One day to the next Val d’Isère finish area Photos Emese Kardhordo

Who is skiing, when and how to watch Saturday’s Val d’Isère GS

Prepare for an exhilarating clash of giants as the men gear up to conquer the Val d’Isère Giant Slalom (GS) showdown on Saturday, December 9th. The first GS race in Sölden, Austria, was canceled due to strong winds. This heightened the anticipation for the upcoming event, initially scheduled as the season’s second GS race. Unless faced with another cancellation, it will become the inaugural World Cup GS of the men’s 2023-24 season.

The men have faced challenges, with six out of seven scheduled races canceled. The cancellations included downhill, super-G and GS disciplines. Val d’Isère emerges as a pivotal battleground, offering racers an opportunity to make their mark following a challenging start to the season.

Defending Val d’Isère champion Marco Odermatt, the reigning GS World Champion, is gearing up to secure victory again. The notorious La Face de Bellevarde, renowned for testing every facet of a skier’s skill set, adds excitement to the competition. Odermatt, alongside last season’s podium racers Manuel Feller (AUT) and Žan Kranjec (SLO), aim to showcase their prowess on this unforgiving terrain. The Val d’Isère GS consistently delivers a stern test of skill and determination.

During last season at Val d’Isère GS, North American skiers delivered solid performances. River Radamus from the Stifel US Ski Team secured 16th place. Erik Read from Canada claimed 15th, and the now-retired Trevor Philp finished 26th. However, the canceled Sölden race in October hinted at strong performances by four Stifel US Ski Team members. This sets the stage for potential improvements this year.

As the racers confront the daunting La Face de Bellevarde, known for pushing skiers to their limits, the Val d’Isère GS promises to be a riveting display of skill and determination. This season has offered limited chances to shine. The athletes are prepared to give their all on the courses to pursue glory.

Weather challenges again

Again Mother Nature complicates race plans for the men. The race crew and FIS worked day and night for over a week, tirelessly watering and meticulously grooming the slope. Despite their efforts, Friday night’s forecast includes additional challenges with wind, snow, and rain. Undeterred, their day begins at 3:30 a.m. tomorrow to ensure that Saturday witnesses the crowning of the season’s first men’s GS champion.

Best ten 2023 World Cup GS men entered in the Val d’Isère Giant Slalom

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The ten North Americans entered in the December 9th Val d’Isère Giant Slalom

• Bib 16, River Radamus, Stifel USST, Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, Rossignol, LOOK, Level Gloves
• Bib 20, Erik Read, ACA, Banff Alpine Racers, University of Denver, Atomic, UVEX, Level GlovesAtomic, UVEX
• Bib 23, Tommy Ford, Stifel USST, Mount Bachelor Sports Education Foundation, HEAD
• Bib 33, George Steffey, Stifel USST, Stratton Mountain School, Marker/Dalbello/Völkl, Level Gloves
• Bib 38, Isaiah Nelson, Stifel USST, Buck Hill Ski Team, Rossignol, LOOK, Level Gloves
• Bib 40, Brian McLaughlin, Stifel USST invitee, Dartmouth College, GMVS, Marker/Dalbello/Völkl, TOKO, SYNC
• Bib 41, Asher Jordan, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, Atomic, Level Gloves
• Bib 50, Liam Wallace, ACA, Sunshine Alpine Racers, University of Alaska Anchorage, Rossignol/LOOK, Level Gloves
• Bib 56, Patrick Kenney, Global Racing, University of New Hampshire, Burke Moutain Academy, Marker/Dalbello/Völkl, TOKO, SYNC
• Bib 70, Riley Seger, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, Montana State University, Rossignol/LOOK, Level Gloves

North American men in Val d’Isère Giant Slalom who scored World Cup GS points last season

Seventy-one athletes representing 22 nations will compete in the 2023 Val d’Isère Giant Slalom.

Champion’s Legacy in Val d’Isère Races

Legendary champion Jean-Claude Killy, a three-time Olympic gold medalist from the 1968 Grenoble Games. Born in Saint-Cloud, Killy’s journey to becoming a top-level skier began at the age of 3 when he first strapped on skis in Val d’Isère.

Val d’Isère: Where Legends Are Born

Since 1930, Val d’Isère has evolved among natural beauty, hosted its first Alpine skiing World Cup in 1955 and the 1992 Albertville Olympic Games. A ski holiday here means traversing the same routes as the greatest champions. Beyond its sporting significance, Val d’Isère carries a rich history dating back to the early 18th century and the events of the French Revolution.

Cultural Tapestry of Val d’Isère

The history of Val d’Isère predates Christianity, with the area witnessing the passage of diverse cultures and offering unique experiences. This cultural diversity has shaped the sense of hospitality among the people of Val d’Isère. It also stands as a testament to a mountain community’s resilience and rich cultural heritage. As the races unfold in Val d’Isère this weekend, the echoes of Jean-Claude Killy’s legacy and the centuries of history embedded in the slopes create a genuinely exceptional backdrop for the exhilarating competitions.

When and how to watch the Val d’Isère GS on Saturday December 9th

The first run of the Giant Slalom begins at 3:30 am Eastern time and 12:30 am Pacific time. The second run is scheduled to air at 7:00 am Eastern time and 4:00 am Pacific time.

In the United States, Ski and Snowboard Live will offer a live and full replay with English announcers.

Start list and program for the December 9th Val-d’Isère Giant Slalom

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Program for the December 9th Val-d’Isère Giant Slalom