The new Red Dog chairlift at Palisades Tahoe was the focus of attention Saturday at the famed Lake Tahoe ski resort.
The Red Dog run was the site of the Stifel Palisades Tahoe Cup, which drew 60 World Cup skiers in the Giant Slalom race that was witnessed by a large crowd of enthusiastic fans.
Austrian Marco Schwarz won the Giant Slalom at Palisades Tahoe. The 27-year-old skier is ranked fifth in the world in the Giant Slalom. The victory marks just his second podium. Swiss skier and recent World Champion Marco Odermatt took second place, while Norwegian Rasmus Windingstad was third in his first podium appearance in four years.
USA athlete George Steffey was 21st and teammate River Radamus did not finish following a missed gate on his second run. Saturday’s race was the first public Stifel Bibbo Award. It went to Belgium skier Sam Maes. The Bibbo Award recognizes the skier who advanced the most between the two runs.
Crews went to work in the early morning hours Saturday to remove the accumulation of snow from Friday’s heavy snow. Unable to train the day prior to racing, most competitors got the rare opportunity to enjoy a legendary Tahoe powder day.
At Friday evening’s Opening Ceremony, nearly every European skier remarked that Palisades Tahoe had the most snow they’d ever seen. Palisades Tahoe received 32 inches of snow in the previous 48 hours and has accumulated 445 inches for the 2022-23 season.
“We are stoked to host World Cup skiing again at Palisades Tahoe. After a competitive Giant Slalom race today, we look forward to some incredible Slalom runs tomorrow,” said Patrick Lacey, spokesman for Palisades Tahoe. “The Tahoe weather certainly put on a show this week, delivering over 40 inches of (new) snow in the days leading up to the races. We are so grateful for our passionate fans, hardworking volunteers, and dedicated crew that spent hours getting – and keeping – the conditions just right for today’s race.”
Palisades Tahoe is no stranger to international competition. A renowned ski racing venue that has bred champions since the 1960 Winter Olympics, the resort’s legendary steeps have once again welcomed back World Cup racers this week.
One of only four U.S. resorts featured on the World Cup circuit this season, Palisades Tahoe is host to the men’s Slalom and Giant Slalom events on Dog Leg and Red Dog Face. The course, raced in 2017 for the women’s alpine event, was lauded by Olympic champion Mikaela Shiffrin, who described it as “one of, if not the toughest” course venues on the World Cup circuit.
SUNDAY STIFEL SCHEDULE
- Sunday, 10 am: Slalom Run 1
- Sunday, 1:15 pm: Slalom Run 2
