Watch Exciting Regular Season GS Finale!

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Peter Lange

2023 Åre GS Podium: GEPA pictures

Who is skiing, when and how to watch the Saturday, March 9th women’s Åre World Cup GS

The women’s World Cup GS journey to this point has witnessed nine women’s World Cup GS races this season. Among them, Switzerland’s Lara Gut-Behrami has earned victory in four. Italy’s Federica Brignone, the only other contender for the title, has claimed two wins. Notably, Stifel US Ski Team’s Mikaela Shiffrin and Canada’s Valérie Grenier each secured one victory, along with Sweden’s Olympic champion Sara Hector. Across the nine races, five women from five different countries have emerged victorious.

Excitement builds for Saturday’s final regular-season GS race in Åre. This will set the stage for the Saalbach finals on March 16th, where the top 25 racers will vie for victory.

This pivotal race marks the culmination of the regular-season World Cup GS for women. Switzerland’s Lara Gut-Behrami stands poised to clinch the GS title. For many racers, their performance in this event will determine their placement among the top 25 GS athletes of the season, earning them a coveted spot in the World Cup finals.

Gut-Behrami holds a commanding 135-point lead in the discipline standings with only two GS races left in the season. While Italy’s Federica Brignone trails in second place, the possibility of overturning the deficit remains slim but not impossible in the dynamic realm of Alpine skiing. Notably, the winner of each race earns 100 points, leaving no room for error, as failing to finish results in zero points. No other contenders remain in contention for the GS title.

It’s worth noting that Mikaela Shiffrin of the Stifel US Ski Team is set to return from injury, though she will only compete in Sunday’s slalom event.

Top-Ranked 2024 World Cup Giant Slalom Women

Click on Images to enlarge

Fifty-two women from 16 countries are on the start list for the Åre Sweden Women World Cup GS Saturday, March 9th

Women’s World Cup GS Nations Cup

In the women’s GS Nations Cup standings, Italy currently leads with 1120 points, followed closely by Switzerland with 963 points. The absence of Shiffrin from the GS event may provide an opportunity for the Austrian team, currently ranked fourth, to make significant gains on the US team, which sits in third place. Canada, ranked 7th, has accumulated a commendable total of 419 points.

Women’s GS Nations Cup standings

North Americans

Turning our focus to North American athletes, six women have secured World Cup GS points this season. Stifel US Ski Team’s Mikaela Shiffrin leads the pack, who, despite her time away from competition due to injury, holds the 4th position in the season’s GS standings with 429 points. However, she will not ski this weekend’s GS.

Following closely is Canada’s Valérie Grenier, whose season-ending injury has unfortunately ruled her out of contention for the upcoming races. Grenier sits in 6th place with 327 points, having secured one 2024 World Cup GS victory.

Stifel US Ski Team’s AJ Hurt has also made waves this season by earning her first GS podium and enjoys her career-best ranking of 12th with 178 GS points. Hurt will be joined in the Åre GS by her teammate Paula Moltzan, currently ranked 13th.

The other North American woman who is ranked among the top 25 and has earned her first invitation to the World Cup finals is Canadian Britt Richardson. Richardson, reigning FIS Junior World Ski GS champion, has showcased her exceptional GS talent, earning her an automatic invitation to the finals. With her impressive performance this season, she is likely to also secure her spot among the top 25 at the end of the regular season, solidifying her presence among the world’s elite racers.

Lastly, Cassidy Gray, another promising North American talent, aims to secure GS points in Åre, rounding off an impressive season. Gray currently sits in 41st place with 17 points, showcasing her potential in the sport.

North American Women with 2024 Giant Slalom World Cup Points

North Americans Competing in the Saturday, March 9th, Åre 2024 World Cup GS.

Bib 8, Paula Moltzan, Stifel USST, University of Vermont Ski and Snowboard Club, Vail, Rossignol/LOOK, Level Gloves, Oakley
Bib 14, AJ Hurt, Stifel Stifel, Team Palisades Tahoe, HEAD, Level Gloves
Bib 24, Britt Richardson, ACA, Calgary Alpine Racing Club, Dynastar, Lange, LOOK, Oakley, Level Gloves
Bib 33, Cassidy Gray, ACA, Team Panorama, Atomic, Level Gloves
Bib 35, Arianne Forget, Belle Neige, Atomic
Bib 49, Sarah Bennett, ACA, Club de ski Stoneham, Québec Ski Team, Rossignol, LOOK, Level Gloves

When and How to Watch the Åre GS

The women’s first GS run will begin at 4:30 am Eastern Time, 1:30 am Pacific Time and 10:30 Central European Time. The second run will start at 7:30 am Eastern Time, 4:30 am Pacific Time and 1:30 pm Central European Time.

In the United States watch the live stream and replays on Ski & Snowboard Live.

In Canada watch the live stream and replays on CBC Sports