Sara Hector SWE Kronplatz 2024: GEPA Pictures
Women’s World Cup GS: Who’s Racing, When, and How to Watch
Kronplatz Women’s World Cup GS Preview: A Test of Skill and Strategy
The Kronplatz Women’s World Cup Giant Slalom returns on January 21, 2025, bringing the world’s best skiers to the iconic Erta slope in the South Tyrol of Italy. Known for its steep pitches and technical demands, this race could be pivotal for athletes aiming to secure their spots at the World Championships in Saalbach.
The Erta Slope: A True Challenge
The Erta slope, located on Piz de Plaies Mountain, has been a cornerstone of Alpine skiing since its opening in 2003. Its 1,325-meter length and 405-meter vertical drop demand tactical aggression and focus. With gradients reaching up to 61%, the Erta slope tests even the most experienced racers. Located in Süd Tyrol, Kronplatz boasts scenic views where athletes tackle its formidable course.
Last Year’s Highlights
Last season, Switzerland’s Lara Gut-Behrami clinched victory in Kronplatz on her way to winning the season-long giant slalom title. Alice Robinson of New Zealand secured second place, while Sweden’s Sara Hector, the reigning Olympic champion, took third. Among the North Americans, Paula Moltzan led the charge, finishing 11th, followed by Canada’s Britt Richardson in 18th and USA’s AJ Hurt in 27th. All these women are set to compete again this season, adding intrigue to this year’s event.
Who’s Earning Podiums This Season?
Four giant slalom (GS) races this season have produced two different winners, with Italy’s Federica Brignone and Sweden’s Sara Hector each claiming two victories. Brignone’s three podium finishes, including wins in Semmering and Sölden, highlight her consistency and position her as a top contender for the Crystal Globe. Hector has also showcased her prowess, earning two wins and another podium, while New Zealand’s Alice Robinson has been remarkably consistent, earning three podiums despite not yet claiming a victory.
Podiums This Season
- Sölden, Austria (Rettenbach Glacier):
- Federica Brignone (Italy)
- Alice Robinson (New Zealand)
- Julia Scheib (Austria)
- Killington, USA (Superstar):
- Sara Hector (Sweden)
- Zrinka Ljutić (Croatia)
- Camille Rast (Switzerland)
- Semmering, Austria (Panorama):
- Federica Brignone (Italy)
- Sara Hector (Sweden)
- Alice Robinson (New Zealand)
- Kranjska Gora, Slovenia:
- Sara Hector (Sweden)
- Lara Colturi (Albania)
- Alice Robinson (New Zealand)
Kronplatz is the final GS race before the World Championships, so all eyes will be on these top athletes to see who can carry their momentum into Saalbach.
Top 15 Breakdown: Countries Dominating GS
The 2024-25 giant slalom season has delivered thrilling competition. Hector leads the GS standings with a 96-point advantage, while Brignone is tied for second with Alice Robinson of New Zealand.
The top 15 GS standings highlight a diverse mix of nations showcasing their giant slalom talent. The United States leads with three athletes: Nina O’Brien, Paula Moltzan and Katie Hensien. Austria also has a strong presence with Julia Scheib and Franziska Gritsch, while Switzerland follows with two representatives, Lara Gut-Behrami and Camille Rast. Other nations with one skier in the top 15 include Slovenia (Meta Hrovat), Croatia (Zrinka Ljutić), Albania (Lara Colturi), Norway (Thea Louise Stjernesund), New Zealand (Alice Robinson), Canada (Valérie Grenier), Italy (Federica Brignone), and Sweden (Sara Hector).
This breakdown highlights the competitiveness across nations, with talent spread broadly among the top ranks. Kronplatz, as the final GS before the World Championships, will serve as a critical proving ground for athletes aiming to solidify their standings and make their mark ahead of Saalbach. The race is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in the season.
