Returning to its 1950 birthplace stirred emotions for 3Tre. Following promotional stops in Milan and London, Madonna di Campiglio's night slalom received a warm homecoming, with just weeks remaining until race day on January 8, 2025.

On December 11, Ferrari Trento - long-time supporter of 3Tre, Madonna di Campiglio, and global sports including Formula 1 as official sparkling partner - hosted the final 3Tre on Tour event, celebrating Italy's premier slalom and one of winter sports' most iconic venues.

The slalom classic drew a capacity crowd in Trento, its original hometown. Notable attendees included Roberto Failoni, Tourism Councilor for Trentino; Lorenzo Conci, 3Tre Committee President; Paola Mora, CONI Trentino President; Raffaella Podetti, FISI Trentino Vice-President; Matteo Bonapace, Madonna di Campiglio Tourism Board Director; Gianni Baldessari, Funivie Pinzolo General Director; 1986 3Tre champion Ivano Edalini; and Vancouver 2010 Olympic Slalom Champion Giuliano Razzoli, with Ferrari Trento President Matteo Lunelli making the honors.

With winter settling into the Brenta Dolomites, anticipation builds daily in Madonna di Campiglio. The event's move from its traditional pre-Christmas slot to post-Epiphany positions it as the opener for World Cup slalom month, leading into classics at Adelboden, Wengen, Kitzbühel, and Schladming.

Race times remain unchanged for the season's first World Cup night event, with runs scheduled for 17:45 and 20:45. This edition carries special significance, following last year's 70th anniversary and marking 50 years since Ingemar Stenmark's first World Cup victory, achieved in Madonna di Campiglio on December 17, 1974.

The January 7 eve day’s program features the traditional bib draw in Sissi Square, preceded by the screening of "La Valanga Azzurra," a documentary by Giovanni Veronesi chronicling Italy's legendary 1970s team. Special guests will include skiing icons Gustav Thoeni, Piero Gros, and Paolo De Chiesa.

Past champion Ivano Edalini, who claimed victory ahead of Stenmark in 1986, took the floor in Trento, along with Vancouver Olympic Champion Giuliano Razzoli. While a Campiglio podium eluded Razzoli during his career, he'll make a final appearance as forerunner on the Canalone Miramonti, receiving the sendoff denied by last season's canceled finale in Kranjska Gora. The Italian fans hope this will bring good luck to the Azzurri team too, still pursuing their first victory in Madonna since Giorgio Rocca's 2005 triumph.

Italy pins its hopes on Alex Vinatzer against a stacked field including former champions Henrik Kristoffersen and Daniel Yule, plus top contenders Clement Noel, Manuel Feller, Alexander Steen Olsen, Atle-Lie McGrath, Dave Ryding, and Lucas Braathen - the latter returning under Brazilian colors after a year's absence. Defending champion Marco Schwarz’ participation is still on the mend, as the Austrian is in the recovery process from last year’s injury in Bormio – just days after the 3Tre glory – and his early-season disc surgery.

Info and tickets available at 3trecampiglio.it.

KEY QUOTES:

Roberto Failoni (Tourism Councilor, Autonomous Province of Trento): "Madonna di Campiglio's establishing among the classic World Cup venues reflects our commitment to alpine skiing's highest level. We're preparing another spectacular night, combining world-class slalom racing with thousands of fans lining the Canalone Miramonti. Our course preparation team will deliver perfect conditions, while our hospitality sector stands ready to welcome athletes and spectators with Trentino's renowned service, backed by our magnificent mountain backdrop."

Lorenzo Conci (3Tre Committee President): "These gatherings demonstrate the deep connection between 3Tre and our community. Our passion drives this tradition forward, matched by the enthusiasm of champions past and present who support us. We're particularly pleased to give Giuliano Razzoli his proper farewell in Campiglio, while celebrating both the Valanga Azzurra legends and Ingemar Stenmark's historic first World Cup victory here 50 years ago."

Matteo Lunelli (Ferrari Trento President): "Ferrari Trento shares deep bonds with Madonna di Campiglio and 3Tre. The resort feels like home, and now, dressed in winter white, it's ready to showcase its finest face to visitors and enthusiasts. This partnership embodies Trentino's finest traditions."

Paola Mora (CONI Trentino President): "3Tre remains a cornerstone of Italian and Trentino sport. Racing the Canalone Miramonti represents every young athlete's dream. These sporting excellence events promote Italy's image globally, thanks to dedicated organizing committees like 3Tre's."

Raffaella Podetti (FISI Trentino Vice-President): "As we nurture new Italian talent for the 2026 Olympics, we extend our gratitude to the organizing committee and volunteers who make this spectacle possible. 3Tre stands as a global symbol of skiing excellence."

Ivano Edalini (1986 3Tre Champion): "Winning in Madonna marked my career's pinnacle, a long-sought victory especially after placing second the previous year. I remember the tension through the final gates, avoiding mistakes, and the explosion of joy from the crowd at the finish."

Giuliano Razzoli (Vancouver 2010 Olympic Champion): "Madonna di Campiglio will always hold a special place in my heart. The atmosphere created by fans along the Canalone Miramonti is unmatched - it's consistently one of the most emotional and demanding races. Victory here requires intensity from start to finish."

Matteo Bonapace (Madonna di Campiglio Tourism Director): "3Tre's passion and heritage continue to inspire and excite. Our season opens with positive indicators, and natural snowfall helps present our destination at its best. 3Tre exemplifies our successful team approach, guaranteeing future excellence."

Gianni Baldessari (Funivie Pinzolo General Director): "The meticulous attention to snow and course preparation reflects our dedication. Without passion, such results would be impossible. 3Tre has enabled our destination to grow and invest in ever-higher quality standards."