World Pro Ski Tour returns to Aspen Mountain with influx of European racers

The last time the World Pro Ski Tour (WPST) was in Aspen two years ago, the field was dominated by American athletes. Fast forward to the present day, and CEO John Franklin excitedly pointed out how the scenario has flipped, with Europeans actually starting to prioritize the Tour in their race schedules.

“We realized today that in the past 70% of our racers were American, but we’re aiming for the opposite. Now 70% are European. So we have We have people coming from all over the world, which is great,” he said Thursday, the night before WPST returned to Aspen. “Word is starting to spread that the World Pro Ski Tour is a big event.” World Pro He says the word ‘world’ in ski touring still applies. ”

So, for those who aren’t already familiar, what exactly is the World Pro Ski Tour? It’s a ski tour that was particularly popular in the 1970s and ’80s, as opposed to the standard clock-style World Cup races. It was a type of head-to-head ski race. The current WPST was launched in 2017 after a hiatus of more than 20 years in hopes of revival. Franklin took over as CEO for the 2020 season, which was cut short due to the pandemic.

WPST’s history dates back to 1969. Aspen native Bob Beatty helped found World Pro Skiing, and legendary skiers like Billy Kidd, Spider Savich, and Jean-Claude Killy raced there. And yes, many of those races were held here in Aspen.

“It’s pretty cool to see racers from this era race on the same slopes that legendary racers like Jean-Claude Killy, Billy Kidd and Spider Savich raced on in the ’60s and early ’70s. “From a tradition standpoint, we want to come back here every year,” Franklin said. Franklin himself lived in Aspen for a time starting in 1979.

“Coming to Aspen always feels like coming home,” he said. “I was here for a few days with my kids over Christmas, and I think they’re starting to feel the same way. They love coming to Mountain Chalet, and they love Aspen Mountain.”

This weekend’s Aspen Mountain will be the first of three stops this season on WPST, the others being Bear Valley and Taos. Aspen will host four races, two races on Saturday and two more on Sunday, with two races each for men and women. The super slalom course, located at the base of Aspen Mountain, will reset after the first day.

With $100,000 in prize money on the line this weekend, the lineup is expected to include several Olympians and current and former World Cup racers. But what makes the WPST truly unique is that it’s open to everyone, and Friday’s qualifying will help narrow down the participants for Saturday’s in-person race.

“That’s one of the things I love about this tour: NCAA champions, World Cup skiers, Olympians, journeyman racers, and all the kids from Aspen Valley Ski Club get to compete head-to-head.” said Franklin.

Watching the game is free. The race can be viewed from the side of Little Nell Run (a ski pass and ski/snowboard are required to access this part) or from the base of Ajax next to the Silver Queen Gondola, which does not have a ski pass. can be required.

Qualifying begins at noon Friday, and racing begins at 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. An award ceremony will be held after the race in the late afternoon on both days.

The race will be live streamed via WPST social channels and cbsports.com.. Fox Sports will be the tour’s primary television partner and will televise the race in Aspen next weekend.

acolbert@aspentimes.com