FIS gives the go-ahead for the third edition of the Women's World Cup in Val di Fassa
With the Italian Olympic Games now over — highlighted by Federica Brignone’s two outstanding gold medals in the giant slalom and super-G, and Sofia Goggia’s bronze in the downhill — attention turns back to the World Cup, ahead of the season finals. Coming up next is a three-day event in Val di Fassa, on the La VolatA course in the San Pellegrino Ski Area. Two downhill races are scheduled for Friday 6 and Saturday 7 March — including the Crans-Montana make-up race — before the weekend concludes with the super-G on Sunday. Brignone, now Olympic champion, triumphed on this technical track in 2021.
The official snow control on La VolatA took place on Sunday 22 February. FIS delegate Josef Zingerle, accompanied by race director Mattia Giongo and piste director Marco Costazza, carried out the traditional inspection, analysing the various sections and confirming that snow conditions are excellent. The Organising Committee can therefore proceed with the final set-up works to meet FIS requirements. As a result, the green light has been given for the third edition of the Women’s World Cup in Val di Fassa.
The course has already been closed to skiers for several days. Starting Tuesday 24 February, two teams will begin the fencing and safety set-up in the upper and middle sections of La VolatA. New features for this edition include a higher старт location, terrain reshaping in the central section with new gradient transitions designed to reduce speed on the steep pitch, and a wider finish area.
From a sporting perspective, the Val di Fassa races will be key in shaping the discipline standings. In the downhill, leader Lindsey Vonn will miss the event due to a serious injury, while three athletes are separated by just 49 points: Germany's Emma Aicher and Kira Weidle Winkelmann, and Trentino's Laura Pirovano. In the super-G, Sofia Goggia leads with 280 points, ahead of Alice Robinson on 220. With the speed races currently taking place in Soldeu (Andorra), Val di Fassa will represent a crucial stage in the battle for the discipline cups.
Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 March: Official downhill training runs, 10:45
Friday 6 March: World Cup Village opens near the Col Margherita cable car at 10:00; Crans-Montana make-up downhill starts at 11:30
Saturday 7 March: Second downhill starts at 10:45; awards ceremony and bib draw at 18:00 in Piaz de Sotegrava, Moena
Sunday 8 March: World Cup Village opens at 10:00; super-G starts at 10:45
