Lienz World Cup SL: Shiffrin vs. Vlhová, Dec 29 | How to Watch

Lienz finsh arena GEPA/Matic Klansek

Who is racing in Lienz, when, and how to watch the women’s World Cup slalom on December 29th.

On December 29th, all eyes will be on Lienz, Austria, as the Schlossberg race hill hosts the final women’s slalom of 2023. The stakes are high, with Mikaela Shiffrin, the current leader of the season’s slalom standings, a standout from the Stifel US Ski Team, battling her long-time rival, Slovakia’s Petra Vlhová. What is the difference between them? A mere 50 points.

As we approach the 5th out of 11 scheduled slaloms, the season’s slalom champion remains unknown, and Lienz is the next stage for the ultimate showdown. The top five slalom contenders, including Germany’s Lena Duerr, Croatia’s Leona Popovic, and Sweden’s Sara Hector, are all formidable competitors, each with the potential to claim victory.

Shiffrin, the Stifel US Ski Team star, is determined to extend her lead after finishing second in Courchevel, France, just a week ago. History speaks volumes, as Shiffrin has undoubtedly spent the past week rigorously training to enhance her winning capabilities. However, Petra Vlhová, her Slovakian adversary, is undoubtedly doing the same, setting the stage for a thrilling battle on the Schlossberg race venue.

With Shiffrin and Vlhová each boasting two wins this season, the upcoming slalom in Lienz is crucial, marking the fifth in the 2023-24 season. The outcome of this race could tilt the scales in favor of either skier in the intense season-long competition.

Top five 2024 season women’s World Cup slalom standings

North American Contenders: A Glimpse Beyond the Leaders

Turning our attention to the North American contingent, Paula Moltzan, a proud member of the Stifel US Ski Team, currently holds the 11th spot in the season’s slalom standings. Fresh off a commendable 5th-place finish in Courchevel, Moltzan, an All-American from the University of Vermont, aims to make her mark in Lienz.

Meanwhile, Ali Nullmeyer, representing Alpine Canada Alpin, stands strong in 6th place in the season’s slalom standings. Her notable achievements include two 6th-place finishes in Levi, Finland, showcasing her slalom prowess. A Middlebury College graduate with honors, Nullmeyer is poised to leave a lasting impression in Lienz.

Unfortunately, Laurence St-Germain, the reigning World Champion from Alpine Canada Alpin, will miss the Lienz race due to an ankle injury sustained during training. We wish her a speedy recovery.

Amelia Smart, another Alpine Canada Alpin standout and former University of Denver Pioneer, has displayed glimpses of her potential this season. Despite challenges in putting together two fast runs, Smart has scored twice, and her ability to ski with top-15 speed is expected to shine in the races to come.

AJ Hurt, a rising star from the Stifel US Ski Team, recently earned World Cup Slalom points in Courchevel, showcasing her versatility as a world-class giant slalom and slalom skier. The 23-year-old athlete promises an exciting journey of slalom progress throughout the season.

As the anticipation builds for the final 2023 women’s slalom in Lienz, the Schlossberg race hill is set to witness fierce competition, unpredictable twists, and a display of sheer athleticism as these remarkable skiers vie for glory on December 29th.

Sixty-nine women representing 22 countries will compete in the December 29th Lienz World Cup slalom

North American Women with 2024 slalom World Cup Points

Five North Americans, including three from the Stifel US Ski Team and two from Alpine Canada Alpin, are entered to race the Lienz slalom on Friday, December 29th.

• Bib 7, Mikaela Shiffrin, Stifel USST, Burke Mountain, Academy, Atomic, Oakley
• Bib 4, Paula Moltzan, Stifel USST, University of Vermont, Ski and Snowboard Club, Vail, Rossignol/LOOK, Level Gloves
• Bib 15, Ali Nullmeyer, ACA, Middlebury College, GMVS, Atomic, Level Gloves
• Bib 26, Amelia Smart, ACA, Windermere, University of Denver, Atomic, Level Gloves
• Bib 39, AJ Hurt, Stifel Stifel, Team Palisades Tahoe, HEAD, Level Gloves

Lienz information

In the heart of the Austrian Alps, Lienz beckons with its winter allure and summer spectacle. As the final women’s slalom approaches on December 29th, Lienz’s Schlossberg race hill sets the stage for intense alpine skiing action. But beyond the slopes, Lienz reveals another side in summer – a tradition of Summer Solstice Fires that transforms the mountains into a mesmerizing canvas.

Tiroleans, led by local multitasker Thomas Koch, light up the alpine slopes with over 10,000 torches to mark the longest day of the year. This ancient tradition, dating back to the Middle Ages, boasts religious symbols and even whimsical designs like Papa Smurf and Donald Duck. The vibrant flames create a stunning display against the backdrop of the Zugspitze mountain, making Lienz a destination where winter racing and summer traditions converge in a captivating dance of fire and snow.

How to watch the Lienz December 29th women’s World Cup slalom

The women’s initial run starts at 4:00 a.m. Eastern Time and 1:00 a.m. Pacific Time, while the second run commences at 7:00 a.m. Eastern Time and 4:00 a.m. Pacific Time.

In Canada, sports enthusiasts can watch the World Cup on CBC Sports

In the USA, the women’s World Cups in Courchevel will be available for viewing live and as a replay on the Ski & Snowboard Live streaming service.

First run start list and race program for Friday, December 29th, Lienz women’s World Cup slalom

Click on the start list and program to download

Race program for Friday’s December 29th, Lienz women’s World Cup slalom