The FIS World Cup is making its much-anticipated return to Canada, with Mont-Tremblant hosting the thrilling event.

FSI World Cup
During the initial run, Cassidy Gray from Panorama, BC, secured the 35th spot, while Sarah Bennett from Stoneham, QC, ended up 55th, both unfortunately missing out on the chance for a second run. Meanwhile, Claire Timmerman from Calgary, AB, made her World Cup debut but couldn't complete her first run. Image credit: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images.

This weekend marks a milestone in Canadian skiing, as the Women's Giant Slalom races take place in Tremblant, a location rich with history, having hosted Canada’s first-ever FIS women’s World Cup event back in 1983. Now, 40 years later, the excitement of these races returns.

Throughout the weekend, fans will be treated to two exciting races, with one race each on Saturday and Sunday. Each morning, 80 ski racers will make their first descent, and only the top 30 will return for the afternoon session to vie for crucial FIS points. Among the world-class competitors, a local talent competing in the races will surely ignite the enthusiasm of the home crowd.

Quebec is set for a blockbuster weekend, with over 15,000 fans expected to flock to the resort. For those considering placing a bet, don’t forget to check the latest odds. betting sites Browse the odds for the FIS Women's Giant Slalom, then sit back and enjoy watching some of the world's finest ski racers soar down Tremblant's slopes. Let's dive into the key athletes you should keep an eye on this weekend.

Valerie Grenier

Being part of the Mont-Tremblant club, Grenier surely circled this weekend's event on her calendar when it was announced. She currently ranks seventh in FIS Giant Slalom standings this season, a position she aims to surpass on her home turf.

Since 2018, Grenier has progressively climbed the FIS ladder, celebrating her first World Cup victory in Kranjska Gora in January, marking a resurgence in Canadian Giant Slalom racing after a lull since the 1970s.

Grenier followed that success with a bronze medal in the team event at the World Championships in the French Alps, making 2023 an outstanding year. Although her individual accolades have room for growth, her soaring confidence is palpable.

While other skiers may display stronger form this season, nobody rivals Grenier's familiarity with these slopes, making this hometown advantage invaluable heading into the races.

Lara Gut-Behrami

This season, a Swiss sensation leads the charge in Giant Slalom points. A seasoned champion, she boasts four Super G World Cup titles along with Olympic and World Championship golds, including a 2022 Olympic bronze.

Her impressive tally of 38 World Cup wins includes six victories in Giant Slalom, complemented by 12 downhill wins, establishing her as a formidable all-rounder in today's skiing world.

She has thrived on Canadian snow before, winning the Super G at Lake Louise in 2013, 2014, and 2016. This familiarity aims to boost her performance, as she chases further points in Tremblant.

Federica Brignone

Currently second in the Giant Slalom standings this season, this skier from Milan debuted at 17 and has amassed six Olympic and World Championship medals in a solid career — a remarkable feat, making her Italy's second-most successful FIS World Cup winner.

Hailing from a skiing family, with her mother Maria Rosa Quario having won four Slalom World Cups in the late '70s and early '80s, she remains a seasoned competitor at 33 years of age.

In a condensed 2020 season, she claimed the overall World Cup and Giant Slalom titles, later securing the Super G title in 2022. For the past four seasons, she's remained among the top two in this event, consistently finishing in the top five Giant Slalom standings for eight years.

Such consistency underscores her career prowess, positioning her as a formidable contender even if some rivals may outpace her this weekend.

Petra Vlhova

The first Slovak athlete to clinch Olympic slalom gold and a World Cup overall title, she achieved the latter in 2021 and the former in 2022, showcasing her prowess.

Since 2019, Vlhova has consistently performed among the best, never finishing lower than third in World Cup overall and slalom standings. Winning 29 World Cup races highlights her accomplishments, with a chance for another milestone looming.

Her recent disappointment in Finland, where she crashed during a promising second run, serves as a test. Vlhova must summon her mental strength to rebound and leverage her experience, making her a top contender to beat in Tremblant.

This season, Hector prioritizes consistency. Ranking fifth in Slalom and fourth in Giant Slalom places her third in overall points. Having matured late, the 31-year-old Swede started contending in 2021, accumulating top-ten finishes regularly.

Sara Hector

Her 2022 Olympic Giant Slalom triumph was unexpected, given just four World Cup wins. This gold ended Sweden's 30-year drought in this discipline, signifying a colossal achievement for Hector and her nation.

Up until December 2020, Hector had only twice graced the World Cup podium. Yet, she's achieved it 10 times since December 2021, marking her ascent.

A strong Tremblant performance could solidify her third-place FIS World Cup position and potentially vault her into the top two, building on last season's second-placement.

Ranked fifth this season, the Italian's 2021 Giant Slalom World Cup Championship showcases her potential for a swift rise. Debuting at 18, she's won six World Cups since November 2019.

Marta Bassino

Bassino's 2021 and 2023 World Championship victories, including Super G gold, rank her sixth among Italian FIS winners.

North American victories include the 2019 Giant Slalom in Killington, where she finished second in 2022. A strong performance enhances her ranking prospects.

FIS Slalom leader Shiffrin heads into the weekend, though her slalom success surpasses her Giant Slalom achievements, setting the stage for her Tremblant races.

Mikaela Shiffrin

In Levi earlier this month, Shiffrin captured her 89th World Cup win, benefiting from a blend of skill and fortune — a hallmark of her illustrious career.

Her FIS World Cup debut came days before her 16th birthday, branding her as a 21st-century skiing icon, with early Olympic success marking her achievements.

At the 2014 Sochi Olympics, 18-year-old Shiffrin clinched the slalom gold, subsequently adding golds in 2018 and 2022. At 28, anticipation grows for further victories in 2026 and potentially in 2030 if Salt Lake City wins the Olympic bid.

Shiffrin's impressive tally includes 89 FIS World Cup wins; reaching 100 is imminent. 21 of those wins are in Giant Slalom, a distant second to her 54 Slalom triumphs.

This season, she's atop World Cup standings. While 150 of her 200 points stem from Slalom, the remaining 40 are from Giant Slalom. Despite being the most gifted, proving herself in Giant Slalom remains a challenge.

Regardless of who triumphs in the FIS championship at Tremblant, it's a significant moment for Canada's skiing scene, potentially reigniting interest in the thrilling sport.

Conclusion

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The highly anticipated return of the FSI World Cup will once again grace Canada, taking place at the beautiful Mont-Tremblant. jackpot This weekend, Mont-Tremblant is set to host a crucial segment of the FIS Women’s World Cup, featuring two exhilarating Giant Slalom races.

Athletes Cassidy Gray and Sarah Bennett unfortunately didn't make it to the second run, with Claire Timmerman pushing through her World Cup debut but meeting a hurdle early on, captured by Getty Images.

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