Get Ready for Thrills: Your Ultimate Guide to the 2024/25 FIS Freestyle Aerials World Cup Season!

The 2024/25 Freestyle Aerials World Cup Season

The upcoming freestyle aerials season kicks off on January 18-19 at Lake Placid, USA. This venue is rich in freestyle skiing history, hosting its first World Cup aerials event in 1985. With its past Olympic pedigree and an enthusiastic fan base, Lake Placid is ready to welcome athletes back after a six-year break from the World Cup circuit. The competition will feature individual aerials and a mixed team event.

Next up is Lac-Beauport, Canada, on January 25-26. This location is famous for its passionate crowds and has been a staple in freestyle skiing since the 1990s. Athletes will compete in two individual aerials events at the Le Relais resort, known for fostering a lively atmosphere.

On February 7, athletes will head to Deer Valley, USA, renowned for its vibrant venue, White Owl. This iconic spot will light up for individual aerials competitions, promising high-energy action and unforgettable moments.

From February 23-24, the World Cup moves to Beidahu, China. This event is crucial for freestyle skiing in Asia and comes with high expectations for the local athletes. Beidahu will host both individual events and a mixed team competition, marking its debut on the World Cup stage.

On March 2, the tour shifts to Almaty, Kazakhstan. The stunning Shymbulak venue, set in the Tien Shan mountains, will challenge athletes during individual events. This site recently hosted the 2025 FIS Freestyle Junior World Championships, making it a fitting location for top-tier competition.

The season finale will take place in Livigno, Italy, on March 13. This event not only concludes the World Cup but also serves as a test for the upcoming 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, offering a glimpse into the Olympic excitement.

Lastly, the season wraps up with the 2025 FIS Freestyle World Championships in St. Moritz, Switzerland, from March 18-21. This prestigious event will see athletes vie for medals on an internationally recognized stage.

Women’s Top Contenders

This season promises thrilling competition among the women’s aerialists. Australia’s Danielle Scott, the two-time reigning champion, leads the charge. Her consistency and knack for tricky jumps make her a favorite. After clinching the championship in the last event of the season in Almaty, she’s eager to defend her title while aiming for gold at the World Championships in Georgia.

Another Australian to watch is Laura Peel, a veteran with impressive achievements, including two World Championships gold medals. Although she skipped most of last season, she’s ready to return strong as Olympic qualifications ramp up for Milano-Cortina 2026.

The USA’s Winter Vinecki also promises to be a strong contender after finishing as a runner-up last season. Her exciting rivalry with Scott kept fans on the edge of their seats, and she’s ready to challenge herself again with ambitious tricks.

Canada’s Marion Thénault, who secured third place last year, has been diligent in her training. She’s focusing on mastering her triples and impressed everyone with her performance at the Europa Cup in Ruka.

From China, all eyes are on the comeback of Xu Mengtao. The most decorated aerialist in history, she has four Olympic medals and 29 World Cup victories. Her return after a brief hiatus is highly anticipated.

Apart from these stars, the USA’s Kaila Kuhn, Kasia Tanner, and Karen Elliott, along with China’s Chen Meiting and Germany’s Emma Weiss, add depth to the competition, promising a thrilling season ahead.

Men’s Top Contenders