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Who is racing in Saalbach, when, and how to watch the women’s World Cup slalom finals on March 16th.

Saturday’s slalom in Saalbach, Austria, marks a pivotal moment in ski racing. The season’s top 25 slalom (SL) skiers and the Junior World Slalom Champion were invited to race in the World Cup finals. However, due to injuries, only 23 will race.

The spotlight shines brightly on Mikaela Shiffrin, the esteemed member of the Stifel US Ski Team. After sustaining an injury on January 26th, 2024, during a downhill race, Shiffrin returned to competition just last weekend, March 10th, showcasing her remarkable resilience. With a stunning display of skill and determination, she secured her season’s eighth World Cup victory, clinching the 2024 season slalom title (Globe) and claiming her sixth 2023/24 slalom win. Saturday’s race marks only her second and final race appearance since her injury, making her journey back to the top one of triumph and perseverance. Shiffrin’s presence adds extra excitement to the finals, serving as a testament to the enduring spirit of athletic excellence.

The qualified skiers for the finals include only the top 25 performers from the GS season, athletes amassing 500 or more points in all the events during the season, and the reigning Junior World Champion. Only the top 15 finishers score World Cup points at the finals.

The 2024 season’s top World Cup slalom women qualified for the Saalbach World Cup finals

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Slalom Nations Cup

The slalom Nations Cup standings are significant in the battle for national pride. Switzerland currently leads the standings with a narrow 27-point margin over the USA, closely followed by Austria, which trails by 92 points. Canada has secured 8th position by accumulating 358 points over the regular season.

A diverse array of talent from 15 countries graces the list of qualified women for the Slalom World Cup Finals. Austria and Switzerland lead the pack with four qualifiers each, while the United States, Sweden, Croatia, and Slovenia boast two representatives each. Slovakia, Germany, Canada, Latvia, France, Norway, Czech Republic, Italy, and Albania each contribute one qualifier to the qualified roster. Notably, Latvian Ģērmane Dženifera, the Junior World Champion in women’s slalom who also qualified among the season’s 25 best, will compete in the World Cup Finals, adding another layer of anticipation to the event.

Nations Cup Women’s slalom top ten point totals

Qualified North Americans

Among the North American contingent, Mikaela Shiffrin stands at the forefront with her remarkable achievements this season. Paula Moltzan, a former standout from the University of Vermont Catamounts, has showcased her podium potential, securing a commendable third-place finish in Soldeu, Andorra, and ranking 10th for the season. Canada’s Ali Nullmeyer,  hailing from Middlebury College, demonstrates her skill with a 12th-place ranking. Unfortunately, Laurence St-Germain, the reigning World Slalom Champion and a graduate of the University of Vermont, narrowly missed qualifying for the finals due to race opportunities lost to injury. Despite this setback, North American athletes enter the finals optimistically, poised to leave their mark on the prestigious event.

North Americans racing the Saalbach World Cup slalom finals on Saturday March 16th.

• Bib 5, Mikaela Shiffrin, Stifel USST, Burke Mountain, Academy, Atomic, Oakley
• Bib 8, Ali Nullmeyer, ACA, Middlebury College, GMVS, Atomic, Level Gloves
• Bib 14, Paula Moltzan, Stifel USST, University of Vermont, Ski and Snowboard Club, Vail, Rossignol/LOOK, Level Gloves

There are 23 racers from 14 countries on tomorrow’s women’s World Cup Slalom Finals start list.

As the anticipation builds for Saturday’s slalom in Saalbach, Austria, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the Women’s World Cup Slalom season. With Mikaela Shiffrin’s triumphant return and the fierce competition for national pride, the event promises excitement and drama. With the inspirational performances of athletes from around the globe, the finals embody the essence of alpine ski racing’s enduring appeal. As spectators eagerly await the outcome of each race, one thing is certain: The World Cup Finals will be a fitting culmination of a season filled with passion, perseverance, and unparalleled entertainment.

How to watch the Saturday, March 16th Saalbach Women’s World Cup slalom final

The women’s initial run starts at 5:30 a.m. Eastern Time and 2:30 a.m. Pacific Time, while the second run commences at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time and 5:30 a.m. Pacific Time. 10:30 CET first run and 13:30 CET second run.

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

In the USA, the World Cup finals in Saalbach, Austria will be available for viewing live and as a replay on Peacock and Outside Watch will offer a live feed.

First run start list and daily program for Saturday, March 16th Saalbach World Cup slalom final

Click on the start list and program to download

Daily program for Saturday, March 16th Saalbach World Cup slalom final