Mikaela Shiffrin is set to make a highly anticipated return to ski racing on home snow for the first time since 2015. The 2024 FIS World Cup will see Shiffrin competing at Beaver Creek, Colorado, a venue that holds special memories for the ski racing superstar. This event marks a significant milestone in her career, especially after an injury-shortened season.

Key Takeaways

• Mikaela Shiffrin will race at Beaver Creek for the first time since 2015.
• The 2024 Birds of Prey event will feature both men's and women's World Cup races.
• Shiffrin is focusing on Super-G rather than downhill events.
• The event will be a homecoming for Shiffrin, who has fond memories of Beaver Creek.

A Homecoming to Remember

Mikaela Shiffrin will get the chance to race on home snow for the first time since 2015 when the FIS World Cup makes a stop at Beaver Creek in December 2024. The Birds of Prey event at the Eagle County ski resort will feature both men's and women's World Cup races on back-to-back weekends. Shiffrin, who won a gold medal in slalom at the 2015 World Championships held at Beaver Creek, expressed her excitement about returning to a venue that holds many great memories for her.

The Racing Schedule

The approved racing schedule includes men's downhill training from December 3-5, followed by the Downhill on December 6, Super-G on December 7, and Giant Slalom on December 8. The women will race the following week, with three days of downhill training from December 11-13, followed by the Downhill on December 14 and Super-G on December 15. This schedule provides Shiffrin with the opportunity to focus on the Super-G event, a discipline she is particularly excited about.

Shiffrin's Focus on Super-G

Shiffrin has confirmed that she plans to compete in the World Cup Super-G on the Birds of Prey course. She has been focusing on Super-G rather than downhill events, especially after an injury-shortened season. Shiffrin has been doing double sessions at the gym most days and is excited to return to the hill a few miles from her house. She has fond memories of racing at Beaver Creek and is looking forward to the challenge of the Birds of Prey course, which is considered one of the most technically challenging tracks on the men's World Cup circuit.

Overcoming Injuries

Shiffrin's return to racing comes after a challenging period of recovery from injuries. She suffered a left leg injury in a downhill crash in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, in January, which sidelined her for several weeks. Despite the setbacks, Shiffrin has been working hard to rebuild her strength and stability. She has been training in Europe and is optimistic about her return to competitive racing.

The Significance of Beaver Creek

The return to Beaver Creek is significant for Shiffrin, not just because it is close to her home, but also because of the memories she has of competing there. The 2015 World Championships at Beaver Creek were particularly special for her, as she was able to compete in front of her family and friends. Shiffrin's return to this venue is a homecoming of sorts, and she is eager to make the most of this opportunity.

Looking Ahead

Shiffrin's focus on Super-G and her return to Beaver Creek are part of her broader strategy for the upcoming seasons. She is aiming to be in top form for the 2025 World Championships and the 2026 Olympics in Cortina. With 95 World Cup wins to her name, Shiffrin is already one of the most successful ski racers in history, and her return to Beaver Creek is another step in her remarkable career.

Conclusion

Mikaela Shiffrin's return to Beaver Creek is a highly anticipated event in the world of ski racing. With her focus on Super-G and her determination to overcome injuries, Shiffrin is set to make a triumphant return to the slopes. The 2024 Birds of Prey event will be a homecoming to remember for Shiffrin and her fans.

Sources

• Mikaela Shiffrin ski race Beaver Creek World Cup 2024 | Skiing and Snowboarding | denvergazette.com, Denver Gazette.
• Holy Moly! Shiffrin Excited for Super-G Challenge at Beaver Creek World Cup, Ski Racing Media.
• Mikaela Shiffrin Says She's in No Rush to Return to Racing | SKI, SKI Magazine.
• Mikaela Shiffrin preparing to return from downhill crash at slalom race in Sweden this weekend | AP News, AP News.
• [VIDEO] Mikaela Shiffrin’s Return to Ski Racing Uncertain as Ski Racer Shares Updates on her Training Progress - SnowBrains, SnowBrains.