Colby Stevenson Wins Stubai FIS Freeski Slopestyle World Cup
Monster Energy athletes Colby Stevenson and Sarah Hoefflin made a strong statement at the 2024/25 Freeski Slopestyle World Cup season opener in Stubai, Austria. Despite challenging weather conditions that forced the competition to rely on qualification results, the two athletes secured podium finishes in an impressive display of skill and determination.
Stevenson, the Olympic silver medalist and seasoned competitor from Park City, Utah, clinched first place in the men's event with a stellar second run, earning him a winning score of 92.00.
Stevenson's trick highlights included nose butter 1600 to switch right 1400, switch cork 810, 180 on 180 out, nose butter 450 back 2.
Reflecting on his victory, Stevenson said, "Stubai World Cups are always challenging with weather, this year especially. It feels quite nostalgic having a victory here as this was where I had my first World Cup podium back in 2017 (3rd place). So, I'm glad to be healthy and skiing with everyone. Our team is slaying it right now! Stoked for a great season."
The women’s competition in the afternoon was an inconsistent affair, as many skiers fell or lost control of their speed amid changing wind conditions.
France’s Tess Ledeux scored a mere 6.25 in her first run before climbing to first place with a second run that saw her lead off with a corked 900 blunt and then a switch right bio 900, then through the rails with a backside 450 on to switch, then a switch right 270 on, and finally a 270 on 270 out on the last rail for a score of 87.00.
“I feel so happy to land a run today, the conditions were really hard,” said Ledeux.
The French skier, who was celebrating her 23rd birthday on Saturday, admitted to not knowing what to expect as everyone waited for competition to begin.
“It was a tough week,” she said. “I think the birthday is an extra boost and I just used this extra boost for the win.”
Behind the birthday girl were Swiss skiers Mathilde Gremaud and Sarah Hoefflin on 85.00 points and 82.25 points respectively.
Ledeux now shares a record 15 World Cup wins across slopestyle, halfpipe and big air with Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games multi medallist Eileen Gu (CHN), while Gremaud sits just behind that pair with 14 career wins.
“I feel lucky to compete with Eileen and Mathilde because they push me all the time," said Ledeux. "We definitely have a good crew and I'm so proud to be a part of it.”
Switzerland's Hoefflin delivered a solid performance to secure third place. Her second run scored 82.25, solidifying her position on the podium and demonstrating her consistency as one of the top athletes in the sport.
The Stubai Glacier, known for its world-class slopestyle course, provided the backdrop for this thrilling competition. Despite adverse weather conditions that limited the competition to two qualification runs, Stevenson and Hoefflin showcased their resilience and elite talent, underscoring why they are among the top freeskiers in the world.
The 2024/25 season is off to a promising start for Monster Energy's athletes, with Stevenson and Hoefflin representing the brand at the highest level of competition.
Next up is Freeski Big Air in Beijing, China, November 29 – December 1.
