From Bib Draw to Close Stifel Palisades World Cup Event A Triumph Success
[Olympic Valley, Calif.] February 26, 2023—The second day of World Cup skiing concluded dramatically Sunday in Olympic Valley with Alexander Steen Olsen and Timon Haugan, both from Norway, taking first and second place respectively. Albert Popov (BUL) and Clement Noel (FRA) tied for third place. Greek fan favorite AJ Ginnis initially placed first, but was disqualified after the jury ruled he straddled a gate at the top of the second run. Billy Major (GBR) was awarded the Stifel Bibbo Award for the best advancement in today’s race—starting at 41st and ultimately placing 18th.
“It was exciting to welcome the best in the world to one of our favorite runs, and today’s races were made even more challenging by the continued snowfall,” said Patrick Lacey, spokesperson at Palisades Tahoe. “We are so happy to have shared our beautiful terrain and wintery weather with the global ski racing audience, and hope to welcome World Cup competition to our slopes again soon.”
The inbound storm created exacting conditions with overcast skies, snowfall, and blustery winds. In the first run, 12 athletes did not finish. While no members of the US Ski Team made the second run, River Radamus did make his World Cup debut today in the Slalom, placing 32nd and just missing the cut.
Snow fell consistently throughout the day ahead of the next storm, which is expected to bring between 49-79 inches of snow to Palisades Tahoe by midweek. Despite the conditions, this weekend’s grandstands were full of enthusiastic crowds cheering for athletes from 23 nations, while members of the Sierra Swiss Club cowbell group made sure athletes could hear the crowds from the starting gate. Fans of ski racing enjoyed the celebratory atmosphere throughout the Village at Palisades Tahoe with concerts from Noah Kahan and 311 Saturday night followed by a fireworks display.
Festivities this weekend at Palisades were filled with Ski fans from around the world. All kicked off Friday with the weekend bib draw and multiple celebrations across the mountain, the Tahoe welcomed the world during another winter storm. Following 52 inches of snow in the last week, Palisades kicked off World Cup competition on Saturday
Giant Slalom Draws Crowds at Stifel Palisades Tahoe Cup Saturday
With more than 60 competitors facing off for a World Cup win, Austrian Marco Schwarz won the Giant Slalom race on Red Dog today at the Stifel Palisades Tahoe Cup. The 27-year-old skier is ranked fifth in the world in the Giant Slalom, and this marks just his second podium. Swiss skier and recent World Champion Marco Odermatt took second place, while Norwegian Rasmus Windingstad took third in his first podium in four years. USA athlete George Steffey was 21st and teammate River Radamus did not finish following a missed gate on his second run. Today’s race was also the first public award of the Stifel Bibbo Award to Belgium skier Sam Maes. The Bibbo Award recognizes the skiers who advanced the most between the two runs.
Crews went to work in the early morning hours on Saturday to remove the accumulation of snow from Friday’s heavy snow. Unable to train the day prior to racing, most competitors got the rare opportunity to enjoy a legendary Tahoe powder day. At Friday evening’s Opening Ceremony, nearly every European skier remarked that Palisades Tahoe had the most snow they’d ever seen.
“We are stoked to host World Cup skiing again at Palisades Tahoe, and after a competitive Giant Slalom race today, we look forward to some incredible Slalom runs tomorrow,” said Patrick Lacey, spokesman for Palisades Tahoe. “The Tahoe weather certainly put on a show this week, delivering over 40 inches of snow in the days leading up to the races. We are so grateful for our passionate fans, hardworking volunteers, and dedicated crew that spent hours getting—and keeping—the conditions just right for today’s race.”
Palisades Tahoe is no stranger to international competition. A renowned ski racing venue that has bred champions since the 1960 Winter Olympics, the resort’s legendary steeps have once again welcome back World Cup racers this week. One of only four U.S. resorts featured on the World Cup circuit this season, Palisades Tahoe is host to the men’s Slalom and Giant Slalom events on Dog Leg and Red Dog Face. The course, raced in 2017 for the women’s alpine event, is one Olympic champion Mikaela Shiffrin has described as “one of, if not the toughest” course venues on the World Cup circuit.
History of the Trophies
The beautiful trophies presented to the top 3 finishers in the Stifel Palisades Tahoe Cup races have a unique connection to the resort. They were forged by Mountain Forge and local blacksmith Toni Standteiner, who grew up in Truckee. Toni’s father Hans moved to the area in the mid-1900s and coached the Chilean Alpine Team at the 1960 Olympics. He started the forge as an off season occupation. The five children that Hans and his wife Alice shared all skied at Palisades Tahoe and four of them became members of the U.S. Ski team. After his racing career Toni returned to the area and took over the forge.
Toni designed the Stifel Palisades Tahoe Cup trophies with the idea of maintaining his family’s ski racing legacy through his blacksmithing roots and experience. Toni explains “I wanted to blend the old school with the new school just like ski racing today. The technology and equipment have developed and expanded into new heights, but the same techniques and execution are still very well defined by the past.” He used a variety of metals to achieve color like copper and stainless steel that he buffed to a vibrant modern gloss, but he used traditional blacksmithing joinery to secure the various components to one another.
Featured image Slalom World Cup Albert Popov -3rd Place finisher – Kate-Abraham
