Lucas Pinheiro Braathen: GEPA pictures
Meillard Leads in Hafjell as the Final Slalom of the Season Unfolds
The last men’s World Cup slalom of the season brought blue skies and a perfect race surface to Hafjell’s Olympia-Løypa, a venue that last hosted a men’s World Cup slalom in 2003. With its demanding terrain and long course, the stage was set for an aggressive showdown among the world’s best.
At the front, Loïc Meillard of Switzerland—the newly crowned slalom world champion—delivered a dominant first run, clocking 1:00.46. His performance reaffirmed his status as one of the sport’s elite, with a run that demanded maximum efficiency and excellent timing.
Behind him, former Norwegian skier bib 14 Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, now representing Brazil, pushed the limits of what was possible on familiar snow. He finished 0.34 seconds back, his run full of energy and risk, earning cheers from Norwegian fans who still see him as one of their own.
Podium Battle Tightens
Austria’s Fabio Gstrein sits third, just 0.44 seconds behind Meillard, while France’s Clément Noël, a four-time winner this season and second in the slalom standings, is fourth at +0.52. The top five are separated by just over half a second, with Atle Lie McGrath (+0.53) and Norway’s Henrik Kristoffersen (+0.84) in the mix.
Kristoffersen, one of the home favorites, has an opportunity to clinch the season slalom title today, but his first run left him with work to do. He will need a strong second run and some help from his competitors to secure the globe.
High Stakes Across the Field
With the regular season ending today, the stakes are different for every skier. Some are battling for the slalom title or a podium, while others are fighting to finish in the top 25 of the season standings to secure a spot at the World Cup Finals in Sun Valley. Others are aiming for a top-30 ranking on the World Cup Start List, guaranteeing them a preferred start position next season, while a few are chasing their first-ever World Cup slalom points.
The chaotic nature of slalom showed early, with six of the first 30 skiers failing to finish and another not starting. This opened the door for later racers, giving them a real chance to break into the top 30 and earn a second run. Additionally, skiers fighting to stay inside the top 60 on the World Cup Start List are racing to protect or increase their nation’s quota spots for next season.
A Tightly Contested Finale Awaits
With six racers within a second of Meillard, the second run promises to be a fierce fight for the final regular-season podium. The reversed start order ensures drama, with the 30th-fastest skier running first and the fastest starting last. The lead will change hands multiple times, but in slalom, nothing is decided until the final skier crosses the line.
The stage is set for an unforgettable last run of the 2025 World Cup regular season.
North American Skiers Secure Second Runs
Two Stifel U.S. Ski Team athletes advanced to the afternoon’s second run: Ben Ritchie and Jett Seymour. Ritchie posted a strong first run to finish 11th (+1.64), keeping him within striking distance of a top-10 result. His quick first sector, ranking 7th, helped set up his competitive position.
Seymour, starting with bib 33, delivered a determined run to place 18th (+1.91). His steady skiing throughout the long course ensured he stayed inside the top 30, earning him a final run in the last slalom of the regular season.
High-Bib Skiers Break Through
The challenging Hafjell course and numerous DNFs among early starters opened the door for skiers starting outside the top 30. Seven racers with bib numbers above 30 qualified for the second run, equaling the number of early starters who failed to finish or did not start.
The highest bib to qualify was Oscar Andreas Sandvik (NOR, bib 47), who took 28th place (+2.66). Despite a difficult start, where he ranked 52nd in the opening sector, Sandvik gained time as the course progressed and secured his place in the second run.
The fastest of the high-bib group was Billy Major (GBR, bib 39), who finished 14th (+1.85), making the most of his opportunity with an aggressive and clean run.
Surprising Absences from the Second Run
Perhaps the most shocking statistic of the first run was the absence of any Italian skiers in the top 30. With the 2026 Winter Olympics set for Bormio, Italy, this result raises questions about the nation’s slalom depth heading into a home Games.
With seven high-bib skiers qualifying and seven early starters failing to finish or start, the afternoon’s final run will feature a mix of experienced competitors and late qualifiers looking to capitalize on their opportunity. The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 World Cup regular season.
First Run Results: Top 30 Finishers
Click images to enlarge
Analysis of the Fastest Four
About the Author: Peter Lange
