified for the finals

The finals field comprises only the top 25 performers from the GS season, athletes amassing 500 or more points in all events, and the reigning Junior World Champion. Notably, only the top 15 finishers will earn World Cup points at the finals.

Two women who did not finish among the best 25 GS skiers but accumulated more than 500 points have decided to enter the GS finals this season: Germany’s Lena Dürr and Switzerland’s Michele Gisin

Top twenty-five 2024 regular-season World Cup giant slalom standings

Nations Cup Women’s GS bragging rights

In the unofficial Team Nations Cup for women’s GS, Italy leads the pack significantly, followed closely by Switzerland. The Stifel US Ski Team impresses with a solid third-place position, while Canada holds its own in seventh place.

Men’s GS Nations Cup totals

North Americans

Among the elite athletes vying for victory in Saalbach, North America boasts a formidable contingent, with five representatives among the top 25. However, rising stars AJ Hurt and Paula Moltzan of the Stifel US Ski Team and Canadian Junior World Champion Britt Richardson will showcase their skills at the GS World Cup finals. Although Moltzan is a true veteran, it will be the first World Cup finals appearance for both Hurt and Richardson.

North American Women Racing the World Cup finals GS

• Bib 13, Paula Moltzan, Stifel USST, University of Vermont, Ski and Snowboard Club, Vail, Rossignol/LOOK, Level Gloves, Oakley
• Bib 10, AJ Hurt, Stifel USST, Team Palisades Tahoe, HEAD
• Bib 21, Britt Richardson, ACA, Calgary Alpine Racing Club, Burke Mountain, Academy, Dynastar/Lange/Look, Oakley, Level Gloves

With competitors hailing from 14 different countries, the GS finals in Saalbach promise to be a global spectacle of athleticism and excitement. As fans eagerly await Gut-Behrami’s defense of her title amidst fierce competition, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the GS season.

Twenty-four women representing 14 nations will race the Saalbach World Cup GS Finals.

How to watch the Women’s World Cup Finals GS

The women’s first run starts at 4:00 a.m. Eastern Time, 1:00 a.m. Pacific Time and 9:00 CET. The second run will begin at 7:00 a.m. Eastern Time, 4:00 a.m. Pacific Time and 12:00 CET.  

In the USA, the women’s World Cup finals GS will be available to view live and as a replay on the Peacock streaming service.

In Canada, sports enthusiasts can watch the World Cup on CBC Sports

First run Start list and race program for the Sunday, March 17th, Saalbach World Cup Finals women’s GS

Click on the start list and program to download

Race program for the Sunday, March 17th, Saalbach World Cup Finals women’s GS