About the Author: Peter Lange

The Karl Schranz downhill course in St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria, will host the first Women’s World Cup downhill of 2025, featuring elite athletes from around the globe. With a storied history and technical challenges, this iconic venue sets the stage for a thrilling competition. Among the racers, Lindsey Vonn makes her much-anticipated downhill return, joining a strong field that includes Austria's Cornelia Huetter, Italy's Sofia Goggia, and the rising talent of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team led by Lauren Macuga.

Albert Popov claimed his first World Cup victory in Madonna di Campiglio, making history as Bulgaria’s second-ever winner, while Benjamin Ritchie delivered a career-best performance, finishing 8th for his first top-10 result. The dramatic second run saw lead changes, intense competition, and standout skiing, with Popov securing the win over Switzerland’s Loïc Meillard and Croatia’s Samuel Kolega. The U.S. men’s slalom team continues to build momentum with strong performances and promising results this season.

The first run of the Madonna di Campiglio Men’s World Cup Night Slalom delivered drama and excitement on the challenging Canalone Miramonti slope. With a well-prepared surface despite 40 centimeters (16 inches) of wet snow earlier, top seeds like Clément Noël and Marco Schwarz struggled, exiting early, while Norway’s Atle Lie McGrath seized the lead. Impressive performances from higher bib numbers added to the excitement, with ten skiers outside the top 30 qualifying, including Stifel U.S. Ski Team’s Jett Seymour in 17th and Sweden’s Gustav Wissting in 27th. The stage is set for a thrilling second run under the lights.

The iconic 3Tre Madonna di Campiglio Night Slalom returns on January 8, 2025, kicking off the new year with high-stakes action on the legendary Canalone Miramonti slope. Austria’s Marco Schwarz, last year’s champion at this venue, headlines a stacked field that includes favorites Clément Noël, Henrik Kristoffersen, and Loïc Meillard. With North American hopefuls like Jett Seymour and Erik Read also in the mix, this fifth slalom of the season promises thrilling competition under the lights. Don’t miss the world’s best battling for glory in one of alpine skiing’s most prestigious events.

Zrinka Ljutic delivered a stunning performance in the Kranjska Gora slalom, claiming her second consecutive World Cup win. The young Croatian edged out Swiss veteran Wendy Holdener by 0.16 seconds, with Sweden’s Anna Swenn Larsson rounding out the podium. The dramatic second run saw multiple lead changes, with Holdener briefly taking the top spot before Ljutic’s composed and precise skiing sealed the victory.

Despite the absence of Petra Vlhová, Mikaela Shiffrin, and Laurence St-Germain due to injuries, Sunday’s World Cup slalom in Kranjska Gora delivered thrilling performances. Croatian standout Zrinka Ljutic and Swiss veteran Wendy Holdener tied for the lead after the first run, with the top five skiers separated by just 0.78 seconds. Germany’s Lena Dürr shocked fans with an early exit, while rising talents like Melanie Meillard and Emma Aicher seized the spotlight. Switzerland showcased depth with seven qualifiers for the second run, while Canada struggled, failing to advance any racers.

The Kranjska Gora slalom, the site of AJ Hurt’s career-first World Cup podium just a year ago. With top contenders like Camille Rast, Lena Dürr, and Zrinka Ljutić vying for critical points in the tight slalom title race, this preview offers a detailed look at the athletes, past results, and what’s at stake in this pivotal World Cup event.

Sweden’s Sara Hector claimed a commanding victory at the Kranjska Gora Giant Slalom, securing her second win of the season and taking the lead in the GS standings. Albania’s rising star Lara Colturi earned her first career GS podium in second, while New Zealand’s Alice Robinson, known for her power and aggression, finished third. AJ Hurt delivered her best result of the season in 10th, with teammate Nina O’Brien close behind in 11th. Austria’s Julia Scheib impressed with the fastest second run, climbing to fourth, while Argentina’s Francesca Baruzzi Farriol made history by scoring her first World Cup points in 30th.

