The Audi FIS Ski World Cup will return to Aspen from March 1-3, 2024. In men's super G and downhill, spectators can see a collection of the most talented alpine racers as they gear up to compete against the clock and each other. This awe-inspiring event only adds to the legacy of Aspen's strong association with skiing and ski racing.
Aspen’s Ski Racing History
From the Roch Cup to the Audi FIS World Cup Finals, ski racing has remained an important part of Aspen’s heritage. Racing is woven into the fabric of the history of this town, dating back nearly 90 years; and it is this history that has earned Aspen its representation as a hub for world-class ski racing. The world’s best alpine racers have come together in Aspen to compete in speed and tech disciplines and leave their mark on the ski racing world.
Here are some of Aspen’s most pivotal moments in its history of ski racing:
1937 | The Roaring Fork Sports Club, a newly formed ski club, holds its first-ever race on Aspen Mountain.
1941 | The U.S. National Downhill and Slalom Championship is hosted by Aspen. Held on Roch Run, this race helps to give the town international exposure, gaining attention and carving a reputation as one of the best courses in the world.
1950 | Aspen hosts the FIS World Championships, marking the first time it is held in the U.S.
1946 | The first Roch Cup Race is held, forging the way for Aspen’s development into an internationally recognized course for ski racing.
1954-1963 | The Roch Cup Races, which are also the U.S. National Championships, grow in popularity. In 1960, the race becomes the largest field since the FIS World Championships held in 1950, gaining worldwide attention as European competitors travel to Aspen before the Squaw Valley Olympics. By 1963, the Roch Cup Races are considered an Olympic “tryout” event attracting athletes and spectators from all over the world.
1967 | Aspenite Bob Beattie, in partnership with French Ski Team director Honore Bonnet and Swiss journalist Serge Lang, starts the FIS World Cup circuit, cementing Aspen Snowmass as a regular fixture in the World Cup circuit and in the world of alpine ski racing.
1968 | Aspen hosts its first World Cup race.
1979 | Aspen hosts its first women’s only giant slalom.
1981 | The first Winternational America’s Downhill is held on Aspen Mountain. The event eventually becomes a week-long celebration of skiing and ski culture.
1988 | The second women’s only World Cup event is held with competitions in downhill, giant slalom, and slalom.
1989 | Men’s World Cup racing returns to Aspen with races held every year through 1995, except for 1990.
1998 | After a three-year hiatus, World Cup racing returns to Aspen with a men’s super-G and slalom. Racers call the super-G course one of the most challenging in the world.
2015 | Colorado native Mikaela Shiffrin becomes the first American female to win gold in Aspen since 1981. Her victory of 3.07 seconds marks the largest margin of victory in women’s ski race history. Shiffrin will eventually go on to hold the most World Cup wins of any skier.
2017 | The Audi FIS Ski World Cup Finals are held on Aspen Mountain in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the World Cup ski racing circuit. Mikaela Shiffrin wins her fourth title in slalom and becomes the first American to win the coveted Overall Crystal Globe in the U.S.
2023 | The return of America's Downhill™ with the men's downhill and super-G is hosted in Aspen.
The Audi FIS Ski World Cup
Since its inception in 1967, the Audi FIS Ski World Cup has been the top international circuit of alpine skiing competitions. The World Cup is held yearly and is considered the premier competition for alpine skiing, second only to the Winter Olympics. Many athletes consider the World Cup title to hold more value than the Olympics or World Championships since competitors must ski at a high level across several disciplines throughout a whole season, rather than through just one race.
Aspen has hosted more than 86 World Cup races since 1968 when the FIS World Cup Circuit began. Aspen’s challenging terrain and beautiful slopes make it a coveted destination amongst skiing’s most elite athletes. Aspen’s position as an iconic World Cup skiing circuit destination remains with it hosting some of the most thrilling alpine races for over half a century.
World Cup Competitive Disciplines and Rules
The Audi FIS Ski World Cup holds competitions in four disciplines: slalom, giant slalom, super G, and downhill. The fifth event, the combined, employs both the downhill and slalom.
Originally, the World Cup only included slalom, giant slalom, and downhill races. Combined events (calculated using results from selected downhill and slalom races) were added during the 1974–75 season, while the Super G was incorporated in 1982-83.
History of All Event Winners
Only a few racers have ever managed to win races in all five classic World Cup alpine skiing disciplines during their career. These athletes include Marc Girardelli, Petro Kronbeger, Janica Kostelic, and Tina Maze.
Bode Miller holds the record as the only skier with five World Cup victories in all five disciplines, while Mikaela Shiffrin is the only skier in history who has won in six different disciplines (aside from the classic five disciplines, she has also won in parallel slalom.)
2024 World Cup Races Return to Aspen!
Aspen Snowmass is excited for the return of America’s Downhill™ on Aspen Mountain. Audiences will have the chance to enjoy everything from agility-fueled upsets to fairytale endings, all set on a steep, corkscrewing technical track that overlooks the town. Throughout the weekend, events include live music, ceremonies, and amazing skiing and riding across all four mountains.
Among the special events is the Wagner Park Festival, which takes place just down the hill from the finish line, featuring big-name musical performances as part of the Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series, a bar, local food vendors, a sponsor village, athlete meet-and-greets, climate-centered activities, event merchandise, local art displays, and the Roch Cup awards ceremony!
Attendees can also elevate their experience with one of the weekend’s VIP experiences, giving access to the best atmosphere and action available. VIP experiences include:
Aspen Winternational Premium Experience: Race Finish & Wagner Lounge
This package includes snacks and hors d’oeuvres, a gourmet lunch, complimentary cocktails, heated tents, elevated viewing at the finish line, a complimentary gift bag, and more. Purchase VIP Premium Experience tickets for the highest level of hospitality available.
Race Finish VIP Experience
This experience includes a gourmet lunch, cocktails, heated tents, elevated viewing, and a complimentary gift bag for a truly amazing level of hospitality. Tickets for this VIP package are available here
Wagner Lounge VIP Experience
This package gives access to view the shows of the Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series from an elevated, heated deck that is adjacent to the stage. The package also includes a dedicated bar with two complimentary daily drinks as well as private bathrooms. Tickets are available for all three days or each day individually.
Aspen has the honor of being the first North American resort to host the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup, and this has helped forget its enduring legacy that still stands today. We can’t think of a better place to enjoy the thrill of ski racing than by taking part in the Audi FIS World Cup experience in Aspen.
Be a Part of a Remarkable Legacy of Ski Racing
Come to Aspen to enjoy the thrill of seeing the FIS World Cup in action, March 1-3, 2024. Free outdoor concerts, events, and ceremonies will be held in our soulful ski town all weekend, as well as phenomenal skiing and riding across all four mountains. FOr more information visit here.
As a guest of Frias Properties, you have access to our concierge services and other amenities to help make the most of your stay. Concierge services not only include dining and shopping recommendations but also assistance with things like securing tickets to special events held during World Cup weekend.