The women are ready to take on the second day of racing in St. Moritz, Switzerland. After a successful day of Super-G racing, the women will tackle the challenging downhill course. With steep sections, sweeping turns, lofty rolls and jumps, the women must prepare to push themselves to the limit. during the training runs, this field has already showed tremendous speed and skill, so they are ready to take on the challenge.

It was a thrilling downhill race last season when Italy’s Sofia Goggia made a remarkable comeback from a severe hand injury. She suffered an accident during the first day of downhill, breaking multiple fingers and was rushed to Milan for surgery. The doctors placed a metal rod and screws inside her hand to stabilize it, but nobody was sure if Sofia would be able to race again that weekend. But she did and impressively won the downhill the next day with a lead of +0.43. Reminiscent of Hermann Maier. In her 2022 victory interview, Sofia said, “I got up in the morning and didn’t feel too much pain. I was super happy because it was not guaranteed.”

Goggia went on to win the 2023 downhill World Cup title, earning her 4th downhill globe. She will undoubtedly be going for a 5th this season, starting with this first race in St. Moritz. She revealed that she is here to win this year with her superb super-G run, clinching victory by (-0.95).

Last season, the race had two downhill days scheduled. So, on the first day, the other victorious racer was another Italian athlete, Elena Curtoni. She overcame a foggy, snowy day to win her second World Cup victory in downhill and her first in St.Moritz. She knows she has the potential to bring home another gold medal in downhill, and will be looking to do so tomorrow. 

Ilka Štuhec of Slovenia is a force to be reckoned with after a successful 2023 season. Last winter, she ranked second in the downhill World Cup standings, had two World Cup victories, and earned a 2nd-place finish on this track. She will take that momentum into this season, with her sights set on the title. 

Mikaela Shiffrin, ranked 12th in the 2023 World Cup downhill standings, has proven her prowess as a downhill skier. Although she has the least number of starts in this discipline out of all the disciplines she races, she has found multiple victories and top-5 finishes. Her highlight thus far has been a surprising gold at the 2022 World Cup finals in Courchevel/Meribel, France. She knows it won’t be easy, but Shiffrin will strive to step onto the podium tomorrow.

2022-23 Women’s downhill season’s standings

North American Highlights

Stefanie Fleckenstein, an independent athlete, is the top-ranked Canadian in the World Cup downhill. She threw down her best finish at the end of last season with a 19th-place in Kvitfjell, so now she is looking to break into that top 20 more consistently and qualify for the World Cup finals. 

Fleckenstein stated, “My biggest goal this season is to make it to the World Cup finals. It means you’ve made it into that elite group of athletes. I’m always thinking ahead to World Champs and the Olympics, but if I can make it to the World Cup finals this year, it reinforces my goals for the following years.”

Lauren Macuga of the Stifel US Ski Team experienced her first full World Cup season last winter, and she spent it focusing on speed skiing. St. Moritz was where Macuga scored her first World Cup downhill points. Her confidence was formed on this track, and she aims to increase her World downhill ranking this season in downhill. 

As an independent, Tricia Mangan scored downhill points in St. Moritz las tseason. This season, she has again joined the Stifel US Ski Team. She will aim to score her first World Cup points of the 2024 season this weekend. 

Today’s women’s super-G event in St. Moritz was one we will remember. The women exude confidence and are ready to attack the fast course. They are eager and excited to conquer downhill and put their hard work to the test. 

North American Women who scored World Cup downhill points in 2022-2023 racing in St. Moritz

Seven US and one Canadian are on the downhill start list

• Bib 3, Mikaela Shiffrin, Stifel USST, Burke Mountain Academy, Atomic, Oakley
• Bib 4, Isabella Wright, Stifel USST, Snowbird Sports Education Foundation, Atomic, Level Gloves
• Bib 30, Stefanie Fleckenstein, Independent, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, University of Colorado, Rossignol, LOOK, Level Gloves, SYNC
• Bib 33, Alice Merryweather, Stifel USST, Stratton Mountain School, Attitash Race Team, Rossignol, LOOK
• Bib 38, Keely Cashman, Stifel USST, Team Palisades Tahoe, Rossignol, LOOK
• Bib 41, Jacqueline Wiles, Stifel USST, White Pass Ski Club, Rossignol/LOOK
• Bib 48, Trish Mangan, Stifel USST, HoliMont Snowsports, Dartmouth College, HEAD, Level Gloves
• Bib 49, Lauren Macuga, Stifel USST, Park City Ski Team, Winter Sports School, Rossignol, LOOK

About St. Moritz, Switzerland

Nestled in the breathtaking Swiss Alps, St. Moritz is a gem that transcends its reputation as a holiday resort. Serving as the birthplace of Alpine winter tourism in 1864, the town has a rich history that extends beyond winter sports. It proudly boasts the honor of hosting the Winter Olympics twice, adding a touch of global prestige to its alpine charm. Nevertheless, St. Moritz’s initial claim to fame came from its mineral springs, discovered over 3,000 years ago, which established the town as a sought-after summer spa resort.

However, St. Moritz transforms into a ski racing hotspot each year. Hosting the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup for women, the town becomes a buzzing hub of excitement as top athletes and passionate fans converge to experience the thrilling competitions. With a remarkable ski racing legacy, St. Moritz stands out as the only venue to have hosted five Alpine World Ski Championships, solidifying its position as a top destination for winter sports enthusiasts.

Yet, St. Moritz offers more than just slopes and competitions. Amidst the natural beauty, the town exudes glamour and sets the gold standard for accommodation. Beyond catering to sports enthusiasts, St. Moritz is a cultural experience. It boosts Europe’s highest luxury shopping street, various museums and libraries. Easily accessible by road, rail, or air, St. Moritz invites everyone to immerse themselves in the perfect fusion of tradition and modern luxury. It is an unparalleled experience in the heart of the Swiss Alps.

The US has entered seven competitors and the Canadians have entered one in the December 9th downhill.

The downhill begins at 1:30 am PST, 2:30 MST and 4:30 am EST.

In the United States, Ski and Snowboard Live offers live streaming of the event and a full replay, with English announcers.

Start list and program for the December 9th St Moritz downhill

Program for St Moritz downhill December 9th