In a stunning turn of events, the downhill races at the World Cup finale in Sun Valley, Idaho, have been completely canceled due to severe weather conditions. On March 22, 2025, heavy snowfall and strong winds struck the area, leading officials to make the difficult decision just before the scheduled start of the men's race.
Marco Odermatt, the top contender in men's downhill skiing, emerged as a significant winner despite the cancellation. With a total of 605 points, he clinched the small crystal ball for the best downhill racer, solidifying his exceptional performance throughout the season. "I am a bit sad to have won it this way, but ultimately, one wins the ball over the whole season and not in the last race," Odermatt stated during his interview with Eurosport.
Odermatt's victory comes on the heels of his overall World Cup championship, alongside triumphs in the Super-G and giant slalom events, marking yet another hat trick for the Swiss star. Notably, he finished the season 83 points ahead of his closest rival, fellow Swiss skier Franjo von Allmen, who gathered 522 points by season's end.
Meanwhile, in women's downhill skiing, Italy's Federica Brignone also celebrated victory by claiming the crystal ball for the women's downhill event with a total of 384 points, just edging out Austria's Cornelia Hütter (368 points) and compatriot Sofia Goggia (350 points). Brignone expressed her disappointment at the cancellation, stating, "I was here to fight for the ball. It's a pity because they have worked hard on the slope and it would have been great to race. But the wind was fierce, and it would have been an unfair race. That's our sport."
The circumstances surrounding the cancellation had been building throughout the day. Initially, the races faced delays due to persistent snowfall and necessary adjustments to the course. FIS Race Director Peter Gerdol explained, "The wind was blowing up the mountain, making it dangerous and unfair for the competitors, leading to our final decision to cancel the races despite all efforts to proceed.”
The men’s event was originally scheduled to start at 18:00 CET and was later postponed until 21:30 CET. The women’s race, initially planned for 19:30, also faced delays and was set for 22:00 CET. However, the conditions ultimately rendered racing impossible.
As a consequence of the cancellation, the standings for the downhill World Cup have now been finalized. The super-G races, which are planned to take place on March 23, 2025, are expected to go ahead, offering competitors a chance to vie for more accolades. The forecasts point to improved conditions, signifying a welcome change for the athletes.
Amid these events, an array of athletes had expressed their eagerness for the last races of the season. Among them were Emma Aicher and Kira Weidle-Winkelmann from Germany, both competitive forces in the downhill scene, along with Swiss skier Romed Baumann and Junior World Champion Felix Rösle, who was set to make his World Cup debut. Rösle’s absence now leaves him waiting for the next opportunity to compete on this stage.
Despite the weather misfortunes affecting both men’s and women’s events, the season has proven to be monumental. Odermatt and Brignone’s achievements add to the rich history of competitive skiing and showcase the resilience and determination of athletes. As they prepare for the super-G, the competitors will look to seal their season with strong performances irrespective of obstacles faced.
Ultimately, even with the cloud of cancellation looming, the athletes remain reflective on their accomplishments and the spirit they have shown throughout the season. Whether skiing in adverse weather, or celebrating hard-fought victories, they epitomize the dedication required to excel in the sport.
As fans and enthusiasts eagerly await the next glimpse of winter racing, the championships in Sun Valley will certainly remain a significant chapter in the ongoing narrative of alpine skiing.
