The Semmering Ski World Cup is back, bringing excitement to the slopes of Niederösterreich with two thrilling women’s races scheduled for December 28 and 29, 2024. Ski fans are gearing up for the giant slalom and slalom events hosted on the famed Panorama piste, as athletes from around the globe battle for podium positions.
The action kicks off on Saturday, December 28, with the first giant slalom run at 10:00 AM (local time), followed by the second run at 1:00 PM. Live coverage will be provided by ZDF, Eurosport 1, and ORF 1. The first race will only be accessible via live stream, but enthusiasts can catch the full action and commentary for the second run on television.
On December 29, the thrill continues with the slalom event, where the first run begins at 10:30 AM and the second run at 1:30 PM. Again, viewers can follow this exciting competition live on ZDF, Eurosport 1, and ORF 1.
This year’s event holds extra significance as it marks the return of the women’s Ski World Cup to Semmering after a break, with last year’s season being missed. The last giant slalom held at Semmering saw Swedish skier Sara Hector take the victory and current lead, raising expectations as the athletes prepare to compete on home soil.
All eyes will be on several key competitors, including Hector and Italian skiing star Federica Brignone, both of whom are favored to perform well. Other notable contestants on the starting list include Lara Gut-Behrami from Switzerland and Julia Scheib from Austria, who will be contending for significant points and prize money.
The prize pool for the races is substantial, totaling 144,000 CHF, with the winner of each event taking home 47,000 CHF. The stakes are high as these athletes vie for ranking points and cash prizes, adding to the competitive atmosphere.
Fans can watch the races not just on television but through various streaming platforms. Both ZDF and Eurosport will have live coverage, with ZDF also offering online streaming of the races. Those interested can join via subscriptions to platforms like DAZN, Joyn, or discovery+, ensuring they have access to all the exhilarating action.
This upcoming weekend is set to bring thrilling performances along the picturesque alpine backdrop of Semmering, as the ladies aim to showcase their skill and determination. With weather conditions ideal for skiing, anticipation is building among the athletes and spectators alike.
Looking back at the last World Cup event at Semmering, which took place two years ago, the memory of Mikaela Shiffrin’s double wins still lingers. Shiffrin will be missed this year as she continues to recover from injuries sustained earlier, highlighting the competitive nature and unpredictable circumstances of the sport.
With the warmth of local support and the thrill of international competition, the Semmering Ski World Cup promises to be filled with excitement, dramatic turns, and breathtaking moments as fans gather to cheer for their favorite athletes. Will Hector continue her dominance, or can new names emerge to challenge for the top spots? One thing is certain: the Alpine skiing community is eagerly awaiting what will undoubtedly be two days of unforgettable racing.
