It's a night made for champions: January 8 marks the 71st edition of Madonna di Campiglio's 3Tre. One of AUDI FIS Alpine Ski World Cup's most storied events takes its new post-holiday position in a snow-covered Madonna di Campiglio, ready to generate that unmistakable atmosphere recognized throughout skiing.

The Italian Night Race launches slalom's defining month with a pivotal test. At 17:45 and 20:45 (CET), all eyes turn to the start gate and steeps, tracking racing lines and split-seconds that will crown the next 3Tre champion, as the slalom discipline still seeks its defining star in the post-Hirscher era.

Waiting and watching in finish area will be the most decorated champion of all: Ingemar Stenmark returns as Madonna di Campiglio celebrates 50 years since his 1974 breakthrough victory here - the first of his legendary 86 World Cup wins, including eight in Trentino (five slalom, three giant slalom).

In a season already rich with surprises beyond Odermatt's dominance, Madonna di Campiglio could witness another breakthrough, just as it did with the sensation from Tärnaby fifty years ago. Several racers chase their first World Cup victory, including Alex Vinatzer, carrying Italian hopes of ending the near 20-year drought since Giorgio Rocca's magical night. The startlist features proven champions: in addition to defending victor Marco Schwarz, Henrik Kristoffersen and Daniel Yule with three Canalone Miramonti wins each, plus Sebastian Foss-Solevaag, though currently below peak form.

Others seek redemption after near-misses: Clement Noel has twice seen victory slip away, while Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, now racing under Brazilian colors, dreams of South America's first triumph on this historic stage. The field deepens with 2023/24 Slalom World Cup champion Manuel Feller, Norwegian powerhouses Alexander Steen Olsen, Atle-Lie McGrath and Alta Badia winner Timon Haugan – for whom Trentino is their elected training ground - plus Sweden's Kristoffer Jakobsen racing before his legendary countryman.

Olympic Champion Giuliano Razzoli serves as forerunner, receiving a proper farewell months after retirement. Beyond racing, legends gather: Valanga Azzurra heroes Gustav Thoeni, Piero Gros and Paolo De Chiesa, 80s rivals Alberto Tomba and Marc Girardelli, plus Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Gold medalist Ruggero Tita.

The 71st 3Tre opens Tuesday, January 7, with 18:30 public bib draw in Sissi Square, preceded by the "Valanga Azzurra" documentary at 16.00 in Pala Campiglio, celebrating Italy's legendary 1970s team. Wednesday, January 8th, brings the moment of truth on Canalone Miramonti with the two runs at 17.45 and 20.45: history unfolds here.