The Women’s World Cup ski races will return to Killington Resort in Vermont for the fourth year in a row and tickets are soon going on sale for the event this week.
In the past tickets have sold out the first day, and sometimes within a few hours of the time they have gone on sale. This year people will be able to purchase them starting at 9 a.m., Aug 21 by going online at killington.com.
As has been tradition, the races will be held the Saturday and Sunday following Thanksgiving, which will be Nov. 29 and 30.
More than 30,000 people have streamed into the mid-Vermont ski area to watch the best women from the world compete in the slalom and giant slalom races in the past few years. Crowds have clanged cowbells and young ski racers have held parades to start the races.
U.S. Ski Team member Mikaela Shiffrin, whose grandmother lives in Lanesboro, is expected to return to compete after a record-breaking season which left her finishing her last season in first place for the overall as well as for slalom, giant slalom and super-G races.
Shiffrin has owned the slalom race at Killington, finishing first all three years. In 2017 she also finished second in the giant slalom. Slovak skier Petra Vlhova, who won a gold medal in the giant slalom at the World Ski Championships in February, is also expected to compete at the races.
“Killington and the entire community is eager to welcome back world class alpine skiing for the fourth consecutive year. We’ll once again offer free-access viewing areas so the thrill of alpine ski racing can be enjoyed by all and everyone can be inspired by these amazing athletes, especially the next generation of alpine ski racers,” said Mike Solimano, president and general manager of Killington Resort and Pico Mountain. “Over the years, the community’s support has helped us showcase Killington and the state of Vermont to the international ski audience, and we look forward to displaying ‘winter in its original state.’”
Anyone can watch the event for free from the base of the slope. A jumbotron is set up so spectators can see racers on the top of the hill but people standing anywhere in the venue can see skiers as they come over the crest of the bottom drop of the Superstar slope.
The resort also offers free live music, fireworks and chances to meet many of the athletes before and after the races. Parking is also free, but people must take shuttle buses, which are also free, to the slope.
Those who want to get closer, stay warm or have a seat during the event can purchase tickets ranging from $1,000 for a full VIP treatment for two days to $40 for one day. The following gives different options and more information can be found on the Killington website.
VIP Tickets cost $550 for Saturday, $500 for Sunday or $1,000 for the weekend and allow people to watch in a warm tent with open bar and food. Proceeds from the tickets are given to the Killington World Cup Foundation, which provides grants to boost winter sports in the region. The tickets can be purchased at kwcfgivesback.org.
The 4241’ Finish Pavilion tickets are $175 for Saturday, $150 for Sunday or $300 for both days. The Pavilion is located on skier’s left of Superstar, allows people to watch in a semi-heated tent and premium viewing area. It includes a continental breakfast and lunch buffet. A beer and wine cash bar is available.
The Premiere Grandstand tickets are $100 for Saturday, $90 for Sunday or $175 for the weekend. The tickets give people access to the highest five rows of the grandstand and the best viewing spots. It is located at the base of the Superstar Trail. Proceeds from the ticket sales also go to the Killington World Cup Foundation.
Ticketed Grandstands are $45 for Saturday, $40 for Sunday and $75 for the weekend, are general admission for all rows except the top five, which is considered the Premiere Grandstand.