Levi in Lapland will host both Men’s and Women’s World Cup slalom races this November.
The resort, Finland’s largest, has hosted Women’s World Cup races in recent years and Men’s in the past, but not for some time.
The move is one of several calendar ‘tweaks’ for the 24-25 season indicating that the FIS is reacting to the mass race cancellations of recent seasons due to too little snow, as a result of climate change, at some of the traditional, low-lying resorts in the Alps.
It’s been noticeable on recent tours that whilst Alpine resorts have had ribbons of white on green hillsides for race courses, Scandinavian destinations have appeared to be enjoying normal winters with everything white.
“Alpine skiing finally has the right signals at the right time,” commented Austrian ski racing great Marcel Hirscher, pictured top in Levi in 2018, who will return to the tour this winter after a five year break, this time representing the Netherlands.
Lucas Braathen, the Norwegian prodigy who retired in his early 20s a year ago will also make his return, representing Brazil.
The Levi World Cup will now officially open the alpine skiing slalom season on the 15th-17th. November 2024 with the women racing on Saturday 16th November and the men’s races on 17th November.
The World Cup tour event is celebrating its 20th anniversary since the first time races were staged at Levi. The last time the men’s slalom competition was held in Levi was in the 2018–2019 season.
“It’s great that Levi is again on the World Cup calendar as the opening race of the slalom season. Personally, I have only positive memories of the place, the race and this unique atmosphere. And how great it is that Lucas Braathen is back this year competing under the Brazilian flag. Internationality and togetherness – alpine skiing finally has the right signals at the right time.” Hirscher added.
All race winners at Levi are gifted a reindeer and Norway’s Henrik Kristoffersen says his dream is to win a reindeer for his son.
“It’s great that the men are coming back to compete for Levi. Last time I was very successful at Levi and I have also achieved the first podium positions of my career there. I was also at Levi last year for training, I really enjoyed my time there. I hope to see you there with as many as possible in November,” said Kristoffersen.
Levi opens for the season six-weeks before the World Cup tour arrives, in early October, using snow farming to create its early runs. Tickets for the races are already on sale.
