AJ Hurt shares first career podium with Kranjska Gora winner Petra Vlhová : GEPA pictures
Women’s World Cup Slalom in Kranjska Gora: Who’s Racing, When and How to Watch
A Storied Venue Welcomes Back the World’s Best
The FIS Women’s World Cup Slalom returns to Kranjska Gora, Slovenia, a venue rich in alpine racing history. Known for its challenging Podkoren slope, Kranjska Gora is a favorite among athletes for its technical difficulty and scenic views. As the fifth slalom race of the 2024-25 season, this event could shape the battle for the coveted discipline globe.
The Battle for the 2025 Slalom Title Intensifies
With four slaloms already completed, Switzerland’s Camille Rast leads the standings with 205 points, followed closely by Germany’s Lena Dürr with 185 points. The top five skiers are separated by only 55 points, making every race crucial in this tightly contested battle for the season title.
The absence of reigning World Cup slalom champion Mikaela Shiffrin due to injury has opened the door for other athletes to claim the spotlight. Rast, Dürr, and Croatia’s rising star Zrinka Ljutić, who won the Semmering slalom, will aim to capitalize on Shiffrin’s absence and further solidify their positions in the top rankings.
Last Season’s Kranjska Gora Slalom Podium
The 2023-24 Kranjska Gora slalom saw Slovakia’s Petra Vlhová claim victory before her season was cut short by injury, which continues to sideline her this year. Germany’s Lena Dürr finished second, demonstrating her technical prowess, while AJ Hurt of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team secured her career-first podium with a third-place finish, marking a highlight for the North American contingent.
Podium Contenders to Watch
The Kranjska Gora slalom boasts a deep field of talent, including proven champions and emerging stars:
- Camille Rast (SUI): The current slalom leader, Rast has been in excellent form, claiming victory in Killington and a podium in Gürgl.
- Lena Dürr (GER): Dürr is a consistent threat in slalom, earning podiums in Levi and Semmering this season.
- Zrinka Ljutić (CRO): The 20-year-old secured her first World Cup victory in Semmering and will look to continue her momentum in Kranjska Gora.
- Paula Moltzan (USA): A proven podium finisher, Moltzan will look to lead the North American contingent as she aims to break back into the top ranks.
- Lara Colturi (ALB): At just 18 years old, Colturi delivered a breakout second-place finish in Gürgl, establishing herself as one to watch.
- Katharina Liensberger (AUT): Liensberger, a seasoned Austrian star, has already secured two podiums this season in Levi and Semmering.
- Anna Swenn-Larsson (SWE): A consistent performer, Swenn-Larsson earned second place in Killington and is always a threat on technical slopes.
Top 15 Women’s 2024-25 SL World Cup Standings
These rankings reflect the depth of talent in women’s slalom, with Camille Rast leading the charge and several athletes poised to make their mark.
Sixty-two women from 19 nations will start the women’s World Cup SL in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia. Switzerland and Austria entered the most athletes, with Switzerland fielding nine competitors and Austria starting with six.
Žan Špilar (USA) has set the first run, and Knut Johan Bere (NOR) will set the second run.
North America’s 2024-25 World Cup Slalom Rankings
North American Athletes Prepare for Kranjska Gora
Top United States and Canadian athletes aim to make a substantial impact in Slovenia. Moltzan (USA), ranked 13th, is determined to recapture the form that secured her second-place finish in Semmering last season.
The U.S. will field the same team as in Semmering, including Hurt, who returns to Kranjska Gora with fond memories after earning her career-first podium here last season. Katie Hensien and Nina O’Brien will round out the U.S. team, aiming to score their first slalom points of the season.
Canada’s contingent has faced its share of injuries but remains competitive, featuring Kiki Alexander and Amelia Smart, a University of Denver graduate ranked 37th. Smart is focused on building consistency this season, while Alexander, now in her eighth World Cup slalom, continues gaining valuable international experience.
This small group of North American athletes blends proven podium finishers and rising stars, setting the stage for an exciting race on the technical Podkoren course.
What’s at Stake
This race marks the halfway point in the women’s slalom season, with six World Cup slaloms remaining. While the World Championships in February will be a highlight of the season, only World Cup results count toward the crystal globe. With such a tight battle at the top of the standings, every point will matter as athletes vie for the coveted title.
North American Women Racing Slalom in Killington
- Bib 11, Paula Moltzan, Stifel USST, University of Vermont, Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, Oakley
- Bib 27, AJ Hurt, Stifel USST, Team Palisades Tahoe, HEAD
- Bib 28, Amelia Smart, ACA, Windermere, University of Denver, Atomic
- Bib 36, Katie Hensien, Stifel USST, University of Denver, Rowmark Ski Academy, SHRED
- Bib 44, Nina O’Brien, Stifel USST, Burke Mountain Academy
- Bib 54, Kiki Alexander, ACA, Sunshine Alpine Racers
How and When to Watch
The first run starts at 4:00 a.m. Eastern and 1:00 a.m. Pacific time, with the second run following at 7:00 a.m. Eastern and 4:00 a.m. Pacific Time.
U.S. audiences can watch the race live or as a replay on Ski And Snowboard Live.
Sports enthusiasts in Canada can watch the World Cup on CBC Sports.
Daily Program and First Run Start List
Click the images to enlarge or download.
First Run Start List
About the Author: Peter Lange
