After a day of exciting competition, the PwC Tremblant World Cup festivities continue in the pedestrian village. The bib draw brings ski fans together at Place des Voyageurs for an entertaining evening where the world’s top female ski racers meet the crowd.
What Is a Bib Draw?
In alpine skiing, each athlete is assigned a bib number that determines their starting order. In giant slalom, this order can play an important role, as course conditions evolve with each run. Bib numbers are assigned according to the rules of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), with athletes in the first starting group drawing their numbers at random.
The draw reveals which racers will take to the course first the following day and the order in which the competition will unfold. At Tremblant, however, this step takes on a special dimension.
Two Races, Two Bib Draws
The Tremblant World Cup features two giant slalom races over the same weekend, on Saturday, December 5, and Sunday, December 6.
The public bib draw, held at Place Saint-Bernard, determines the starting order for Sunday’s race. It takes place following the awards ceremony for the first day of competition.
For Saturday’s race, the draw takes place the day before, in a more private setting with coaches and athletes. This official draw establishes the starting order for the first day of competition.
A Festive Tradition in the Heart of the Village
The bib draw for the second race takes place in a lively atmosphere filled with music, entertainment and opportunities to meet the athletes. One of Tremblant’s distinctive features is how close spectators can get to the racers. The athletes walk through the crowd on their way to the stage, creating moments of connection rarely experienced at a competition of this calibre.
Hosts Randy Ferguson and Sarah-Jeanne Labrosse set the tone with their energy and stage presence. They guide the audience throughout the ceremony, introduce the athletes and build anticipation as the starting numbers are revealed.
The event also stands out for its unique presentation. Traditional drums, a nod to the Indigenous culture of the Laurentians, set the rhythm for the ceremony, which culminates in the piercing of a drum with a ski pole. This distinctive moment adds an authentic Quebec touch to a long-standing Audi FIS Ski World Cup tradition.
Keep the World Cup Party Going!
The bib draw is only the start of the evening! Once the starting numbers have been revealed, the music takes over. Mike Clay brings the energy with a DJ set from the same stage at Place des Voyageurs from 7 p.m to 8:30 p.m, followed by DJ Bubu, who keeps the party going at Place Saint-Bernard until 10 p.m.
It’s a great opportunity to keep the good times rolling, soak up the lively village atmosphere and celebrate the PwC Tremblant World Cup in a truly festive setting!
