Wengen finish arena GEPA photos

Who is skiing, when and how to watch Sunday’s Wengen slalom

Prepare for the adrenaline-pumping action on the Männlichen, the classic men’s World Cup slalom course in Wengen, Switzerland. Nestled in the stunning Bernese Alps on Lauberhorn mountain, this course, making its debut in 1930, is the oldest active alpine ski racing venue.

After three races, Austrian sensation Manuel Feller dominates the season’s slalom standings by earning two victories. However, with his teammate sidelined due to a knee injury, attention shifts to Britain’s Dave Ryding, the active 2nd ranked slalom skier, trailing Feller by 125 points.

Norwegian contenders Timon Haugan and Atle Lie McGrath sit at 3rd and 4th place for active racers, hot on Ryding’s heels. Meanwhile, Germany’s Linus Strasser and France’s Clement Noel hold the 5th and 6th positions for active racers, each with over 100 points.

The defending Wengen champion, Norway’s Henrik Kristoffersen, faces challenges adapting to new gear, while Switzerland’s Loic Meillard seeks redemption after a season’s best 7th-place finish in the first three slaloms.

The Austrian dominance continues, with Feller and Schwarz securing victories. Yet, young Norwegian Alexander Steen Olsen and McGrath made waves, showcasing their skills in Adelboden.

With only Feller boasting two podiums this season, the World Cup slalom title race remains wide open, with nine thrilling competitions remaining.

Top Seven Men 2024 World Cup SL Standings

North Americans

In the season opener, North American men faced a challenging start to the slalom season, with only two out of seven skiers completing the first run, and none qualified for the next stage.

The situation improved in Madonna di Campiglio, where three out of seven finished the first run. However, only Canadian veteran Erik Read qualified for the final run, finishing the race in 25th place.

The turning point came in Adelboden, signaling hope for North American skiers. Four out of seven completed the first run, and three qualified for the final run. Erik Read, representing Canada, secured the 20th position. Notably, River Radamus from the Stifel US Ski Team, starting last with bib 70, delivered an impressive performance, finishing the day in 19th place. Another rising talent, Benjamin Ritchie, scored for the first time in the 2023-24 season, concluding the race in 23rd place.

This improvement sets a positive tone for the North American contingent as they head into the challenging Wengen-Männlichen slalom. With promising performances in Adelboden, the teams aim to build on this momentum and make their mark on the iconic slalom slope in Wengen, Switzerland. Skiing enthusiasts can anticipate an exciting showcase of skill and determination from these North American athletes in the upcoming race.

Three North Americans have scored slalom points this season

North Americans racing Sunday, January 14th, Wengen slalom

• Bib 28, Erik Read, ACA, Banff Alpine Racers, University of Denver, Atomic, UVEX, Level Gloves
• Bib 36, Jett Seymour, Stifel USST, SSWSC, University of Denver, Fischer, One/Way
• Bib 39, Luke Winters, Stifel USST, Sugar Bowl Ski Academy, Dynastar, Lange, LOOK
• Bib 41, Benjamin Ritchie, Stifel USST, Green Mountain Valley School, Dynastar, Lange, LOOK
• Bib 49, Asher Jordan, ACA, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, Atomic, Level Gloves
• Bib 53, Justin Alkier, ACA, National Ski Academy, Middlebury College, Rossignol/LOOK, Level Gloves
• Bib 60, River Radamus, Stifel USST, Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, Rossignol, LOOK, Level Gloves

Wengen Slalom characteristics

When the course is icy and the surface remains firm, Wengen offers a unique advantage for racers to qualify with later start numbers. The slope’s abundant terrain doesn’t receive direct sunlight until later, providing added visibility. This becomes a significant benefit, especially when the conditions are extremely icy. Also, early racers contribute texture to the surface, and the slightly warmer icy conditions further enhance the advantage.

However, this scenario depends on a cold night before the race and icy conditions. Yet, when these conditions align, great skiing throughout the first run can be truly rewarding. Racers can capitalize on the visibility to showcase their prowess on the iconic slalom slope.

No matter the conditions and challenges, racers navigating the course will experience a truly remarkable finish. The iconic finish arena, situated among the beautiful Swiss Alps, awaits them, accompanied by the cheers of one of the most extraordinary crowds in ski racing. It’s a thrilling conclusion to a challenging race, creating a memorable moment in the heart of Wengen, Switzerland.

When and how to watch the Sunday, January 14th Wengen Slalom

The first run for the men’s SL starts at 4:15 am Eastern Time and 1:15 am Pacific Time. The second run will begin at 7:15 am Eastern and 4:15 am Pacific Time.

In Canada, the World Cup can be viewed on CBC Sports.

The race can be viewed live and replayed in the USA on the streaming service Ski and Snowboard Live.

First run start list and program for the January 14th Wengen World Cup slalom.

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Program for the Sunday, January 14th, Wengen World Cup slalom.