Albert Popov marked a milestone in his career on January 9, 2025, by winning the slalom at Madonna di Campiglio, Italy. At the age of 27, the Bulgarian became only the second skier from his country to win a White Circus event, after Peter Popangelov, winner in 1980. This victory, significant for Bulgarian skiing, is also the culmination of a career that has its roots in the SCARA, a key competition for young European skiers.
Albert Popov: From SCARA to the World Cup
The Madonna di Campiglio slalom will remain a highlight for Albert Popov. By winning on this prestigious slope, he established himself as a skier to watch in the slalom discipline. “This success means a lot,” he said after his victory, hoping that it might inspire other young Bulgarians to take up skiing.
But this victory did not come about by chance. In 2010, when he was just 13, Popov was already taking part in the SCARA, a major competition for young European skiers held every year in Val d’isère. At the time, he won the slalom in the young boys 1 category, a first major success that marked the start of his career. The SCARA was therefore a key step, enabling him to measure himself against athletes of his own age in conditions similar to those of major international competitions, before taking his first steps on the World Cup circuit.
Clément Noël and Zrinka Ljutic: Inspiring career paths from SCARA
Like Popov, other skiers have found their way to the World Cup via the SCARA. Clément Noël, for example, won the Kitzbühel slalom on January 26, 2025. The Frenchman, who has won 14 times in this discipline, also has a history with the SCARA. In 2013, at the age of 13, he finished 3rd in the U14 slalom.
On the other side of Europe, Croatian Zrinka Ljutic made her mark on women’s slalom by winning the Courchevel Slalom on January 30, 2025, establishing herself among the best female skiers on the circuit. She had also won the SCARA in 2017 in the U14 Ladies category.
These two athletes, among others, show that SCARA is fertile ground for emerging talent, and that success in this competition can be transformed into major achievements on the international stage.
SCARA: A Crucial Competition for Young Skiers
The SCARA, which attracts some 1,500 skiers each year, is often seen as a real preparatory stage for up-and-coming talent. The competition gives young athletes the chance to test themselves against international rivals, while offering them their first experience on world-class slopes. Every year, Val d’Isère becomes a meeting place for those who dream of following in the footsteps of champions like Popov or Noël.
The SCARA is therefore a starting point for many of today’s top skiers. Although this competition is not yet a guaranteed springboard to the World Cup, it is an ideal environment in which to measure one’s strengths, learn to deal with pressure and perfect one’s skills before embarking on the professional circuit.
A Link between Generations
Albert Popov and Clément Noël’s World Cup successes illustrate the progress they have made since joining SCARA. These two athletes show that youth competition, while still a long way from world podiums, represents an essential moment in the building of a career. By looking back on their own experiences, they remind all young skiers that great things are possible, provided they work hard and seize opportunities, such as those offered by competitions like the SCARA.
