Exciting World Cup Finals Conclude with Ski Stars Brignone and Odermatt Victorious

SUN VALLEY, Idaho — Federica Brignone of Italy and Marco Odermatt of Switzerland were crowned the downhill champions at the alpine skiing World Cup finals on March 22, 2025, after heavy winds forced the cancellation of the final races.

The much-anticipated downhill events faced multiple delays due to early morning snowfall, and gusts of wind ultimately led to their cancellation. With the sun shining brightly at the finish line, a large crowd gathered to witness the announcement that would seal the championships for both athletes.

Brignone, 34, clinched her second overall World Cup title, finishing the season with a formidable 382-point advantage over Swiss competitor Lara Gut-Behrami. This victory marks Brignone’s historic second overall win, previously earned in 2020. Additionally, she captured the small globe for the downhill discipline, finishing ahead of Austria’s Cornelia Huetter and fellow Italian Sofia Goggia.

“Winning the World Cup was just something really unexpected. This is just amazing,” Brignone said following her victory. “The season has been crazy.” She shared that she had flown her mother, former ski racer Maria Rosa Quario, to Sun Valley to celebrate this pivotal moment.

Brignone reflected on her journey through the season, which included her victory in the giant slalom world title earlier in February. With the Winter Olympics approaching in her hometown of Milan, she is now considered a top contender.

Meanwhile, reacting to the cancellation of the men’s downhill race, Marco Odermatt continued to solidify his dominance in the sport. The 27-year-old secured his second consecutive downhill title, closing the season with an 83-point lead over compatriot Franjo von Allmen. Odermatt had already claimed his fourth straight overall World Cup title earlier this month, along with victories in both super-G and giant slalom disciplines.

“It’s just fun to ski fast, to win races,” Odermatt stated. “This is what motivates me to continue pushing.” His season has been remarkable, showcasing a consistent level of performance across various events.

With the cancellations solidifying Brignone’s and Odermatt’s titles, attention now shifts to the upcoming super-G races scheduled for March 23, 2025, followed by slalom competitions from March 25 to 27. The unexpectedly harsh weather conditions have proven to be a significant factor impacting this year’s World Cup season.

The events in Sun Valley underscore the unpredictability of alpine skiing, which can be heavily influenced by environmental factors, yet showcase the resilience and exceptional talent of athletes like Brignone and Odermatt as they prepare for their next challenges.