After a successful debut in 2016, the USSA is proposing that the Audi FIS Ski World Cup return to Killington Resort on Thanksgiving weekend, as it did last year, as well as Beaver Creek Resort,2017-18. (USSki Team)
Vermont Business Magazine The USSki and Snowboard Association announced today it is moving forward with hosting Audi FIS Ski World Cup stops at Killington Resort and Beaver Creek Resort during the 2017-18 season. Both resorts are part of a comprehensive USSA event calendar that will be presented to the International Ski Federation during its annual meetings next month in Portoroz, Slovenia.According to Mountain Times,Killington PresidentMike Solimano announced to the local community Monday evening that the resort had signed a two-year deal to host a World Cup event. Last year's race saw Burke Mountain Academy grad, gold medalist and World Cup champion Mikaela Shiffrin win an emotional slalom at Killington.
“Killington and Beaver Creek are both dedicated partners who, along with Aspen and Squaw Valley, have demonstrated their commitment to showcasing our athletes and growing the sport of alpine ski racing,” said USSA President and CEO and native Vermonter Tiger Shaw. “We’ve seen strong performances from our athletes at both venues and look forward to giving them the opportunity to ski on home snow as they vie for their Olympic spots.”
Mike Solimano, President and General Manager, Killington, said, "Establishing a multi-year World Cup schedule here at Killington is an incredible opportunity for the resort and the surrounding community. I was blown away by the sheer size of the crowd last year, and their enthusiasm leads me to believe that we’ll bring in even more spectators this year to watch the fastest female ski races in the world take on the Superstar trail. We used every cold period in October and November to build a world-class race venue on Superstar, and getting the job done so early in the season showcased our snowmaking system as an industry-leading powerhouse. With the support of our community, I am excited to again showcase Killington and the entire state of Vermont to the international ski market."
The 2016 Killington World Cup was the first race held on the east coast since 1991. (USSki Team)
The USSA saw strong athletic performances, fan attendance and TV audiences throughout itsfour U.S. World Cup stopsin 2016-17, culminating with World Cup Finals in Aspen, one of the biggest showcases of ski racing the USoutside of the World Championships. The event at Killington was the first World Cup in New England in over 20 years, drawing more than 30,000 spectators over the course of two days and providing U.S. Ski Team athletes the opportunity to engage with skiers and fans in the New England skiing community. The proposed agreement between the resort and USSA includes World Cup stops in both 2017-18 and 2018-19.
“Our partnership with Killington and POWDRCorp. to bring ski racing back to the east coast produced one of the most successful event weekends we’ve seen,” said Calum Clark, USSA’s vice president, events. “The Killington team worked tirelessly to put on a great event inspire thousands of young athletes. The prospect of returning for events during and after the Olympic season gives us the opportunity to further build on that success and grow the event’s impact.”
Mikaela Shiffrin celebrates her slalom victory last November at Killington. Photoby Dave Young for Killington Resort.
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Host of the 1989, 1999 and 2015 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, and annual Birds of Prey World Cup, Vail/Beaver Creek has been an integral part of the FIS World Cup since its inception in 1967. Since coming online as a regular downhill tour stop, it has become one of the most acclaimed speed venues in the world.
“The men’s races at Beaver Creek are some of the most highly anticipated races on tour,” said Clark. “The Birds of Prey event is iconic and the community is rich with ski racing history. There is no better venue to showcase our U.S. Ski Team speed stars in an Olympic season.”
The USSA anticipates a comprehensive broadcast and live streaming package for both events across NBC and NBC Sports Network.
The final Audi FIS Ski World Cup calendar is expected to be approved after the FIS Calendar Conference meetings, which conclude on May 28.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The USSA is proposing Killington Resort and Beaver Creek Resort as the U.S. Audi FIS Ski World Cup stops for the 2017-18 season.
- The World Cup calendar will be presented to, and is expected to be approved by, the FIS during its annual meetings in May.
- The USSA’s agreement with Killington includes calendar proposals for both the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons.
- Killington hosted women’s giant slalom and slalom races during the 2016-17 season, drawing more than 30,000 spectators over the two events.
- A three-time World Championships host and World Cup stop since 1967, Beaver Creek has become one of the most acclaimed speed venues in the world.
- The USSA anticipates a comprehensive broadcast and live streaming package for both events across NBC and NBC Sports Network.
Calum Clark, Vice President, Events, USSA said, "Our partnership with Killington and POWDRCorp. to bring ski racing back to the east coast produced one of the most successful event weekends we’ve seen. The Killington team worked tirelessly to put on a great event inspire thousands of young athletes. The prospect of returning for events during and after the Olympic season gives us the opportunity to further build on that success and grow the event’s impact.
"The men’s races at Beaver Creek are some of the most highly anticipated races on tour. The Birds of Prey event is iconic and the community is rich with ski racing history. There is no better venue to showcase our U.S. Ski Team speed stars in an Olympic season."
PARK CITY, UT (April 4, 2017)–USSA