2024 World Cup in Jasná. Photo: Jakub Vojtek/Zväz slovenského lyžovania
A women’s World Cup weekend that sold out within hours. A bib draw in front of thousands of spectators. Crowds of fans gathering at the race venue even before course inspection. A sea of orange hats showing their support for hometown favorite Petra Vlhová — yet with enough love for the entire field. Curious looks from racers and team members alike: What is this magical place?
Those scenes defined the 2024 World Cup weekend in Jasná. Even after Vlhová suffered a serious knee injury, Slovakia’s passionate spectators created an atmosphere that the world’s best racers have not forgotten.
Now Jasná is preparing to welcome them back.
The women’s World Cup returns to the Slovak resort Jan. 23-24, 2027, for giant slalom and slalom. For the organizers, the weekend offers another opportunity to showcase elite racing, Slovak hospitality and one of the sport’s most distinctive fan cultures.
“It’s Ours”
Peter Pukalovič, chairman of the organizing committee, does not hesitate when asked what makes Jasná so special.
“It’s ours,” he said immediately with a smile.
“For us, as the Slovak Ski Federation, it is a great honor that the World Cup is returning to Slovakia after three years,” Pukalovič said. “One reason is that we are a relatively young federation, and in the short time we have been operating, we have already organized two World Cup events.
“It is also a matter of great prestige for Slovakia because the benefits are not only economic but promotional as well. And we are very happy that we can once again give our girls the opportunity to race on their home hill.”
Jasná is expected to appear on the calendar every three years, which presents the challenge of long-term planning. However, there was a turning point in how the organizers approached Jasná following Petra’s unfortunate crash.
The Day Jasná Fell Silent
Vlhová crashed during the opening run of the Jan. 20 giant slalom. The fall ended her season and began a long rehabilitation.
For several minutes, Jasná went quiet.
“Jasná went silent for a few minutes — you could have heard a pin drop,” Pukalovič said. “After quickly arranging her transport to the hospital, things initially looked hopeful for Petra, but after the examinations, we knew it was serious.”
The organizing committee soon faced a difficult question: How would the weekend continue without the athlete most spectators had traveled to see?
“We sat down as the coordinating committee and discussed what to do next,” Pukalovič said. “And that was exactly when we realized that those fans had not come just to watch Petra — they were genuinely interested in the skiing itself.”
The answer arrived the following morning. Spectators returned for Sunday’s slalom and again filled the venue.
“The racers themselves gave us truly excellent feedback about the atmosphere,” Pukalovič said. “Slovaks are incredibly supportive, and although at first glance it was very much an orange crowd, you could really feel their support for everyone else as well.”
That experience showed that visitors to Jasná want — and know how — to appreciate the best of alpine skiing. The atmosphere gives these races their unique magic, and the organizers intend to build on it in the years ahead.
Athletes Remember the Jasná Roar
Sweden’s Sara Hector won the 2024 giant slalom by 1.52 seconds. Yet her memories extend well beyond the result.
“It was truly a surreal and amazing experience to race in Jasná,” Hector said. “Of course, it was very, very sad that Petra had her injury there because it was such an atmosphere. I have never experienced something like that before. Also, the snow was amazing, and the organizers had done an amazing job.”
Thea Louise Stjernesund also came away from Jasná with a powerful experience.
“I felt like I had won the Olympics and the World Championships in front of a home crowd,” Stjernesund said. “It was very emotional because Petra got injured that day, but the fans stayed and cheered for us. I will never forget it — it was the loudest roar!”
The spectators’ dedication became apparent long before racing began.
“We were staying at a hotel right by the slope, and they were already walking up there at 5 a.m. to get to the finish area and secure good spots,” Stjernesund said. “They are definitely the most intense fans I have ever experienced.”
Orange Hats, Croatian Flags and a Growing Bond
Croatian Zrinka Ljutić has developed her own connection with the Slovak crowd. Attentive observers have even spotted Croatian flags among the orange hats in World Cup finish areas.
“Jasná is honestly a very special place for me,” Ljutić said. “I don’t think there is another venue where I can feel quite the same atmosphere. Slovakia has such a strong, passionate ski culture. I feel very lucky that the Slovak fans have embraced me and my siblings, Tvrtko, Dora and Hrvoje, so warmly.”
There certainly seems to be some chemistry there. Petra herself even joked about it on the Slovak podcast “Rattata,” saying that Zrinka was taking care of her fans. At the same time, she spoke very positively about how supportive her fans are of the other women as well.
“Petra has one of the most vibrant and devoted fan bases in alpine skiing,” Ljutić said. “I’ve watched them for years with their orange hats, Slovak flags and incredible energy. But what I admire most is their loyalty. They have stood by Petra through everything, including such a long and difficult injury period.”
