Aleksander Aamodt Kilde’s highly anticipated return to World Cup downhill racing faces fresh uncertainty after organizers of the iconic Stifel Birds of Prey event were forced to reschedule Thursday’s downhill due to an incoming snowstorm in Vail Valley.
The Norwegian star, fiancé of American skiing legend Mikaela Shiffrin, was set to contest his first downhill since a horrific crash in Wengen nearly two years ago that required major surgery and kept him off snow for the entire 2024–25 season. Kilde made an emotional comeback last week at the Copper Mountain super-G, finishing 24th in a run that left both him and Shiffrin in tears at the finish.
Organizers announced Wednesday evening that the men’s downhill, originally planned for Friday, has been moved forward to Thursday, December 4, in an attempt to beat the heavy snowfall forecast for later in the week. The finish area has also been shortened, stopping before the traditional Red Tail jump section for safety reasons.
Despite the challenging conditions, athletes were able to complete two training runs on Tuesday and Wednesday. Further adjustments to the weekend’s super-G and giant slalom remain possible if the storm intensifies.
Bad weather has plagued the early North American speed swing this season. Last month, both men’s and women’s downhill races at the World Cup Finals in Sun Valley, Idaho, were cancelled entirely due to adverse conditions.
Kilde’s comeback has been one of the most heartwarming stories of the young season. The 32-year-old admitted the January 2024 crash left lasting trauma and doubts about ever returning to the sport. Throughout his long rehabilitation, two-time Olympic champion Mikaela Shiffrin remained a constant source of support.
“She has supported me from day one – not only personally but also as an athlete. The support I’ve gotten from her has been insane. I love her,” Kilde told Olympics.com after his Copper Mountain race.
Shiffrin, who was present at the finish line last week, added: “It was very special that I was able to be there for his comeback. I’m very proud of him.”
Thursday’s rescheduled downhill will pit Kilde against reigning downhill crystal globe winner and five-time overall champion Marco Odermatt of Switzerland, who dominated the Copper super-G by more than a second.
While a podium may be a tall order so soon in his recovery, Kilde’s mere presence at the start gate of one of the most demanding courses on the World Cup circuit is already being hailed as a victory for the popular Norwegian.