Top 15 Women’s GS World Cup Rankings
Click images to enlarge
Nations Cup Update: A Tight Race in Giant Slalom
The Nations Cup battle in giant slalom (GS) remains close, with the Stifel U.S. Ski Team narrowly leading Italy by just six points. Sweden follows in third, 29 points behind the Americans. The United States has maintained its position at the top of the GS standings despite the absence of Mikaela Shiffrin, thanks to strong contributions from their athletes. Italy, led by Federica Brignone’s recent wins, has gained momentum and could overtake the U.S. with another strong performance in Kronplatz.
Last season, the U.S. finished third in the GS discipline behind Italy and Switzerland. The competition for the Nations Cup is far from over, and with five GS races remaining this season, every result will count.
Nations Cup GS Standings
Sixty-seven women representing 19 countries are set to compete in the World Cup Giant Slalom in Kronplatz, Italy on January 21.
Pierre Miniotti (CAN) set the first run, and Andrej Jerman (NOR) will set the second run.
North American Contenders: U.S. and Canadian Standouts
Stifel U.S. Ski Team
The U.S. team has demonstrated remarkable depth in Giant Slalom this season. Nina O’Brien leads the charge, ranked ninth in the GS standings with 116 points, closely followed by Paula Moltzan in 10th with 114 points. Katie Hensien, ranked 14th with 77 points, has been a standout, delivering consistent performances throughout the season. AJ Hurt, despite missing early races, has climbed to 28th with 30 points, while Elisabeth Bocock earned her first career GS points and is ranked 42nd with eight points.
Mary Bocock, who has competed in five World Cup GS races and recently debuted in super-G at Cortina d’Ampezzo, will also be racing at Kronplatz. Mary is eager to secure her first career World Cup point result, adding to the team’s strong presence on the starting list.
The Americans are missing Mikaela Shiffrin, who scored 45 points in her only complete GS race before injury sidelined her. However, their current lineup has kept them competitive in individual and Nations Cup standings.
This race marks the World Cup debut of 20-year-old Liv Moritz from the Stifel U.S. Ski Team. A two-sport athlete, Moritz played soccer for the University of Denver this fall and redshirted a year from the ski team to train and compete in Europe. Watching a young skier make their first appearance on the World Cup stage is always exciting and creates unforgettable memories for the athlete and their supporters.
Canadian Women
Canada’s Grenier is the top-ranked Canadian GS skier after missing the season opener in Sölden. Grenier ranks 13th with 79 points, is a two-time GS World Cup winner and remains a consistent podium threat. Britt Richardson, ranked 30th with 26 points, and Cassidy Gray, ranked 40th with 11 points, have also added valuable points for Canada. Both women will look to improve their rankings in Kronplatz, with Richardson motivated to improve on her scoring performance from last year’s race.
North American Women With 2025 World Cup GS Points
North American Women Racing GS
- Bib 10, Valérie Grenier, ACA, Club de Ski Mont Tremblant
- Bib 11, Paula Moltzan, Stifel USST, University of Vermont, Ski and Snowboard Club, Vail, Oakley
- Bib 12, AJ Hurt, Stifel USST, Team Palisades Tahoe, HEAD
- Bib 19, Nina O’Brien, Stifel USST, Burke Mountain Academy
- Bib 27, Britt Richardson, ACA, Calgary Alpine Racing Club, Burke Mountain, Academy, Oakley
- Bib 28, Katie Hensien, Stifel USST, University of Denver, Rowmark Ski Academy, SHRED
- Bib 35, Cassidy Gray, ACA, Team Panorama, Atomic
- Bib 52, Elisabeth Bocock, Stifel USST, Rowmark Ski Academy
- Bib 60, Mary Bocock, Stifel USST, Dartmouth College, Rowmark Ski Academy
- Bib 63, Liv Mortiz, Stifel USST, University of Denver, Ski & Snowboard Club Vail
What’s at Stake?
With only five giant slalom (GS) races left this season, Kronplatz is the final chance for athletes to showcase their skills ahead of the World Championships in Saalbach. As the last GS race before team selections, a strong performance here could be the deciding factor for those on the bubble, solidifying their place on their nation’s roster for the prestigious event.
How and When to Watch
The first run starts at 4:30 a.m. Eastern and 1:30 a.m. Pacific Time, with the second run following at 7:30 a.m. Eastern and 4:30 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
