Criterium de la Première Neige in Val d'Isère

The Audi FIS Ski World Cup is back in Europe with races in two classical sites: the ladies will be racing in St. Moritz and the men will be competing in Val d’Isère.

Despite very limited amount of natural snow, Val d’Isère was able to prepare the race track for the tech events on “La Face De Bellevarde”, the legendary course that ends in the middle of the village. The track is one of the most spectacular on the World Cup Tour, with an average of 39,69% gradient, reaching 70% in its steepest section.

New this year, the Critérium de la Première Neige started a partnership with Technogym to offer a custom-built training and warm-up lounge by the new starting hut for the World Cup giant slalom. A very appreciated feature among athletes and team to guarantee a good warm-up and prevent injuries.

Last year, the most decorated French skier Alexis Pinturault claimed the giant slalom in front of his home crowd. It was the only giant slalom of the season that was not won by Marcel Hirscher. The Olympic and World Champion finished third behind Pinturault in 1st and Stefan Luitz in 2nd.

In the slalom, the 7-times Overall winner Marcel Hirscher left no chance to his contender and won the slalom ahead of Norway’s Henrik Kristoffersen and Sweden’s André Myhrer.

Public bib draws will be held on the Avenue Olympique on Friday and on Saturday at 18:30. After the giant slalom on Saturday, the official prize giving ceremony will also be held in the town centre at 18:15.