2025 FIS iFIT Freestyle Ski World Cup: High-Flying Aerials Return to Lake Placid’s Olympic Venue
Lake Placid, New York – January 19, 2025 – The iconic Olympic Village of Lake Placid once again served as the stunning backdrop for the 2025 FIS iFIT Freestyle Ski World Cup, with gravity-defying aerials wowing spectators as the world’s top freestyle skiers soared through the air on January 18-19, 2025.
The event marked a thrilling return of high-flying aerials to one of the sport's most historic venues, offering a combination of athleticism, precision, and jaw-dropping stunts.
Lake Placid, which hosted the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980, has long been a key destination for freestyle skiing competitions. This year’s World Cup event saw athletes compete on the same slopes that have witnessed countless Olympic moments, with the Olympic Jumping Complex providing an ideal setting for some truly awe-inspiring performances.
Aerials: Gravity-Defying Feats of Athleticism
The main event of the weekend was the aerials competition, where athletes take off from a towering ramp, performing multiple flips and twists before landing on a specially designed snow bed. With high-flying stunts that test the limits of both skill and bravery, the aerials competition never fails to captivate the crowd, and Lake Placid 2025 was no exception.
The athletes faced strong gusts and chilly temperatures, but that didn’t deter them from showcasing their incredible talent. The jumpers pushed the limits of their tricks, combining complex flips with daring spins as they executed gravity-defying stunts that left the crowd on the edge of their seats. Every athlete’s performance seemed to raise the bar, and it was clear that the competition was going to be fierce from start to finish.
Men’s Aerials: Local Hero Takes the Spotlight
The men’s aerials competition on January 19 was an intense battle, with athletes from around the world competing for the top spot. Troy Murphy of the United States, a local favorite, took full advantage of his home-course advantage, executing one of the most flawless runs of the event. Murphy launched off the ramp with precision, completing multiple flips and twists before landing with perfect form.
His victory in Lake Placid was a testament to his years of dedication to the sport, and the local crowd was ecstatic to see one of their own reach the top of the podium. His victory was especially sweet, as it came on one of the most prestigious stages in freestyle skiing, a location that has become synonymous with the sport’s legacy.
Following Murphy, Anton Kushnir of Belarus put on an incredible show, securing second place with an equally impressive series of flips. Kushnir’s technical execution and clean landing earned him a well-deserved place on the podium. Completing the top three was Mikhail Mikaylov from Russia, whose combination of tricks and aerial finesse saw him land in third place, rounding out the podium with an excellent showing.
Women’s Aerials: Fierce Competition and High-Flying Performances
The women’s aerials competition, held on January 18, was equally exciting, as the athletes pushed their limits to land some of the most difficult tricks in the sport. The competition was filled with tight performances, but in the end, it was Jasmine Ransone of the United States who took home the gold with an impressive series of flips and rotations. Ransone’s ability to maintain control while executing such complex aerials earned her top marks from the judges, and the win further solidified her position as one of the top aerialists on the World Cup circuit.
Li Ling of China, known for her impressive aerial technique, followed closely behind, earning silver. Li Ling delivered a smooth, controlled performance, executing perfect flips and spins that nearly earned her the top spot. Lara Scheurich of Switzerland rounded out the podium in third, securing a bronze medal in an impressive display of her aerial skills.
Impact on the World Cup Standings
The results from Lake Placid have major implications for the overall standings in the FIS iFIT Freestyle Ski World Cup. Troy Murphy’s victory in the men’s aerials has given him a significant boost, propelling him higher up in the rankings. His strong performance on home turf also demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure, making him a strong contender for the overall title this season.
In the women’s competition, Jasmine Ransone’s victory has moved her closer to the top of the standings, where she will continue to challenge for a spot on the podium at future World Cup events.
As the season progresses, the battle for the overall World Cup title in freestyle skiing is heating up, and events like Lake Placid will be crucial in determining who will emerge as the ultimate champion. With athletes like Murphy, Ransone, Kushnir, and Li Ling showing incredible form, it promises to be an exciting season full of thrilling moments.
The Return of Freestyle Skiing to Lake Placid
The 2025 FIS iFIT Freestyle Ski World Cup in Lake Placid proved once again why the Olympic venue remains one of the premier destinations for freestyle skiing events. The combination of technical skill, breathtaking aerial stunts, and the rich history of the venue made for an unforgettable weekend of action. Fans from around the world were treated to some of the best aerials skiing, with athletes flying high above the snow, pushing the limits of what’s possible in the sport.
Looking ahead, the athletes will continue to chase valuable World Cup points in upcoming competitions, while fans will eagerly anticipate the next round of high-flying action. Lake Placid has once again proven to be a true jewel in the freestyle skiing world, and it is clear that the event will continue to be a highlight on the World Cup calendar for years to come.
