Industry News
California resort showed off iconic terrain under sunny skies for men’s Giant Slalom and Slalom races, including the first U.S. men’s technical event podium since 2019
Palisades Tahoe, California, hosted 118 athletes from 26 countries—including nine athletes competing from the Stifel U.S. Ski Team—for the Stifel Palisades Cup this weekend, with huge crowds showing up to support the men’s World Cup Giant Slalom and Slalom racers. Nearly 5,000 fans watched the action live from the base of the venue, while ski racing enthusiasts tuned in from over 30 countries.
“We were so thrilled to welcome the men’s World Cup athletes and fans back to Palisades Tahoe for the second year running. As we approach our 75th anniversary, it’s an honor to share our historic Olympic venue with the best Alpine skiers in the world.”
– Patrick Lacey, spokesperson at Palisades Tahoe
More than 400 volunteers and a course crew of 100 created a high-speed race along Red Dog, where the steepest pitch is 55 degrees. With a total snowfall of approximately 210 inches this season, Palisades Tahoe was race-ready, and a slip crew of 75 ensured the Red Dog course remained in perfect condition throughout the sunny weekend.
The festivities began on Friday with the Community Kick-Off Parade, featuring 5,000 kids from local and regional Far West teams alongside 28 young athlete flag bearers from the Palisades Tahoe Ski Team. Friday’s Welcome Ceremonies and Bib Draw were capped off with fireworks and a free concert by Black Jacket Symphony featuring Marc Martel. The competition began on Saturday following impressive appearances by one Air Force jet and nine 10th Mountain Division Color Guards. Saturday attendees were also treated to a meet and greet with two-time Olympic gold medalist Ted Ligety, a Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete autograph signing, and a free concert with Eve 6 headlined by Ludacris. Throughout the weekend, crowds filled the grandstands with loud cheers and even louder cowbells to support the world’s best Alpine skiers.
Defending World Champion Marco Odermatt (SUI) won Saturday’s Giant Slalom race, officially clinching the Men’s World Cup crystal globe for the third year running. Stifel U.S. Ski Team’s River Radamus took home a historic third place—his first-ever World Cup podium—on home soil. Manuel Feller (AUT) came out on top of Sunday’s Slalom event, giving him the lead in the tight FIS World Cup standings. American Jett Seymour was awarded the Stifel Bibbo Award for the best advancement on Sunday, rising from 39th to finish in 15th place.
The trophies presented to the podium winners in the Stifel Palisades Tahoe Cup races were handcrafted by Mountain Forge and local blacksmith Toni Standteiner, who grew up in Truckee, skied at Palisades Tahoe, and competed for the Stifel U.S. Ski Team. Standteiner designed the Stifel Palisades Tahoe Cup trophies with his family’s ski racing legacy in mind, blending the old school with new technology—not unlike today’s ski racing landscape.
“The Stifel Palisades Tahoe Cup was a huge triumph and it could not have been possible without Palisades Tahoe, Alterra, and our other partners that helped make this event a success. Our athletes were thrilled to be back on U.S. soil, and we are so proud of their achievements this past weekend highlighted by River Radamus’ first ever World Cup podium and Jett Seymour’s slalom performance.”
– U.S. Ski & Snowboard President & CEO Sophie Goldschmidt
The ’21-’22 season brought a new name and rebranding for Palisades Tahoe, while the ’22-’23 season linked the mountains with a new Base to Base Gondola. After hosting the men’s World Cup competition in 2023 amidst record-breaking snowfall, Palisades Tahoe returned to the international stage to challenge the world’s best ski racers once again. A renowned venue that hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics and the 2017 Women’s Alpine World Cup event, Palisades Tahoe has produced legendary ski racing champions, including Jonny Moseley, Tamara McKinney, Travis Ganong, Julia Mancuso, and more.
