Ritchie Finds Slalom Groove in Kitzbühel

On Sunday’s slalom in Kitzbühel, Austria, Stifel U.S. Ski Team slalom specialist Ben Ritchie rediscovered his groove, claiming 15th in the men’s slalom. 

It has been a challenging season for Ritchie. After posting career-best results in the 2024-25 season, he struggled to finish a slalom until Sunday. In front of the lively Austrian crowd, Ritchie skied with precision and confidence to land 14th on the first run from bib 31.

“It’s been a difficult season,” said Ritchie. “But today, I felt like I finally put it all together again.”

On the second run, Ritchie focused on managing the pressure and nerves that had been building throughout the season. Staying calm, he skied smart to remain within the top 15. The Olympic qualification window is already closed, which means Ritchie did not meet the criteria to make the Milano Cortina Games, but he is focused on the rest of the World Cup season. 

“With only two slalom races left, I just plan to send hard,” Ritchie said. “I know the skiing is there, and I want to finish the season strong.”

Stifel U.S. Ski Team teammates Jett Seymour and Cooper Puckett also competed but did not advance to the second run. The race was won by Austria’s Manuel Feller, cheered on by the home crowd, followed by Switzerland’s Loic Meillard in second and Germany’s Linus Strasser in third.

The men return to slalom action on Wednesday for the classic Schladming night slalom.

RESULTS
Men's slalom