Federica Brignone: GEPA pictures
Gut-Behrami Makes History as Brignone Claims Giant Slalom Globe
Podium – Stifel Sun Valley World Cup Finals, Women’s Giant Slalom:
1st – Lara Gut-Behrami (SUI) – 2:10.01
2nd – Federica Brignone (ITA) – 2:10.15 (+0.14)
3rd – Sara Hector (SWE) – 2:10.81 (+0.80)
Lara Gut-Behrami closed out the 2024-25 women’s World Cup giant slalom season in historic fashion, winning the Stifel Sun Valley World Cup Finals with two powerful, well-executed runs on a course that punished hesitation and rewarded commitment. The Swiss star’s victory marked her 10th career giant slalom win, completing a rare triple-double — 10 or more World Cup victories in giant slalom, super-G, and downhill. She leaves the Stifel Sun Valley Finals with a giant slalom win, a super-G win, and the super-G crystal globe in hand.
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But the biggest celebration belonged to Federica Brignone.
The Italian delivered the fastest second run of the day to jump into the lead with just one racer remaining. Her finish secured second place on the day and locked up the season-long World Cup giant slalom title, her third crystal globe of the season after previously clinching the downhill and overall titles.
Brignone needed to finish 13th or better to overtake New Zealand’s Alice Robinson, who failed to finish the first run after being delayed at the start due to a crash by Paula Moltzan just ahead of her start. Brignone didn’t hold back. She attacked from start to finish, skiing with purpose and poise, crossing 0.66 ahead of current leader Olympic champion Sara Hector and ended the day 0.14 behind Gut-Behrami.
Hector’s final run was a show of grit, taking the lead by more than 1.5 seconds at the time and guaranteeing herself a place on the podium.
Gut-Behrami Caps Her Comeback With History in Sun Valley
“Today was a real fight — the conditions, the slope, everything. But I love that kind of challenge,” said Switzerland’s Lara Gut-Behrami, who claimed victory in the Stifel Sun Valley World Cup Finals giant slalom and became the first woman in history to win 10 or more races in three disciplines: giant slalom, super-G, and downhill. “It wasn’t my best feeling on skis, but I’m so happy to be back winning in giant slalom. It was a beautiful way to end the season.”
Gut-Behrami admitted this season tested her mentally more than most. “I was always looking for what was missing. But now I have the feeling back. I love skiing again — and that’s what I was missing the most.”
The win marked the 100th World Cup podium of her career. While the number is significant, Gut-Behrami values something deeper. “It’s not about numbers. It’s about the memories, the emotions, and what we bring to people as athletes. That’s what makes me proud.”
Racing on the steep and technical Challenger slope suited her perfectly. “I like courses that aren’t easy — the ones where you have to fight from top to bottom. That’s where I ski my best.”
Brignone Captures the Globe with Courage and Control
“I knew I had to be top 12, but in skiing, when you don’t attack, you make mistakes,” said Federica Brignone, who secured the 2024-25 women’s World Cup giant slalom title with a second-place finish at the Stifel Sun Valley Finals. “So I tried to push — not all in, but just enough. And when I crossed the line, I knew I had it. I was so happy.”
“Who could imagine this season? A world championship, three globes, so many wins — it’s even more than I hoped for,” she said. “It’s not easy, but this is what makes me feel alive.”
Hector Finds Joy and Redemption on a New Stage
“I just got so happy coming to the U.S. — it’s been such a fun adventure,” said Sweden’s Sara Hector, who powered to a third-place finish in the final giant slalom of the season at the Stifel Sun Valley World Cup Finals. “It’s really above my expectations. The views, the vibe, the energy — I really enjoyed it.”
Known for her positive spirit and technical skill, Hector admitted she was nervous heading into the second run, with warmer conditions and soft snow posing a challenge. “I’ve had some struggles this year with warmer races, so I was a little nervous. But the snow had good response, and it ended up being a really nice race.”
Reflecting on her year, Hector was proud of how she bounced back. “I had some really good comebacks from tough moments. To finish third in giant slalom for the season — that shows I did a lot of good things. I’m really happy with that.”
Robinson Reflects with Pride After Breakthrough Season
“It’s been a dream,” said Alice Robinson, who finished second overall in the World Cup giant slalom standings after a standout season. The 23-year-old from New Zealand arrived at the Stifel Sun Valley World Cup Finals with a 20-point lead and a chance to claim her country’s first-ever season title. “I was so excited today to fight for it. I just didn’t have the right feeling on the snow — and I was disappointed not to get that second run showdown.”
