Garmisch-Partenkirchen Women’s Downhill: Vonn Returns to Iconic Kandahar Course

Breezy Johnson Garmisch-Partenkirchen GEPA pictures

Garmisch-Partenkirchen Women’s Downhill Preview Who’s Racing When and How to Watch

Iconic Venue Returns

The Women’s World Cup Downhill in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, is set for January 25, 2025. After last season’s cancellation, the Kandahar racecourse will once again challenge athletes with its steep drops and icy conditions. Located in the Werdenfelser Land region, Garmisch gained fame hosting the 1936 Winter Olympics. The Kandahar track, named after the Earl of Kandahar, has hosted FIS races since 1970 and remains one of the most challenging courses on the circuit. The race will start at 1,490 meters above sea level and finish at 770 meters, covering a 2,920-meter-long technical course.

Lindsey Vonn’s Garmisch Legacy

Lindsey Vonn’s success at Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a testament to her fearless approach and dominance in downhill skiing. Over her career, Vonn has claimed five downhill victories on the Kandahar course, finishing second once. Her most remarkable streak includes four consecutive wins, spanning 2016, 2017, and twice in 2018. Her most recent victory came on February 4, 2018, when she edged out Italy’s Sofia Goggia by 0.11 seconds in a thrilling showdown.

The Kandahar course, with its steep drops, icy pitches, and unforgiving turns, demands bravery and calculated risk-taking. Vonn has always thrived in these high-stakes situations, pushing the limits to stay ahead of her competitors.

Returning to Garmisch for the first time in seven years, Vonn is preparing for her third World Cup downhill since coming out of retirement. Fans will eagerly watch to see if the 40-year-old legend can once again rise to the challenge and add another victory to her iconic career.

The Last Garmisch Downhill

The last women’s downhill in Garmisch-Partenkirchen took place on January 29, 2022, followed by the cancellation of the 2023 race due to weather conditions. Germany’s Viktoria Rebensburg delivered an emotional victory on home snow, adding to her legacy before her retirement. Italy’s Sofia Goggia, a consistent contender in downhill, finished second, while the Czech Republic’s Ester Ledecká earned her only podium on the Kandahar course by taking third.

As downhill racing returns to Garmisch this season, many of the sport’s top names—Goggia, Ledecká, and current downhill leader Federica Brignone—will strive to claim victory on the iconic track. With high stakes and World Championship team selections looming, the race promises drama and excitement.

Season Highlights
The 2024-25 downhill season has delivered exciting races:

• Birds of Prey, Beaver Creek, USA: Cornelia Huetter took first, followed by Sofia Goggia and Lara Gut-Behrami.
• St. Anton, Austria: Federica Brignone won, becoming the oldest woman to claim a World Cup downhill victory.
• Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy: Goggia triumphed, with Kajsa Vickhoff Lie second and Brignone third.

These results emphasize the depth of talent and tight competition among the world’s best.

The makeup of the Top 15

The current top 15 in the women’s downhill standings reflects an intense international competition, with skiers from sevennations represented. While Austria has the most athletes in the rankings, Italy leads the charge with two skiers holding the top twopositions, showcasing their dominance in the discipline. Here’s the breakdown:

• Italy (3): Italy commands the top of the standings, with Federica Brignone (1st, 189 points) and Sofia Goggia (2nd, 180 points) in the lead. Their performances this season have been exceptional, consistently pushing the limits on the circuit. Laura Pirovano (7th, 98 points) completes a strong trio for the Italians.
• Austria (4): Austria’s depth is unmatched, with Cornelia Huetter (3rd, 176 points) anchoring their team. She is joined by Stephanie Venier (10th, 81 points), Mirjam Puchner (13th, 55 points), and Ricarda Haaser (14th, 53 points). While they don’t occupy the top spots, Austria’s numbers make them a powerful force.
• Switzerland (3): Switzerland’s strength is evident, with Lara Gut-Behrami (5th, 130 points) leading their contingent. Rising talent Malorie Blanc (9th, 87 points) and Corinne Suter (11th, 71 points) add depth to the Swiss squad.
• United States (2): The Stifel U.S. Ski Team features two skiers in the top 15. Lauren Macuga (8th, 94 points) continues to impress in her breakout season, while Breezy Johnson (14th, 53 points) remains a steady performer.
• Czech Republic (1): Ester Ledecká (4th, 132 points) is the sole Czech representative in the top 15, demonstrating her remarkable versatility and consistency across venues.
• Norway (1): Kajsa Vickhoff Lie (6th, 120 points) has established herself as a strong contender this season, representing Norway with style and skill.
• Slovenia (1): Ilka Štuhec (12th, 69 points) rounds out the list with her recognizable power and precision on challenging tracks.

