The 2024/25 FIS Freestyle Aerials World Cup season preview

After months of preparation, rigorous training, and anticipation, the curtain is finally rising on the 2024/25 FIS Freestyle Aerials World Cup season. Unlike previous years, this season kicks off later than usual, but with a packed calendar featuring thrilling competitions across North America, Asia, and Europe, it promises to be well worth the wait. This year’s action is shaping up to be one for the books, with breathtaking athleticism, daring tricks, and exceptional precision on full display.

Spanning six iconic venues and featuring a total of nine individual and team events, the aerials World Cup offers a thrilling journey through the season. Each stop presents unique challenges and excitement as athletes aim to secure coveted Crystal Globes. The season will reach its climax at the 2025 Engadin World Championships in St. Moritz, Switzerland, where aerialists will compete for glory against the stunning backdrop of the Swiss Alps.

As always, we’re thrilled to welcome fans to join us in celebrating this extraordinary sport. Whether onsite at the venues or tuning in remotely, fans can look forward to an incredible experience. Extensive TV broadcasts, live streams on FIS TV, and enhanced social media coverage will ensure no twist, flip, or landing is missed, bringing the thrill of the competition straight to audiences around the globe.

Let’s dive into the 2024/25 FIS Freestyle Aerials World Cup calendar and meet the talented athletes competing for greatness in what is set to be a truly exceptional season.

The Calendar

The season begins on 18–19 January in Lake Placid, USA, where athletes will compete in an individual aerials event as well as an aerials mixed team competition. Lake Placid holds a significant place in freestyle skiing history, having hosted its first World Cup aerials event in 1985. As a regular stop on the World Cup circuit, the venue has been home to countless memorable performances and remains a beloved destination for athletes and fans alike. With its deep connection to winter sports, including hosting the Winter Olympics twice, and six years since the last World Cup stop here in 2019, this is a highly anticipated return to the tour.

Next, the tour moves to Lac-Beauport, Canada, on 25–26 January for back-to-back individual aerials events. Known for its rich history of freestyle skiing in Quebec, an enthusiastic crowd, and dedicated organizers, Lac-Beauport’s Le Relais resort has been a staple on the World Cup circuit since the 1990s, fostering a passionate atmosphere and showcasing the enduring legacy of the sport.

In early February, the spotlight turns to Deer Valley, USA, on 7 February. Renowned for its electric atmosphere and the fans’ favorite White Owl venue, Deer Valley will host individual aerials events under the lights. This iconic venue is known for its high-energy action and remains a highlight on the aerials calendar, delivering unforgettable moments year after year.

From 23–24 February, the World Cup heads to Beidahu, China, where the super-strong Chinese team is expected to shine. This event holds immense value for freestyle skiing in the region and marks an important step in the sport’s expansion in Asia. As a new World Cup venue, Beidahu will host individual events and an aerials mixed team competition, making it a pivotal moment in the season.

The action then shifts to Almaty, Kazakhstan, on 2 March. Shymbulak’s aerials venue, nestled in the breathtaking Tien Shan mountains, offers a dramatic and challenging setting where athletes will compete in individual events. With Almaty recently hosting the 2025 FIS Freestyle Junior World Championships, the venue is primed for the world’s best to showcase their skills in this penultimate stop of the season.

The World Cup season wraps up in Livigno, Italy, on 13 March, serving as an official test event for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. With its high-altitude venue and pristine conditions, Livigno promises a thrilling conclusion to the World Cup tour and a tantalizing preview of what’s to come in the Olympic Games.

Finally, the aerials season will culminate at the 2025 FIS Freestyle World Championships in St. Moritz, Switzerland, from 18–21 March. Athletes will compete for World Championship medals on a stage that perfectly combines elegance and excitement, providing a spectacular conclusion to an unforgettable season.

Top Contenders - Women

When looking at the favorites for the 2024/25 FIS Freestyle Aerials World Cup season, a number of exceptional athletes stand out, promising a thrilling and competitive year ahead.

Leading the pack is Australia’s Danielle Scott, the reigning World Cup champion who has claimed the title two years in a row, in 2023 and 2024. A clutch performer, Scott demonstrated her mettle last season, securing the championship in the final event in Almaty. Known for her remarkable consistency with doubles, Scott also has triples in her repertoire, which she’s hinted at unleashing this season. She’ll be looking not only to defend her World Cup title but also to improve on her silver medal performance at the 2023 World Championships in Georgia.

