Resort will host the FIS Ski World Cup on Thanksgiving weekend 2021 and 2022
Staff report
On June 10, Killington Resort and U.S. Ski & Snowboard, the national governing body of Olympic ski and snowboard sports in the U.S., announced a two-year agreement for Killington Resort to host the women’s FIS Ski World Cup.
The Killington Cup will take place Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 27-28, 2021. It is an Olympic qualifying year.
Record-breaking crowd cheers at the 2019 Killington Cup.
As with the past four years, the 2021 and 2022 races at Killington will be broadcast worldwide to more than 60 nations, along with national broadcast coverage across the U.S. The event has drawn an increasing number of spectators who converge at Killington to cheer on ski racers, peaking at 39,000.
“Bringing FIS Alpine World Cup racing back to Killington Resort for the 2021/22 Olympic Qualification season is an incredible opportunity for the resort and the surrounding community. More than just world-class racing and a great music line-up, spectators will enjoy a full weekend of festivities,” said Mike Solimano, president and general manager of Killington Resort and Pico Mountain. “Come fall, we’ll utilize every opportunity to build a world-class race venue on Superstar with Killington’s state-of-the-art snowmaking system — positioning us to offer the longest season in the East.”
The World Cup includes women’s Giant Slalom and Slalom races, attracting athletes such as U.S. Alpine Ski Team superstar Mikaela Shiffrin, who has emerged victorious in Slalom each of the last four years at Killington.
“The HomeLight Killington Cup has become a fan and athlete favorite over the last four years,” said Eric Webster, senior director of events at U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “Since bringing World Cup ski racing back to New England, Killington Resort and Vermont has set a new precedent for ski racing internationally, boasting the largest World Cup crowd for women on the entire circuit. We’re thrilled to see the commitment and passion Killington and Powdr have for ski racing continue, especially as we head into an Olympic qualification year.”
The Killington Cup is a free event offering spectators access to the festival village, live entertainment and racecourse viewing area at the base of Superstar Trail. V.I.P. tickets go on sale Sept. 9.
“I’m looking forward to seeing local and regional communities at Killington come together once again to support World Cup racing, especially in a year when athletes are vying for their Olympic spot,” said Herwig Demschar, chair of the local organizing committee in Killington. “Killington Resort has proven their ability to successfully host large-scale events and everyone knows The Beast throws a great party.”
With some international travel restrictions still in effect, the resort continues to work with all appropriate parties ahead of the World Cup. “No one is really sure what the protocols will be in November, but we are going to try and make it as similar to past years as possible,” Solimano said.
