The 2024-2025 World Cup Alpine Skiing season faced unexpected challenges this weekend as the women’s Super-G race at St. Moritz was canceled due to inclement weather conditions. This decision came after various delays, including attempts to push back the start time from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. The organizers confirmed there were simply not enough safe conditions to proceed with the competition.
The cancellation marks the second consecutive Super-G event lost to poor weather during the World Cup series on the Corviglia slope, raising concerns among coaches and athletes alike. "We saw significant snowfall overnight, which required extensive efforts to clear the course. Unfortunately, the wind and visibility Issues remained too dangerous for the athletes to compete effectively," the race director stated.
The absence of visibility proved to be particularly hazardous, with earlier practice runs indicating compromised safety, especially for the high speeds typical of Super-G races. The focus now shifts to recovery possibilities, with Garmisch and Cortina being mentioned as potential hosts for rescheduling the event.
Super-G enthusiasts were eagerly anticipating performances from Olympic champion Sofia Goggia and Federica Brignone, both of whom were favorites to secure podium positions. Just the day before, Goggia had secured third place, marking her 57th career podium finish, behind Cornelia Huetter and Lara Gut-Behrami, who claimed victory during the first Super-G of the weekend.
Fans were disheartened but not entirely surprised by the weather's sudden turn. "St. Moritz is known for its challenging conditions, and we must respect safety protocols above all else," commented Goggia. She highlighted the unpredictable nature of mountain weather, stating, "When the conditions are not right, we can’t compromise safety just to hold the event."
For many, including Lindsey Vonn, who made her much-anticipated return to ski racing after five years away due to injury, the canceled Super-G was especially disappointing. Vonn, who completed her first race back with a respectable 14th place finish, had been hoping to improve upon her performance. The prospect of close races and strong competition fueled every athlete's spirit, and Vonn expressed hope to build on her achievements moving forward.
Meanwhile, the men's giant slalom was successfully underway at Alta Badia during the same timeframe. The famed Gran Risa slope hosted fierce competitors, with the first round kicking off at 10:00 AM. Viewers were glued to their screens, following the exploits of Marco Odermatt, currently leading the overall World Cup standings.
Live coverage of the giant slalom included several top athletes, with the hope of seeing surprises from the Italian competitors, particularly Luca De Aliprandini and Alex Vinatzer—both of whom have shown promising form this season. De Aliprandini, having improved its placements throughout the previous races, was set for another attempt at clinching podium positions.
The first round of the giant slalom proved thrilling, with Filip Zubcic leading the race at the halfway point and capturing the attention of fans eager for updates. This year’s season has been electrifying, as numerous athletes have excelled, marking ninth different podiummakers already.
All eyes are now on how the race organizers will handle the rescheduled Super-G competition, keeping the thrilling spirit of the World Cup alive as they navigate the uncertainties of weather and scheduling. The stakes remain high, with every athlete eager to capitalize on their strengths through the rest of the season.
Looking forward, ski fans can catch the highlights of both events through Rai 2, Eurosport, and various streaming platforms—proof the ski season continues to excite even amid challenges.
