Stifel’s Boost to Prize Money for Alpine World Cups Elevates Athlete Rewards and Excitement.
U.S. Ski & Snowboard is excited to announce a significant increase in prize money for all domestic Audi FIS Alpine World Cups, thanks to the collaboration with their title partner, Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team. This increased prize purse will be implemented starting with the Stifel Killington Cup on November 25-26, 2023.
With the generous support of Stifel, the upcoming World Cup races in the United States will offer a 30% increase in prize money compared to the previous season, marking the highest amount of prize money ever awarded in U.S. Ski & Snowboard history. For both men and women, prize money has been equal within the International Ski Federation and U.S. Ski & Snowboard landscape for many years. On the podium, the first-place winner will receive CHF 58,000 ($64,300), second place will receive CHF 27,000 ($30,000), and third place will receive CHF 15,000 ($16,600).
Ron Kruszewski, Chairman and CEO of Stifel Financial Corporation, expressed his enthusiasm for increasing the prize money, recognizing the dedication and incredible efforts of the alpine athletes. This gesture aims to demonstrate appreciation for their outstanding achievements and athletic prowess.
“I am thrilled that we are able to increase prize money for the talented alpine athletes,” said Kruszewski “These athletes are extremely dedicated and we hope this shows our appreciation to their tremendous efforts and athletic achievements.”
The domestic alpine World Cups, including the Stifel Killington Cup at Killington, Xfinity Birds of Prey at Beaver Creek, Stifel Palisades Tahoe Cup, and Stifel Aspen Winternational, will all feature an enhanced prize purse for the top 30 finishers.
Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard, expressed delight in collaborating with Stifel to increase the prize money, emphasizing their commitment as an athlete-first partner. With more World Cups being hosted in the United States than ever before, the increased prize money serves as an enticing incentive for athletes around the world to compete on American soil.
Mikaela Shiffrin, Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete and two-time Olympic champion, expressed her gratitude for Stifel’s increased support and belief in ski racing as a sport. She commended Stifel for recognizing the value of equal prize money among genders and their dedication to growing the sport and attracting more fans.
The Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete and 2023 world champion Tommy Ford also expressed his enthusiasm for Stifel’s strong support of ski racing. He acknowledged the motivation that comes with the potential to earn more on home soil and expressed excitement for the upcoming races.
“It is awesome that Stifel is such a strong supporter of this sport we call ski racing,” said Ford. “Knowing that we have the potential to earn more on home soil just adds fuel to the fire. Let’s go!”
The increased prize money provided by Stifel showcases their belief in and commitment to the sport of ski racing, generating excitement among athletes and fans alike. With this significant boost, the domestic World Cups in the United States promise to be even more thrilling and competitive.