OLYMPIC VALLEY, CA (Sept.17, 2014) - The fast-paced excitement of skicross and snowboardcross will come to Squaw Valley March 4-8, 2015, with the resort hosting an Audi FIS Skicross World Cup and FIS Snowboard World Cup. This will be the first time the International Ski Federation has brought a World Cup event to Squaw Valley since the FIS Alpine World Cup in 1969. The event will feature the top global stars in the sport, including local Olympian and seven-time X Games champion Nate Holland. Cross racing pits athletes against each other to race head-to-head down a course of jumps, bumps and berms. Snowboardcross made its Olympic debut in 2006, with skicross in 2010, and both events were among the top spectator events in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Squaw Valley will be the site of an Audi FIS Skicross World Cup and FIS Snowboard World Cup March 4-8.
- Officials from the International Ski Federation did a final inspection at Squaw Valley this week giving the event the go-ahead.
- The cross tour features head-to-head racing that has proven to be popular with spectators and one of the most watched events in the Olympics.
- Perspective: It’s the first time the International Ski Federation has brought its World Cup tour to the Olympic resort since the FIS Alpine World Cup was held there in 1969.
- Who to Watch: Local SBX hero Nate Holland (Squaw Valley, CA), Olympic SBX champion Seth Wescott (Sugarloaf, ME), Olympic SBX medalists Alex Deibold (Boulder, CO) and Lindsey Jacobellis (Stratton Mountain, VT) and World Cup skicross winner John Teller (Mammoth Mountain, CA).
- What’s at Stake: With the 2015 season in the homestretch, few events remain after the Squaw Valley World Cup so points earned here will be vital for those seeking the crystal globe.
- Why Squaw? Legacy of huge race crowds, great terrain, iconic resort with global stature. Squaw was the host to the U.S. Alpine Ski Championships, as well as the U.S. Freestyle Championships several years ago, plus was a key stop on the King of the Mountain Tour. Every Squaw event was highlighted by huge crowds.
- What Fans Will See? Cross racing pits athletes head to head cruising down a course of jumps, bumps and berms. Snowboardcross made its Olympic debut in 2006, with skicross in 2010.
- TV Tunein: The event will be broadcast on NBC and NBCSN, featuring same weekend coverage.
QUOTES
Calum Clark, Vice President, Events, U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association
Squaw Valley has been a remarkable venue for our U.S. Championships and other major events with quality courses and enthusiastic spectator interest. It’s been a goal for us to bring international events to Squaw to showcase the best athletes in the world – especially skicross and snowboardcross where we have a strong local athlete legacy.
Uwe Beier, FIS Snowboard World Cup Tour Director
Squaw Valley is a first time World Cup host and the home arena of one of the most famous and successful SBX snowboarders, Nate Holland. It will mark the comeback of the successful combined skicross and snowboardcross events to America for the first time in two years.
Andy Wirth, President and CEO, Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows
We are proud and honored to welcome a FIS World Cup back to Squaw Valley. Our long-standing commitment and ability to host, world class, competitive events coupled with Squaw Valley's ideal terrain for cross style racing will make for an outstanding World Cup event for athletes and spectators. Bringing World Cup level racing to the resort has been a goal of ours and we are proud to welcome the International Ski Federation back to the Tahoe region.
