Freestyle World Cup Skiing Begins Friday in Lake Placid

Lake Placid, NY - Ski fans will have only one chance to see the world’s best aerial and freestyle skiers compete in the United States when the FIS Nature Valley Freestyle World Cup begins tomorrow, Friday, Jan. 21, in Lake Placid, N.Y. The event, scheduled through Sunday, Jan. 23, is the only World Cup in the United States and will also serve as a qualifier for the U.S. ski team’s world championship squad. The three-day competition features more than 140 athletes from 19 countries.

Action begins Friday at the Olympic Jumping Complex with both the women’s and men’s aerials competitions. The women’s qualifying round begins at 9:45 a.m., while the men’s qualifier is slated to start at 12:25 p.m. The finals get underway at 2 p.m.

During the intermissions, fans will have the chance to compete in the Wii Challenge and also participate in other contests to win great prizes.

The World Cup will move over to Whiteface, in Wilmington, N.Y., and the Wilderness trail for moguls, both Saturday and Sunday. Competition begins both days at 9:15 a.m., with live music to follow, at 3 p.m., in the Cloudspin Lounge.

Tickets for Friday’s aerials are $15 for adults and $9 for juniors and seniors. A lift ticket and skis will be required to view the moguls’ competition at Whiteface.