While Austria brings an impressive four athletes into the top 15, Italy’s dominance at the very top, holding the first two positions, is a remarkable feat that reflects their consistency and strength at the highest level. With tight standings and five races left, the battle for the downhill globe remains wide open.

click images to enlarge

Forty-nine athletes from 13 countries will compete in the Garmisch-Partenkirchen World Cup Downhill on Saturday, Jan. 25.

North American Contenders

North American skiers are ready to challenge the world’s best on the demanding Kandahar course in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. With a mix of veterans, rising stars, and athletes aiming for breakthrough performances, both the Stifel U.S. Ski Team and Alpine Canada Alpin bring depth and potential to the race.

Stifel U.S. Ski Team

The U.S. lineup is led by Macuga, who has emerged as a breakout performer this season. Currently ranked eighth in the downhill standings with 94 points, Macuga’s consistency and confidence have made her a key contender. Johnson, ranked 14th with 53 points, brings an aggressive style that has earned her a reputation as a podium threat.

Vonn, sitting 17th with 51 points, returns to Garmisch, where she has enjoyed unmatched success. With five downhill victories on the Kandahar course, Vonn’s experience could be pivotal as she pursues her comeback.

Jacqueline Wiles ranked 22nd with 38 points, showcased her potential with a strong 7th-place finish in Cortina d’Ampezzo just last week. Wiles aims to capitalize on that momentum and climb higher in the standings. Keely Cashman, ranked 40th with 3 points, is gaining valuable experience and will aim to score additional points in Garmisch.

The team also includes Tricia Mangan, Allison Mollin, and independent racer Haley Cutler, all seeking their first downhill points of the season. For Mollin and Cutler, a top-30 finish would mark a significant career milestone.

North American Women with World Cup Downhill Points

Team Canada

Alpine Canada Alpin did not enter any athletes in the Garmisch-Partenkirchen Kandahar races.

What to Watch For

As the last downhill before World Championship team selections, the Garmisch race is particularly significant. Athletes will aim to deliver their best performances to secure their spots. Expect thrilling runs from Brignone, Goggia, and Ledecká as they vie for points, while rising stars like Macuga and Malorie Blanc aim to shake up the standings. With Vonn’s return to the Kandahar course, fans can anticipate another chapter in her historic career.

Stifel U.S. Ski Team Athletes Racing Downhill

• Bib 1, Jacqueline Wiles, Stifel USST, White Pass Ski Club
• Bib 23, Breezy Johnson, Stifel USST, Rowmark Ski Academy, Atomic
• Bib 27, Lauren Macuga, Stifel USST, Park City Ski Team, Winter Sports School
• Bib 28, Lindsey Vonn, Stifel USST, Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, HEAD, Oakley
• Bib 32, Isabella Wright, Stifel USST, Snowbird Sports Education Foundation, Atomic
• Bib 37, Trish Mangan, Stifel USST, HoliMont Snowsports, Dartmouth College, HEAD
• Bib 41, Keely Cashman, Stifel USST, Team Palisades Tahoe, HEAD
• Bib 46, Allison Mollin, Stifel USST, Team Palisades Tahoe, HEAD
• Bib 47, Haley Cutler, Independent, Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation, Atomic

How and When to Watch

The race starts at 4:15 a.m. Eastern and 1:15 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 Start List

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Start List