Marco Schwarz: GEPA pictures
Madonna di Campiglio Men’s World Cup Night Slalom: Who’s Racing, When, and How to Watch
A Slalom Stage for Champions
The Madonna di Campiglio night slalom, known as the 3Tre Madonna di Campiglio FIS Ski World Cup Night Slalom, is one of the most prestigious and historic events in alpine skiing. Set to take place on January 8, 2025, it will mark the first men’s World Cup race of the new year and the fifth of twelve scheduled slaloms for the 2024-25 season. The race takes place on the iconic Canalone Miramonti slope, which demands technical mastery and mental focus under the lights. Its legendary status stems from decades of elite competition, hosting skiing greats such as Ingemar Stenmark, Alberto Tomba and Bode Miller.
Winter Storm Challenges
The local race crew and FIS officials are battling a storm that dumped 40 centimeters (16 inches) of wet, heavy snow on the course. Despite the challenging conditions, their expertise and determination are expected to deliver a race surface in top shape. With both manpower and machinery working tirelessly, fans can look forward to a well-prepared track for this iconic event.
Past Winners and Current Contenders
Last season’s Madonna di Campiglio slalom podium was a showcase of talent. Austria’s Marco Schwarz triumphed, France’s Clément Noël placed second, and Great Britain’s Dave Ryding secured third. This year, Noël stands out as a favorite, having dominated the first two slaloms of the season before suffering an ankle injury that caused him to miss Val d’Isère. Fully recovered, Noël is poised to continue his strong start.
Other podium skiers from this season are also expected to contend. Norway’s Henrik Kristoffersen, winner in Val d’Isère, and Atle Lie McGrath have been consistent podium threats. Switzerland’s Loïc Meillard, who has podiumed three times this season, and Timon Haugan, winner in Alta Badia, also bring momentum into this event. Fans should also watch for Schwarz, last season’s Madonna di Campiglio champion, who is still recovering from a severe injury, and Austria’s Manuel Feller, last season’s slalom champion, who has shown improvement after a difficult start.
Storylines to Watch
Schwarz, the defending champion in Madonna di Campiglio, is navigating his return after a severe injury. Though his early results this season—26th in Val d’Isère and a DNQ in Alta Badia—indicate challenges, his elite talent suggests a comeback is on the horizon.
Feller DNFed in both Levi and Gürgl before recovering with strong performances: fourth in Val d’Isère and seventh in Alta Badia. His trajectory suggests that a return to the podium may not be far off.
Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, racing for Brazil, has also delivered strong results this season. He finished fourth in Levi, DNFed in the first run in Gürgl, returned with another fourth in Val d’Isère, and was 12th in Alta Badia. These performances hint that his first slalom podium of the season is just around the corner.
Germany’s Linus Strasser, last season’s slalom runner-up, has struggled with consistency but remains a strong competitor. After finishing seventh in Levi, he failed to qualify in Gürgl and did not finish second runs in Val d’Isère or Alta Badia. Strasser, like others, is eager to turn his season around.
Current Top 15 2024-25 Season’s SL Rank
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A Competitive Field
This season’s slalom battles have been fierce, with podium spots claimed by a mix of veterans and rising stars. The top contenders this year include:
- Levi, Finland: Noël (1st), Kristoffersen (2nd), Meillard (3rd)
- Gürgl, Austria: Noël (1st), Kristoffer Jakobsen (2nd), McGrath (3rd)
- Val d’Isère, France: Kristoffersen (1st), McGrath (2nd), Meillard (3rd)
- Alta Badia, Italy: Haugan (1st), Meillard (2nd), McGrath (3rd)
These results highlight the depth of talent in men’s slalom, and Madonna di Campiglio promises to continue the trend of thrilling competition.
A Global Field for Alta Badia
Seventy-three men from 23 nations will compete in the men’s World Cup slalom in Madonna di Campiglio on Jan. 8. Among the first 30 on the start list, 11 countries are represented, with Austria in the lead with eight athletes. This strong presence highlights the depth of talent in the Austrian slalom team as they aim for podium success this season.
J. Nordlung (NOR)) has set the first run, and M. Joris (SUI) will set the second run.
North American Men With 2024-25 World Cup Slalom Points
North Americans in the Spotlight
The North American contingent features a mix of veterans and rising stars. The Stifel U.S. Ski Team will enter Jett Seymour, Ben Ritchie, and Luke Winters, while Erik Read and Simon Fournier will represent Canada.
Seymour comes into this race after his best performance of the season, finishing 13th in Alta Badia. Ritchie has doubled his slalom points from last season and continues to show consistency, while Winters is still aiming for his first points this year. Read, a veteran racer, is after his first points of the season, and Fournier aims to break through with his career-first World Cup points.
North American men racing SL in Madonna di Campiglio Jan 8
- Bib 32, Jett Seymour, Stifel USST, Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, University of Denver
- Bib 36, Benjamin Ritchie, Stifel USST, Green Mountain Valley School, HEAD
- Bib 43, Erik Read, CAN World Racing Academy, Banff Alpine Racers, University of Denver, Atomic
- Bib 60, Simon Fournier, Mont Tremblant Ski Club, University of Denver, SYNC
- Bib 72, Luke Winters, Stifel USST, Sugar Bowl Ski Academy, SYNC Shields
How and When to Watch
The first run starts at 11:45 a.m. Eastern Time and 8:45 a.m. Pacific Time, followed by the second run at 2:45 p.m. Eastern and 11:45 a.m. Pacific Time.
U.S. audiences can watch the race live or as a replay on Ski And Snowboard Live.
Sports enthusiasts in Canada can watch the World Cup on CBC Sports.
Daily Program and First Run Start List
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First Run Start List
