Val d’Isère view GEPA Photo

The difficult Val d’Isère race hill had been heavily watered and made icy. However, 35 centimeters of wet new snow covered the surface and now the race crew is working through the night to expose the surface they worked so hard to create.

However, sources with the FIS say, as long as the overnight temperatures cooperate, they are very optimistic that they can provide a quality race surface.

There is some light snow in the forecast and if the skies are overcast, the potential direct light visibility advantage on clear days for the later start numbers may not be realized.

Undoubtedly, the Val d’Isère race hill is a challenge even in the best of conditions for the best of skiers.

Four North Americans are starting in the top thirty. River Radamus, who drew bib eight is currently 15th on the GS World Cup Start List. He is joined by Erik Read, tied for 16th, and Trevor Philp, 22nd. Also, due to his outstanding Sölden performance, Tommy Ford is starting again in the top 30 and is currently 24th on the GS WCSL.

Mclaughlin and Steffey qualified to race for the US through the Gurgl, Austria, Europa Cup GS races. Steffey will be skiing for his first World Cup points and McLaughlin will be skiing to return to the top 60 on the GS WCSL.

The North American Starters in Saturday’s men’s Val d’Isère GS

• Bib 8, River Radamus, USST, Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, Taos Ski Valley, Rossignol, Look, SWIX, ASP
• Bib 18, Erik Read, ACA, Banff Alpine Racers, University of Denver, Atomic, UVEX
• Bib 21, Trevor Philp, ACA, Banff Alpine Racers, University of Denver, Rossignol/LOOK
• Bib 23, Tommy Ford, USST, Mount Bachelor Sports Education Foundation, HEAD
• Bib 39, Brian McLaughlin, Global Racing, Dartmouth College, GMVS, Marker/Dalbello/Völkl, SWIX, ASP, TOKO
• Bib 44, George Steffey, Global Racing, Stratton Mountain School, Marker/Dalbello/Völkl, SWIX, ASP, TOKO
• Bib 47, Riley Seger, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, Rossignol/LOOK
• Bib 54, Liam Wallace, ACA, Sunshine Alpine Racers, Rossignol/LOOK
• Bib 65, Asher Jordan, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, Atomic

The first run for the men’s GS starts at 3:30 am Eastern Time and 12:30 am on the West Coast. Additionally, the second run will begin at 6:30 am Eastern Time and 3:30 am on the West Coast. To remind you, a full replay is available after the race on Ski and Snowboard Live.

In the USA, the race can be viewed live and replayed on the streaming service Ski and Snowboard Live. If you are not a current subscriber, sing up now so you don’t miss a single run.

Start list and program for December 10th men’s Val d’Isère GS

Daily Program December 10th Val d’Isère GS