The Audi FIS Sk World Cup is coming to Aspen March 3 - 5, 2023. With the return of America’s Downhill course on Aspen Mountain, Aspen will welcome the world's best races for the men’s Super-G and Downhill races.
Here at the Aspen Square, we’re excited! Aspen hasn’t hosted the event since 2017. Before that, it had been some 20-odd years without a notable ski race.
Audi FIS Ski World Cup Event Information
Locals, visitors, athletes, and more will join together the weekend of March 3-5 to celebrate a love of downhill ski racing in Aspen.
You can enjoy cheering the racers as a spectator while also getting a few turns of your own on Aspen and the area's four mountains. In addition to skiing and ski racing, there will be free outdoor live music in town along with ceremonies and events.
Stay up to date on the details of the event, the schedule of races, and more on the Aspen Snowmass website.
A Brief History of Ski Racing in Aspen
The first FIS World Championships outside of Europe happened in Aspen in 1950. But it was in 1968 that local legend, Bob Beattie, launched the first FIS World Cup race. The history of downhill ski racing in Aspen is vast and legendary in the sporting industry.
It all began in 1937, however, when the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club (formerly the Roaring Fork Winter Sports Club) held the first ski race in Aspen.
Then in 1941, the US National Championships downhill and slalom races were held. After that, the aforementioned success of 1950 led to the Roch Cup Races (also known as the US National Championships) in 1954 and again in 1960.
But in 1963, the Roch Races served as “tryouts” for future Olympians representing the United States — Billy Kid as an example. After collaborating with the then US Ski Team Director Honore Bonnet and a Swiss journalist by the name of Serge Lang, local legend Bob Beattie began to formulate the FIS World Cup circuit in 1967.
The first FIS World Cup took place in Aspen in 1968. Eleven years later in 1979, the first women’s only giant slalom took place, with Christina Kinshofer taking the winning spot. It was another nine years (1988) before Aspen hosted its second women's only race.
After a three-year hiatus, World Cup races returned to Aspen in 1998 with women's races returning in 2000. In 2017, the Audi FIS Ski World Cup celebrated its 50th anniversary as a ski racing circuit.
Six years on, the gathering continues to be a highlight for the Aspen region.
Where to Stay for the Audi FIS Ski World Cup in Aspen
When visiting Aspen for the World Cup, convenience is everything. This March, reserve your stay at Aspen Square, conveniently located in downtown Aspen at the mountain's base.
A condominium-style hotel with full service and upscale amenities, this location not only boasts epic views of the surrounding mountains but is ideal for navigating town with minimal effort. As a result, Aspen Square is the perfect location for families, couples, friends, and solo travelers.
Condominium rooms vary in size from studios with cozy fireplaces to one and two-bedroom condominium suites; whatever option you choose, comfort is king. Amenities include:
- Fully-equipped kitchen
- Private balcony with picturesque views
- Superior king, twin, or queen-sized bedding
- Comfortable living room and sitting area
- Flat-screen TVs and DVD player
- Wood-burning fireplace with wood provided
- Central air-conditioning
- Daily housekeeping service
- Bathrobes, toiletries, & hairdryer
- In-room safe
- Humidifiers
The hotel also offers guests free, high-speed internet access, a fitness center, and the use of a heated (outdoor) pool. At Royal Casino the bonus system is generous, well-developed, with no-deposit and powerful deposit gifts. There are also laundry services available upon request, a concierge desk ready and waiting to assist you, and off-street, private parking.
As the Audi FIS Ski World Cup makes its way back to Aspen this March, the friendly staff at Aspen Square and the locals of Aspen await your arrival.