Sweden’s Sara Hector dominated the first run on Kranjska Gora’s challenging Podkoren slope, leading by 1.19 seconds. Surprises included Italy’s Federica Brignone failing to finish and 18-year-old Lara Colturi delivering the second-fastest time. North Americans AJ Hurt and Nina O’Brien also impressed, while higher bibs capitalized on opportunities to qualify for the afternoon finale.

The 2025 Women’s World Cup Giant Slalom returns to Kranjska Gora, Slovenia, on the steep and technical Podkoren 3 slope. Top contenders include Federica Brignone, Sara Hector, and Valérie Grenier, while North Americans like Paula Moltzan and Katie Hensien aim to break into the podium mix. With its challenging terrain and tight standings, this race promises high-stakes action.

With Germany’s Lena Dürr leading the race, all eyes turned to 20-year-old Croatia’s Zrinka Ljutic, the fastest skier from the first run, to decide the winner. Benefiting from her father setting the first run course, Ljutic entered the second run with a 0.51-second advantage over Dürr. Despite Dürr’s impressive second run, which included a significant mistake, Ljutic extended her lead to 1.75 seconds, clinching her first World Cup victory. The win was historic, marking the first time in 22 years that a Croatian woman claimed a World Cup victory, following in the footsteps of skiing legend Janica Kostelić. Ljutic, who had previously earned three slalom podiums, finally stood atop the podium in a breakthrough moment for her career.

Zrinka Ljutic holds a commanding lead after the first run of the Semmering slalom, with Germany’s Lena Dürr and Switzerland’s Camille Rast in pursuit. North Americans Amelia Smart and AJ Hurt aim to climb the ranks in an exciting afternoon finale.

The Bormio Super-G on the iconic Stelvio track promises thrilling action as the world’s top ski racers face one of the most demanding courses on the World Cup circuit. With steep terrain, icy conditions, and flat light adding to the challenge, skiers must rely on a single course inspection to prepare for the race. Fans can look forward to seeing reigning super-G champion Marco Odermatt defend his title, Italy’s Mattia Casse chasing a second consecutive win, and Jared Goldberg leading a strong North American contingent. Don’t miss the action—full race info, athlete profiles, and viewing details are available.

The Women’s World Cup slalom returns to Semmering, Austria, without Mikaela Shiffrin, shifting the spotlight to other top contenders like Camille Rast, Katharina Liensberger, and Paula Moltzan. Discover who’s racing, how to watch, and what to expect from this season's stars.

The Women’s GS in Semmering delivered thrilling drama, with Federica Brignone securing her 14th World Cup GS victory and extending her record as the oldest winner. Sara Hector and Alice Robinson joined her on the podium, each earning their second GS podium of the season. North Americans impressed, led by Valerie Grenier in 4th and Paula Moltzan in 5th, showcasing depth and determination.

Federica Brignone led a tight field after the first run of the Semmering GS, holding a slim 0.15-second lead over reigning World Cup GS champion Lara Gut-Behrami. Olympic champion Sara Hector followed in third, just 0.24 seconds back. North American skiers impressed, with Paula Moltzan in fourth and Valerie Grenier in fifth, while seven skiers from the region qualified for the afternoon finale. The diverse field featured standout performances from 11 countries, setting the stage for an exciting second run.

The Semmering Women’s World Cup GS returns after a two-season hiatus, bringing thrilling action to the Panorama slope. With Mikaela Shiffrin and Petra Vlhová sidelined, reigning GS World Cup champion Lara Gut-Behrami leads a competitive field. North America’s AJ Hurt, back in action for the Stifel U.S. Ski Team after earning her first GS podium last season, joins other strong contenders like Federica Brignone and Sara Hector in the hunt for victory.

The Bormio Stelvio's Carcentina and San Pietro Jump demand precision, power, and endurance. Last year, Canada’s Cameron Alexander earned a podium finish, while Wiley Maple led the U.S. racers with 12th. North American standouts like Ryan Cochran-Siegle, Bryce Bennett, James Crawford, and Brodie Seger are poised to showcase their skills on this formidable course this season.