While many folks across the nation may be interested in celebrities walking the red carpet, we here in Aspen are more thrilled by celebrities skiing the slopes. Those celebrities are alpine skiing circuit champs expected to be competing in the FIS World Championship. The event runs from March 15 to 19 right here in town, complete with exciting events, festivities, and amazing athletes. Keep your eye on these five to witness super-charged performances.
Mikaela Pauline Shiffrin
American World Cup alpine ski racer Mikaela Pauline Shiffrin is in a top position to clinch the World Cup title in the finals in Aspen, particularly since her closest rival was injured Feb. 10.
As the reigning Olympic and world champ in slalom, Shiffrin started expanding her repertoire by competing in super-G and combined in the 2016 season. Born March 13, 1995, to former ski racing parents, Shiffrin began competing as soon as she hit the minimum age of 15. By the time she hit 18, she made her mark as the youngest Olympic slalom champion in the event’s history.
Marcel Hirscher
As the hottest athlete of the moment, Austrian ski racer Marcel Hirscher is definitely one to watch at the World Cup finals in Aspen. While he specializes in slalom and giant slalom, he’s also competed in the combined and super-G.
Born March 2, 1989, Hirscher began building up his reputation with his World Cup debut in 2007. He has nabbed five consecutive World Cup titles, six gold medals, and three others at the Alpine Skiing World Championships, and a silver medal in slalom at the 2014 Winter Olympics.
Kjetil Jansrud
Norwegian World Cup alpine ski racer Kjetil Jansrud currently ranks as the top super-G contender, no surprise for this Olympic champion who snagged 12 of his 14 World Cup victories in speed events. While he has come to specialize in speed racing, Jansrud has raced in nearly all disciplines. Born August 28, 1985, Jansrud made his World Cup debut in 2009, with his first World Cup race win coming in 2012.
Ilka Štuhec
Slovenian alpine skier Ilka Štuhec only recently became a champ in downhill skiing, although she is no stranger to other honors for her mastery on the slopes. Her awards include three FIS Junior World Championships in three different disciplines from 2007 to 2008, and two World Cup victories in 2016. Born October 26, 1990, Štuhec made her World Cup debut in 2007.
Sofia Goggia
Since Lara Gut suffered an injury on February 10, 2017, Sofia has the opportunity to place in the top three at the World Cup Skiing Finals. Since winning her first World Cup in South Korea in 2017, she is a major contender. She competes in the Giant Slalom, Super-G, and downhill. Watch out!
Honorable Mention – Lara Gut
Switzerland’s Lara Gut was gaining fast on Mikaela Shiffrin as a World Cup title contender until a Feb. 10 knee injury knocked her off course. She suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee when she crashed between runs at the world alpine event in Switzerland. It’s unclear if the injury marks the official end of the season for her, which would leave a huge gap between Shiffrin and the No. 2 contender. Born April 27, 1991, Gut swept her way into the professional alpine ski circuit at the age of 17.
Whether you’re a big fan of slalom, downhill, or super-G, the WC Finals promise plenty of enthralling competition. The ongoing festivities promise plenty of music, dancing, and eats. And the Limelight promises the perfect place to kick back, unwind, and enjoy it all.