Although she didn’t complete her first run in Sun Valley, Robinson walks away proud of her performance throughout the year. “I’ve never been in this position before, fighting for a globe, and I’m proud of the consistency I showed. This little failure might be the motivation I need to work even harder in the offseason.”
Robinson reached the podium in six of eight races this season and became a trailblazer for Southern Hemisphere athletes. “No one from the Southern Hemisphere has ever won a globe, so I felt like I had a lot of people behind me. I hope I made them proud — and I know I’ll get another shot.”
A Season Finale Filled With Drama
From the first racer to the final gate, the second run delivered pure giant slalom excitement. The course softened slightly in the warmer conditions but still demanded technical precision and physical courage.
The crowd erupted when Stifel U.S. Ski Team’s AJ Hurt crossed into the lead, delivering a clutch second run that put her on top of the standings with ten racers still to go. It was a bold, attacking performance that ignited hope for a home-soil podium. But the celebration was short-lived — Switzerland’s Wendy Holdener followed immediately and edged Hurt by just 0.05 seconds, briefly silencing the crowd. The drama kept building. Slovenia’s Neja Dvornik then overtook Holdener, only to be bumped by Norway’s Thea Louise Stjernesund, who skied with expert timing and confidence to claim the lead with six racers still in the start gate.
Albania’s 18-year-old rising star Lara Colturi nearly matched her but came up 0.24 short. Then came heartbreak for Sofia Goggia, who attacked at full risk but went out in the second timing sector — eliminating any hope for a top finish and clearing the stage for the three fastest women from the first run.
Stifel U.S. Ski Team Finishes Strong on Home Snow
Three athletes from the Stifel U.S. Ski Team completed both runs and finished inside the top 15.
AJ Hurt delivered the top American result, finishing eighth overall, just 0.05 from a top-seven result. The performance was a bright finish to a season shortened by injury. She pushed hard through the second run and earned loud cheers from the home crowd.
Nina O’Brien skied with fierce intent, fighting through each sector and crossing into temporary third midway through the run. Her effort held up for 12th overall — a strong finish to her season.
Lauren Macuga, competing in her first-ever World Cup giant slalom, brought the crowd to its feet. Known for her speed-event success, the World Championship super-G bronze medalist stayed composed and powered through the course to finish 15th. She scored World Cup points in her giant slalom debut and celebrated with her trademark smile.
Hurt Leaves Her Mark in Sun Valley
“I’ve never been that amazing on soft snow, so I just focused on my technique and the basics — and I’m glad it worked,” said Stifel U.S. Ski Team’s AJ Hurt, who delivered a standout second run that momentarily put her in the lead. “It’s so fun to be part of this team. Sometimes I feel like I’m getting my ass kicked in training because every girl is so good — all the way down to the development group. But that’s what makes us better.”
After starting her season late due to injury, Hurt was thrilled to close it with a strong result on home soil. “It’s nice to end the season on something good. I’ve got a lot to be proud of.”
O’Brien Grateful for the Finish and the Fun
“It’s been chaos — but fantastic chaos,” said Stifel U.S. Ski Team’s Nina O’Brien, who wrapped up her season with a solid 12th-place finish in the final World Cup giant slalom of the year. “Second run was much better, and I’m just so happy I had the chance to run giant slalom here and check out this whole world.”
A steady presence on the giant slalom circuit, O’Brien emphasized how much the support of her team and family meant throughout the year. “I couldn’t have asked for a better season. We’re out here to have fun — ski racing is hard, but it’s so worth it. I just feel lucky to be doing this with people I love.”
Macuga Embraces the Challenge and the Joy of Her First World Cup Giant Slalom
“It was so exciting — I’m just really happy I did it,” said Stifel U.S. Ski Team’s Lauren Macuga, who finished 15th and scored World Cup points in her first-ever World Cup giant slalom. “Second run was actually much better, and it was just so cool to check out the GS world and do it in Sun Valley, in front of my family.”
Already a rising star in speed, Macuga called the week in Sun Valley a highlight of her season. “The energy here, the fans, seeing all the kids so excited — it just makes you want to keep going. I couldn’t have asked for a better season.”
GS Results
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Race analysis of the fastest three and Stifel U.S. Ski Team Members
About the Author: Peter Lange
