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Levi Women’s World Cup SL: Who’s Racing, When, and How to Watch
Levi Kicks Off the Slalom Season
The 2024-25 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Slalom season opens in Levi, Finland, on Saturday, November 16. Situated 170 kilometers above the Arctic Circle, Levi traditionally starts the Women’s World Cup Slalom calendar, known for its stunning race hill illuminated by powerful lights. With sunrise at 9:37 a.m. and sunset at 2:33 p.m., race day brings just under five hours of daylight, though the course remains brightly lit, adding to the dramatic atmosphere.
Levi holds strong traditions. Resident Santa Claus will appear, and the winner will receive a charming reindeer prize. This race promises a thrilling start to the slalom season, with top athletes ready to compete for the podium.
Shiffrin and Vlhová: Levi’s Dominant Duo
Mikaela Shiffrin arrives in Levi as the reigning Slalom World Cup champion, with 60 slalom victories and eight season slalom titles in her career. Shiffrin, who has won in Levi seven times, is the favorite to dominate the hill. However, her top rival, Petra Vlhová, remains sidelined, still recovering from a January injury sustained at her home GS race in Jasná, Slovakia. Shiffrin and Vlhová have claimed 13 victories at Levi, making this rivalry one of the most captivating in recent seasons.
While fans will miss Vlhová’s presence, she hopes to return for the next slalom race in Gürgl, Austria. In her absence, Anna Swenn-Larsson of Sweden, the only other slalom winner from last season, will pose a substantial challenge. Swenn-Larsson secured her victory in Soldeu, Andorra, and took advantage of Shiffrin and Vlhová’s absence.
Germany’s Lena Dürr, who finished as runner-up in last season’s slalom standings, also aims to make her mark in Levi. Dürr recently delivered an impressive performance in the opening GS, and her presence adds depth to the field.
National Strength
Switzerland leads the field with four athletes ranked among the top 15 in slalom. Austria follows with three, while Sweden and the Stifel U.S. Ski Team each bring two top-ranked competitors. This depth of talent promises a competitive start to the slalom season, setting the stage for an intense battle on the Finnish slope.
Top 15 Women’s SL World Cup Start List
Eighty-six women from 29 nations will start the women’s World Cup SL in Levi on Nov. 16. Switzerland and Austria entered the most athletes, with both countries fielding eight competitors.
Markus Lenz (GER) will set the first run, and Rudi Soulard (USA) will set the second run.
Additional North American Stars in Women’s Slalom
Three North American women stand strong among the top 15 on the World Cup Start List for Slalom, led by Mikaela Shiffrin of the Stifel US Ski Team. Shiffrin, ranked first, brings unmatched skill and consistency to the start line, continuing her legacy as the top contender.
Joining her in the top 15, Canada’s Ali Nullmeyer holds the 12th position, showcasing her strength on the World Cup circuit and adding depth to Alpine Canada Alpin’s roster. Additionally, Paula Moltzan, another standout from the Stifel US Ski Team, sits within this elite group, capturing an impressive third-place finish at the Soldeu, Andorra slalom last February.
Among those just outside the top 15 but still positioned to make an impact, Canada’s reigning World Champion, Laurence St-Germain, returns to the field after a season affected by injury. Her comeback adds excitement and boosts Canada’s hopes for podium success.
Emerging North American Talent
The U.S. sees rising talent in AJ Hurt, who reached her first Slalom World Cup podium last season, taking third place in Kranjska Gora with bib 38. She is currently ranked 31st on the slalom WCSL. However, a nagging injury will prevent her from competing in Levi.
Amelia Smart, representing Alpine Canada Alpin, scored in six slalom races last season, including an impressive 14th-place finish in Lienz, Austria. She has also scored three times in Levi, demonstrating her skill on this challenging course. Although currently ranked 32 on the World Cup Start List, the injury situation in the women’s field allows her to start among the first 30, giving her an advantageous position as she aims to improve her rankings this season.
Additional North American Faces in Levi
As the slalom season kicks off in Levi, several North American women are ready to join the field and aim for career-best performances. This group includes both seasoned racers and those making their World Cup debut, bringing fresh energy to the North American roster.
Canadian Contender
Kiki Alexander from the Sunshine Alpine Racers, also part of Alpine Canada Alpin (ACA), returns after missing last season due to injury. With a FIS rank of 92 in Slalom, she will start late in the first run, yet her previous experience racing Levi gives her an edge.
Additional North American Faces in Levi
As the Slalom season kicks off in Levi, several North American women are ready to join the field and aim for career-best performances. This group includes both seasoned racers and those making their World Cup debut, adding fresh energy to the North American roster.
Canadian Contenders
Kiki Alexander from the Sunshine Alpine Racers, also part of Alpine Canada Alpin (ACA), returns after missing last season due to injury. With a FIS rank of 92 in slalom, she will start late in the first run, though her previous experience racing in Levi gives her an edge.
Rising Stars for Team USA
Katie Hensien from the Stifel US Ski Team enters Levi with confidence after a personal-best 4th place in the season-opening GS in Sölden. She missed last season due to injury, but her comeback story is strong, and she’s ready to build on her previous Levi points from 2022. Hensien’s current FIS Slalom rank of 46 places her solidly in the field.
Also from the Stifel US Ski Team, Nina O’Brien returned from injury with an impressive career-best 7th place in Sölden. She has raced Levi eight times but has yet to score points there. She hopes this will be her breakthrough season with a FIS rank of 59 in slalom.
Completing the U.S. lineup, Kendahl Roufa, an independent racer with APEX2100, is set for her World Cup debut. Roufa earned her spot through last season’s NorAm results. With a FIS slalom rank of 148, she will be among the last to race in the first run, but the excitement of her debut promises a memorable experience.
This determined group rounds out the North American entries, each bringing unique stories and potential to Levi’s iconic slalom race.
North American Women Racing Slalom in Levi
- Bib 8, Mikaela Shiffrin, Stifel USST, Burke Mountain Academy, Atomic, Oakley
- Bib 13, Ali Nullmeyer, ACA, Middlebury College, GMVS, Atomic
- Bib 15, Paula Moltzan, Stifel USST, University of Vermont, Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, Oakley
- Bib 25, Laurence St-Germain, ACA, University of Vermont, Mont Sainte-Anne
- Bib 30, Amelia Smart, ACA, Windermere, University of Denver, Atomic
- Bib 42, Katie Hensien, Stifel USST, University of Denver, Rowmark Ski Academy, SHRED
- Bib 50, Nina O’Brien, Stifel USST, Burke Mountain Academy
- Bib 66, Kiki Alexander, ACA, Sunshine Alpine Racers
- Bib 76, Kendahl Roufa, Apex2100, Ski & Snowboard Club Vail, SHRED
How and When to Watch
The first run starts at 4:00 a.m. Eastern Time and 1:00 a.m. Pacific Time, with the second run following at 7:00 a.m. Eastern Time and 4:00 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
