Killington gets greenlight for World Cup racing

KILLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - FIS World Cup officials have given the greenlight for snow conditions at Killington. That means the Women’s World Cup racing on Thanksgiving weekend is right on track. And now that the snow is officially a go, everyone at Killington is gearing up for the Stifel Killington Cup.

As a groomer pushes snow down the Superstar trail in preparation for the Thanksgiving weekend World Cup races, two sisters from Peterborough, New Hampshire, take a break from the slopes in the brand-new K-1 base lodge. They both love to ski.

“We always learn something new. Like nothing is ever the same,” Ella Walsh said.

“It feels like you are flying going down the mountain because you are going so fast,” Sydney Walsh said.

And they’ll be back here in a little over a week to see the fastest female skiers in the world. That includes Burke Mountain Academy’s Mikaela Shiffrin, the most decorated skier of all time who is also a role model.

“She has a good, positive attitude and she skis really well,” Ella said.

“She’s very confident,” Sydney said.

Between 30,000 and 40,000 spectators are expected to turn out for the two-day event. Athletes from more than 20 countries will be represented there.

“Even if ski racing isn’t your thing, it’s still a really fun event between the fireworks and the entertainment, and just the energy here on Saturday and Sunday is electric,” said Kristel Killary of the Killington Resort.

That electricity feeds businesses up and down the access road.

“It’s just really exciting to get ready for the event and know that there is going to be people from all over the world in town,” said Beth Sarandrea, who owns the local restaurant Liquid Art and is also president of the Killington Pico Area Association. “It just brings so much energy to town. I think that is what I love the most-- how much energy we feel on the road.”

Tickets for the event can be purchased online for $10 until right before the racing begins. The full schedule of events and ticket information for the Stifel Killington Cup weekend are available online.

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