By Victoria Gaither
As sporting events go, the 2024 Stifel Killington World Cup had everything: heroes, drama, stories of inspiration, and community.
On Friday morning, Nov. 29, with snow falling, flags flying, wind gusts, and the sun trying to peek out, it was a perfect setting for the start of the Killington World Cup.
“Like I said, Killington is magic. If you look around, this could be a postcard,” said Nancy Daniels. “Honestly, this view could be from a Hallmark ski movie,” she said.
In this real-life story, the main characters are Mikaela Shiffrin, Paula Moltzan, Nina O’Brien, Elisabeth Bocock, and six dozen more of the most accomplished female Alpine ski racers in the world.
But before any races could happen, first things first: with a foot of snow falling overnight on the mountain, snow had to be shoveled from the bleachers and the village where vendors will set up.
Jake Thomas was watching volunteers. “Everyone is working to get the job done,” he observed.
Even Killington’s President and CEO, Mike Solimano, shoveled snow from bleachers.
The Stifel Killington Cup event brings in thousands of fans — a record breaking 39,000 this year to be exact. The record crowds hoped to see if Mikaela Shiffrin would win her record-extending 100th race. But those hopes were dashed Saturday, Nov. 30, when Shiffrin crashed just a few seconds before securing her 100th victory.
All 21,500 fans were on their feet cheering as loudly as possible as Shiffrin held the lead. Then all when still and silent.
“You could hear a pin drop when it happened,” said Sarah Costa. “I was in the stands. It was heartbreaking.”
As the crowds stood stunned and eventually watched as the ski patrol brought Shiffrin down on the sled, she waved, indicating that she was okay. At that moment, for the Killington and ski community, chasing the 100th win didn’t seem important because their hero was injured, and all wasn’t right with the world until she gave a thumbs up.
“We wanted the 100th win at Killington, but Mikaela will get the win. She is the best, and we love her,” said Costa.
Hundreds stayed after the race Saturday braving the cold weather to watch Fitz and the Tantrums perform.
“It has been a wild day! You can’t find a better World Cup party. Can we talk World Cup 2025?” laughed Bruce Torres, waving his green stick in the dark.