Staying with Australia, Laura Peel is another veteran to watch. A formidable competitor and a trailblazer in women’s aerials with her mastery of triples, Peel boasts 75 World Cup starts and two World Championships gold medals. While she didn’t compete on the full tour last season, this being a World Championships year and with Olympic qualifications for Milano-Cortina 2026 in full swing, Peel is expected to bring her best to the tour.

For the USA, Winter Vinecki is another standout, coming off a stellar season as the World Cup runner-up. Vinecki’s battle with Scott last year was one of the highlights of the season, and she is set to push the limits again with her triples. Her drive and consistency make her a key contender for the title.

Canada’s Marion Thénault, who finished third in the World Cup standings last year, has been putting in the work during the off-season, focusing on perfecting her triples. She demonstrated her progress during the Europa Cup in Ruka in December and has confirmed she’ll be bringing her triples to the World Cup stage, making her a serious contender and adding even more excitement to the women’s competition.

From China, the return of Xu Mengtao is one of the most highly anticipated storylines of the season. The most decorated aerialist in history, Xu’s resume includes four Olympic medals, seven World Championships medals, and 29 World Cup victories. Having competed in only one World Cup since her 2022 Olympic gold medal, Xu’s comeback promises to be a major highlight, with her wealth of experience and undeniable talent making her a force to be reckoned with.

The field doesn’t stop there. The USA’s Kaila Kuhn, Kasia Tanner, and Karen Elliott, along with China’s Chen Meiting, Germany’s Emma Weiss, and Australia’s Abbey Willcox, all bring depth and excitement to this year’s competition. With such a talented roster, the 2024/25 World Cup season is set to be one of the most thrilling and competitive in recent memory.

Top Contenders - Men

The men’s field for the 2024/25 FIS Freestyle Aerials World Cup is stacked with talent, making it one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory. With established veterans, rising stars, and daring tricks on display, the competition promises to be electric.

Starting with China, the powerhouse team placed four athletes in the World Cup top 10 last season. Leading the charge is Qi Guangpu, who dominated the 2023/24 season, claiming his third Crystal Globe. The 34-year-old veteran boasts a staggering résumé: two Olympic medals (including individual gold), four World Championships medals (two golds), and 19 World Cup wins. With his wealth of experience and unwavering consistency, Qi is undoubtedly a favorite for the title once again.

Staying with China, Wang Xindi, the 2019 Aerials World Cup winner and a top-5 athlete last season, is another serious contender. Beyond these two stars, China’s deep squad includes talented athletes like Li Tianma, Sun Jiaxu, and Wang Guochen, all of whom are poised to make their mark this season.

From Switzerland, Pirmin Werner continues to solidify his position among the elite aerialists on tour. The runner-up last season, Werner has steadily climbed the rankings, finishing third in 2023 and second in 2024. Known for pushing the boundaries of the sport, he unveiled his new trick, the Full triple Full-Full, last year, making him only the third person to perform it on snow, alongside legend Jeret “Speedy” Peterson and rising star Dmytro Kotovskyi. While it has yet to be seen in competition, Werner’s commitment to consistency sets him up for another standout season.

Another Swiss standout, Noé Roth, will be aiming to defend his 2023 World Championships title. Despite a challenging 2024 season, Roth has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to shine on the biggest stages. With his extensive skill set and competitive spirit, he has the potential to make a strong comeback and reestablish himself as a dominant force on the tour.

In the USA, Christopher Lillis leads the squad. Last season’s third-place finisher, Lillis is no stranger to success, having been part of the USA’s 2022 Olympic gold medal-winning team and the 2023 World Championships gold in Aerials Mixed Team. He will be supported by a strong team, including Quinn Dehlinger, returning from injury, and the talented Justin Schoenefeld and Connor Curran.

Dmytro Kotovskyi of Ukraine is one of the most exciting athletes to watch. The young aerialist continues to redefine the boundaries of the sport, becoming the second-ever athlete to land a Full triple Full-Full (the Hurricane) on snow and the first to land a Full-Full triple Full. Known for his fearless approach and big tricks on the biggest stages, Kotovskyi will undoubtedly be raising the bar yet again this season.

Lastly, Canada brings a dynamic squad to the mix. Lewis Irving, a veteran of the sport, will lead the team, while young talents like Miha Fontaine and Alexandre Duchaine bring energy and potential to perform well on tour.

With this exceptional field of competitors, the 2024/25 men’s aerials season is set to be one of the most thrilling in recent memory, with every event promising high-stakes drama and breathtaking performances.