Manuel Feller Wengen Slalom Champion 2024: GEPA pictures
Wengen Men’s World Cup Slalom: Who’s Racing, When, and How to Watch
The Wengen Slalom, held on the historic Männlichen slope, is one of the most iconic events on the FIS World Cup calendar. Situated on Lauberhorn mountain in the Bernese Alps, this natural terrain course has been a staple of alpine ski racing since 1930, making it the oldest active slalom course in the world. The January 19 race is the seventh slalom of the season and the second in Switzerland in as many weeks.
A Historic Venue with Unique Features
The Männlichen course is known for its natural terrain, which doubles as pastureland in the summer. With a vertical drop of 190 meters (623 ft), this course demands tactical precision and endurance from the world’s best slalom skiers. The finish area, shared with the legendary Lauberhorn downhill, provides a dramatic backdrop for one of the sport’s most celebrated competitions.
A Look Back: Last Season’s Podium
The 2024 Wengen Slalom delivered a captivating race, with Austrian Manuel Feller taking the win on his way to securing the World Cup slalom title. Norway’s Atle Lie McGrath finished second, while teammate Henrik Kristoffersen rounded out the podium in third. Both Norwegians have remained top contenders this season, with Kristoffersen currently leading the slalom standings.
Feller, however, has faced a challenging season as he defends his title. The Austrian has struggled with consistency, failing to finish four of the six slaloms so far. Of the two races he completed, his best result was a fourth-place finish. Despite these setbacks, Feller remains a proven talent who could return to form at any moment, especially on a course like Wengen, where he has previously triumphed.
It’s also worth noting that Lucas Pinheiro Braathen achieved a career-first slalom victory on the Männlichen course in 2022. Skiing with bib 31 for Norway, Braathen shocked the field with his first World Cup slalom win, showcasing his ability to capitalize on second-run opportunities. Now representing Brazil, Pinheiro Braathen remains a formidable force, recently earning his first slalom podium of the season in Adelboden after stepping away from competition last year.
Current Standings and Season Outlook
Kristoffersen leads the slalom standings with 375 points, followed closely by Clément Noël, who has won three of the six slaloms this season with 340 points. Loïc Meillard sits third with 297 points, while Pinheiro Braathen holds fourth with 231. With six slalom races remaining, including Wengen, the discipline title is still up for grabs.
Podium Contenders
This season has seen a mix of dominant performances and breakthrough moments. Noël, the French star, has already won three slaloms in Levi, Gürgl, and Adelboden, while Kristoffersen continues to deliver consistent results, including his Val d’Isère victory. Norway’s strength is reflected in multiple podium finishes by Atle Lie McGrath, Timon Haugan and Kristoffersen
Albert Popov of Bulgaria claimed his first World Cup victory in Madonna di Campiglio, demonstrating the growing depth of talent in men’s slalom. Meanwhile, Meillard has quietly established himself as a consistent podium finisher, proving his versatility across disciplines. Pinheiro Braathen’s ability to rise from outside the top starters and claim podium spots makes him a true wildcard for Wengen.
Current Top 15 2024-25 Season’s SL Rankings
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This season’s slalom battles have been intense, showcasing both seasoned veterans and emerging stars. Podium spots in the first six slaloms of the season have been fiercely contested, with the following results:
- Levi, Finland: Clément Noël (FRA, 1st), Henrik Kristoffersen (NOR, 2nd), Loïc Meillard (SUI, 3rd)
- Gürgl, Austria: Noël (FRA, 1st), Kristoffer Jakobsen (SWE, 2nd), Atle Lie McGrath (NOR, 3rd)
- Val d’Isère, France: Kristoffersen (NOR, 1st), McGrath (NOR, 2nd), Meillard (SUI, 3rd)
- Alta Badia, Italy: Timon Haugan (NOR, 1st), Meillard (SUI, 2nd), McGrath (NOR, 3rd)
- Madonna di Campiglio, Italy: Albert Popov (BUL, 1st), Meillard (SUI, 2nd), Samuel Kolega (CRO, 3rd)
- Adelboden, Switzerland: Noël (FRA, 1st), Lucas Pinheiro Braathen (BRA, 2nd), Kristoffersen (NOR, 3rd)
The season has already delivered plenty of drama. As the tour arrives in Wengen, expect fierce competition as racers battle for critical points ahead of the World Championships.
A Global Field for Alta Badia
Sixty men from 21 nations will compete in the World Cup slalom in Wengen on Jan. 19.
K. Page (FRA) has set the first run, and B. Brunner (GER) will set the second run.
North American Men With 2024-25 World Cup Slalom Points
North Americans on the Start List
Stifel U.S. Ski Team
The Stifel U.S. Ski Team has shown significant progress this season. Benjamin Ritchie leads the group, ranked 19th with 72 points—more than triple his previous best season total. Jett Seymour follows with 44 points in 29th place, exceeding his totals from any previous season. River Radamus, known primarily for his GS and super-G prowess, has earned four slalom points this season and ranks 50th.
This progress may be attributed to the efforts of new head slalom coach Tristan Glasse-Davies, whose guidance appears to be making a positive impact on the team’s performance.
Luke Winters, a former World Cup finalist in 2022, seeks his first points in two seasons. His ability to perform on challenging courses like Wengen makes him a potential dark horse.
Canadian Contenders
Veterans Erik Read and Simon Fournier will represent Canada. Both athletes are training independently with the World Racing Academy. Read, a seasoned World Cup competitor, has yet to score slalom points this season but remains a strong contender. Fournier continues to aim for his first career World Cup points, bringing valuable experience and determination to Wengen.
North American men racing Slalom Jan 19
- Bib 28, Benjamin Ritchie, Stifel USST, Green Mountain Valley School, HEAD
- Bib 33, 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 45, River Radamus, Stifel USST, Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, SYNC Protection
- Bib 53, Simon Fournier, Mont Tremblant Ski Club, University of Denver, SYNC
- Bib 60, Luke Winters, Stifel USST, Sugar Bowl Ski Academy, SYNC Shields
How and When to Watch
The first run starts at 4:15 a.m. Eastern Time and 1:15 a.m. Pacific Time, followed by the second run at 7:15 a.m. Eastern and 4:15 a.m. Pacific Time.
U.S. audiences can watch the race live or as a replay on Ski And Snowboard Live.
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
