The Stifel Sun Valley Finals faced a harsh setback on March 22, 2025, when high winds forced the cancellation of the men’s and women’s downhill races, leaving fans and athletes on edge. The unpredictable weather in Sun Valley, Idaho, ended the season’s downhill title chase early, with FIS rule 19.1 blocking any rescheduling. For fans hoping to see the U.S. team dominate on home snow, the news stung—especially with Mikaela Shiffrin in action and Lauren Macuga sitting fourth in the world in downhill. It was a tough day for the sport, no question. But now the sky is as clear as the ocean.
Well! it is true. The relief came swiftly on March 23, when the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team shared a thrilling post on X: the Stifel Sun Valley Finals super-G event is officially confirmed. Set for 1:00 PM ET for the women and 2:30 PM ET for the men, the announcement came with a stunning sunrise image over Bald Mountain’s snowy slopes, promising ideal conditions. With live coverage on NBC, Peacock, and Outside Watch, fans were hyped to see the #stifelusskiteam finally get their moment in the spotlight on this historic stage.
Stifel Sun Valley Finals super-G CONFIRMED.
Women – 1:00 PM ET
Men – 2:30 PM ET
Watch LIVE on @nbc, @peacock & @outside_watch.#stifelusskiteam pic.twitter.com/EICTmQvzgZ
— U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team (@usskiteam) March 23, 2025
The U.S. team is bringing serious firepower to the Finals, with 14 athletes qualified, including the legendary Mikaela Shiffrin, who notched her 100th World Cup win earlier this season despite a brutal injury battle. Shiffrin, who suffered a puncture wound in a crash at Killington, has fought back with grit, and her presence in Sun Valley—potentially racing the super-G and the slalom on March 27 for her 101st World Cup victory—has fans dreaming big.
Add in names like Lindsey Vonn, making a comeback, and the U.S. squad looks ready to make some noise on home snow. For the fans, this super-G confirmation is the redemption arc we’ve been waiting for after the downhill disappointment. Sun Valley, hosting its first World Cup event since 1977, is the perfect backdrop for the U.S. team to shine, with a raucous home crowd waving American flags.
Mikaela Shiffrin and the U.S. Team’s Momentum Leading Up to Finals
Mikaela Shiffrin and the U.S. Ski Team are riding a wave of momentum into the Stifel Sun Valley Finals, despite the weather chaos that canceled the downhill races on March 22, 2025. Shiffrin, the most successful alpine skier ever with 100 World Cup victories, has battled through a season marred by a puncture wound from a crash at Killington, yet still managed a double podium in Sestriere alongside Paula Moltzan.
The U.S. team’s depth is just as impressive, with 14 athletes qualified for the Finals, including speed demons like Lauren Macuga, who locked in fourth in the world in downhill, and Breezy Johnson, sitting seventh in the same discipline. Posts on X from the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team also highlighted five Americans in the top 15 of the FIS Alpine downhill standings, with names like Johnson (7th), Ryan Cochran-Siegel (12th), Bryce Bennett (13th), and Jackie Wiles (13th) rounding out the pack.
Adding fuel to the fire, Jessie Diggins’ double Crystal Globe win in cross-country—securing both the Overall and Distance titles in Falun, Sweden, on March 23—has the entire U.S. Ski & Snowboard program buzzing. Diggins’ six individual wins this season, a record for an American, and her beaming smile while hoisting those globes.
With Shiffrin eyeing more podiums and the team feeding off Diggins’ energy, the Sun Valley Finals super-G on March 23, airing live on NBC and Peacock, feels like the perfect storm for the U.S. team to keep the good vibes rolling.
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