The 2025 women’s World Cup downhill season featured fewer races — but for North American athletes, similar reward. The Stifel U.S. Ski Team notched two World Cup podiums and one World Championship title, delivering a season that exceeded its 2024 success. With the Olympic year ahead, the program shows growing strength. While Canada earned one podium during the 2024 season, the best Canadian finish in 2025 was 21st.
U.S. Podiums in Back-to-Back Kvitfjell Downhills
After sitting out the previous winter, veteran Breezy Johnson returned to the World Cup circuit with power and purpose. She capped her season with a third-place finish in Kvitfjell, Norway—just weeks after claiming the 2025 World Championship downhill title.
A day later, 22-year-old Lauren Macuga stormed to her first World Cup downhill podium, finishing second in the final downhill of the season. Her consistency also lifted her to fourth in the discipline standings with 230 points.
With podiums in back-to-back races, the Stifel U.S. Ski Team earned two World Cup downhill podiums in 2025—matching its 2024 total (Shiffrin and Wiles) and surpassing it in total podiums when including Johnson’s World Championship gold.
Comparing Seasons: Fewer World Cups, Stronger Finish
In 2024, U.S. megastar Mikaela Shiffrin opened the downhill season with a win in St. Moritz. Later in January, Canada’s Valerie Grenier tied for third in the first of two downhills in Cortina d’Ampezzo. The following day, Grenier crashed and sustained an injury that caused her to miss the rest of the season. That same race saw Jacqueline Wiles of the U.S. finish second, rounding out the three North American World Cup podiums in the 2024 campaign.
While the 2025 season delivered two World Cup podiums for the U.S. again, Johnson’s World Championship title tipped the scale. Combined with Macuga’s rise and Vonn’s return to scoring form, the overall story of 2025 points to progress.
Same Scoring Depth, Different Balance
Ten North American women scored World Cup downhill points in both 2024 and 2025. But the makeup changed. One fewer Canadian earned points this season, while one more American—independent skier Haley Cutler—broke through. She earned her first career World Cup point in Kvitfjell.
Jacqueline Wiles delivered a consistent season for the Stifel U.S. Ski Team, scoring in five of six races and finishing 13th in the downhill standings with 112 points — third-most among American women. Her results included two top-10 finishes and valuable depth alongside podium performers.
Meanwhile, Lindsey Vonn came out of retirement and scored 86 points, finishing 19th overall in the standings.
Canada’s presence in the standings shrank, though Valerie Grenier returned to a limited downhill schedule. She raced four of the six events, including both races in Kvitfjell, and earned 10 points. Stefanie Fleckenstein, who scored in Val d’Isère before crashing in the finish area during the 2024 season, missed the entire season.
World Cup Context: Fewer Races, Lower Totals
Italy’s Federica Brignone won the 2025 women’s downhill title with 384 points earned across six races. Austria’s Cornelia Hütter, the 2024 champion, scored 397 points—but over eight races. That discrepancy in race totals must be considered when comparing season-long results.
Women’s Downhill Comparison: Top North Americans + Season Downhill Leaders
Looking Ahead: U.S. Momentum Building Toward Milano-Cortina
With Lauren Macuga emerging as a top-five downhill threat, Breezy Johnson returning to form on the biggest stages, and Lindsey Vonn contributing valuable points in her comeback, the Stifel U.S. Ski Team is gaining momentum at the right time.
Jacqueline Wiles also delivered a strong season. She scored points in five of the six downhills—missing only in St. Anton—and posted two top-ten finishes. Her 112 points ranked third among American women, ahead of Vonn, and added essential depth to the team’s results.
While Canada’s presence declined, U.S. women stepped up in a season with fewer races and more pressure. They head into the Olympic year with confidence, consistency—and a belief that more podiums are within reach.
About the Author: Peter Lange
