By Polly Lynn Mikula
KILLINGTON— This year marks the third consecutive year for women’s FIS ski racing at Killington. And enthusiasm for the events has only grown. The two days of racing have drawn record-breaking crowds of over 30,000 over the past two years – and this year the resort is preparing for even more spectators with four free outdoor concerts punctuating the races.
When Killington was first selected to host the race in 2016, it marked a return of FIS World Cup ski racing to the Eastern USA after a 25 year hiatus. Since then Eastern ski racers and race fans have showed up en masse to support the fastest ladies in the world.
Held over Thanksgiving weekend, the Killington Cup comprises a Giant Slalom race on Saturday and a Slalom race on Sunday. All eyes will be on Vermont-schooled Mikaela Shiffrin who has won the Slalom race here the past two years in a row, each year going on to win the overall World Cup title. Last year, Shiffrin also placed second in the Giant Slalom and went on to win the Olympic gold in that event.
She is the clear crowd favorite, inspiring many young racers who will be cheering her on with banners and cowbells.
Events surrounding the races span three days, Friday-Sunday, with an enhanced line-up of four free outdoor concerts. Fireworks, movie premiers, autograph signing events, and aprés ski parties will round out the weekend festivities.