Fan Clubs Prepare for 2027
Organizers want to give Jasná’s fan culture an even larger role at the 2027 event.
“We are in contact with Petra Vlhová’s official fan club, and we want to give fans even more space and work together to create a fan zone for all fan clubs, including those from abroad that would like to come to Jasná,” Pukalovič said.
Miroslav Ledecký, president of Petra Vlhová’s official fan club, welcomes the opportunity to cooperate.
“In Jasná, we showed that Petra’s fan club knows how to create a positive atmosphere and has great respect for all of Petra’s rivals as well,” Ledecký said. “That is the case at every race, but of course, an event at home is something special. We will definitely be in Jasná and will support the fan activities.”
Organizers also plan live music, competitions and other activities surrounding the races.
Fans planning a trip can find the latest race program and event updates on the official World Cup Jasná website.
Crews have already started technical upgrades, cabling and other infrastructure work. Meanwhile, the committee will use lessons from 2024 to improve transportation, accommodations and parking.
Shiffrin Looks Forward to Returning
Mikaela Shiffrin won the 2024 Jasná slalom. However, the American star also remembers how dramatically the atmosphere changed after Vlhová’s injury one day earlier.
“The World Cup race at Jasná is special; the atmosphere is beautiful,” Shiffrin said. “You can really see the passion the fans have for ski racing and Petra Vlhová.
“That giant slalom race in 2024 was challenging. I think we all felt the energy shift when Petra was injured, but we were thankful to the Slovak fans for sticking around and cheering for the rest of the field even though their hometown hero wasn’t there. I am looking forward to competing there again in 2027!”
Jasná also awards one of the World Cup circuit’s most memorable trophies: a crown inspired by Slovak culture. Shiffrin displays hers at home among her crystal globes, according to her media manager, Megan Harrod.
“The trophy at Jasná is one of my personal favorites on tour,” Harrod said. “It’s a crown crafted by Petra Toth. I love that the design is a nod to Slovak culture, inspired by traditional Liptov region folk costumes, embroidery and Czech crystal.”
For Harrod, Jasná also represents the value of World Cup stops that do not appear on the calendar every season.
More Than a World Cup Destination
The region’s connection to Vlhová and Olympic sport extends beyond the race slope.
Fans traveling through Slovakia can visit the Petra Vlhová Museum in Drahovce, which SRM previously featured when it opened. The museum chronicles the Olympic slalom champion’s career and displays equipment, trophies and personal items from her journey through the sport.
Crews are now building the Park of Olympic Champions directly in Liptovský Mikuláš.
“Our goal is not to create a quiet memorial site on the outskirts of the city,” Dušan Stančík, a member of the civic association behind the project, said. “We want to create a vibrant public space that will become a natural part of everyday life while paying tribute to the Olympic champions from this city.”
The association’s plans include a sculpture honoring the city’s Olympic champions, a Walk of Fame and areas where residents and visitors can gather and relax.
Inclusion in Practice
The Slovak Ski Federation also used the 2024 World Cup to demonstrate its commitment to inclusion.
Organizers selected Slovak para-alpine skier Marek Kubačka and his guide as forerunners. Their appearance captured the crowd’s attention and introduced more spectators to para-alpine racing.
“It is very important to us because para athletes are part of Ski Team Slovakia,” Pukalovič said. “We are trying to bring them more and more into the spotlight.
“It is only natural that we will once again invite para-alpine skiers to serve as forerunners and give them the opportunity to experience this unique atmosphere.”
As a relatively small federation, the Slovak organization relies heavily on cooperation and mutual support. Athletes from other ski disciplines helped organize the 2024 event. The federation also works with other nations to provide training opportunities and favorable conditions in Slovakia. In return, those relationships create opportunities for Slovak racers abroad.
“The supportive nature of Slovaks opens doors abroad,” Pukalovič said.
Could Jasná Welcome the Men?
The 2027 Jasná races will take place during the same weekend as the men’s World Cup in Kitzbühel, Austria. Meanwhile, discussions about bringing more men’s and women’s races together at the same venues continue throughout the sport.
Could Jasná eventually host the men as well?
“Definitely,” Pukalovič said. “If such a request comes, I can certainly imagine it.”
For now, the focus remains on Jan. 23-24 and the return of the world’s best women to Slovakia.
The racers remember the noise. The organizers remember the silence. And when the World Cup returns to Jasná, the orange hats will be waiting.
Watch: A video tribute to Slovak fans, video: Darka Šefčík Starnová
About the Author: Darka Sefcik Starnova
