Mikaela Shiffrin Semmering 2022: GEPA Pictures
Semmering Women’s World Cup GS: Who’s Racing, When, and How to Watch
Semmering’s Return to the Spotlight
The Women’s FIS Alpine Ski World Cup returns to Semmering, Austria, for a highly anticipated giant slalom (GS) race. A staple of the circuit since 1995, Semmering is renowned for its festive atmosphere and challenging Panorama slope. This course, with a vertical drop of 370 meters, a length of 1,260 meters, and a maximum pitch of 60%, tests the technical skills of the world’s best skiers. After a two-season hiatus, fans are eager to see the excitement return to this iconic venue.
Notable Absences: Shiffrin and Vlhová
Two of the sport’s biggest stars, Mikaela Shiffrin and Petra Vlhová, will not compete in Semmering. Shiffrin, who won the Slalom title last season and has claimed four Semmering GS victories, is the only skier to have won four GS races at this venue, including the last two, is still recovering from an injury sustained during a second-run crash at Killington. Similarly, Vlhová remains sidelined due to injury. Their absence opens the door for other competitors to make their mark in what has been a tightly contested GS season so far.
A Season of Disruptions
The women’s GS calendar has faced significant challenges this year. Originally slated for four races by now, only two have been held due to weather-related cancellations in Tremblant, Canada. Federica Brignone and Sara Hector emerged victorious in Sölden and Killington, respectively. Here are the podium results from those races:
- Sölden, Austria: Federica Brignone (ITA), Alice Robinson (NZE), Julia Scheib (AUT)
- Killington, USA: Sara Hector (SWE), Zrinka Ljutic (CRO), Camille Rast (SUI)
Key Contenders and Expectations
Without Shiffrin and Vlhová, the field remains fiercely competitive. Lara Gut-Behrami, the reigning GS World Cup title holder, leads a deep field of contenders. Federica Brignone, Sara Hector, and Alice Robinson are also among the favorites to claim victory. Shiffrin, while absent, is the reigning World Champion in GS, underscoring the high stakes of this discipline. Austria’s Julia Scheib, buoyed by a home crowd, will look to capitalize on the opportunity. North American racers, including Nina O’Brien and Valérie Grenier, aim to challenge for podium finishes. With so many talented athletes in the mix, the Semmering GS podium is wide open for surprises.
Top 15 Women’s GS World Cup Rank After Killington
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Sixty-nine women from 21 nations will start the women’s World Cup GS in Killington on Nov. 30. The Swiss lead with nine on the start list, followed closely by the Austrians with eight.
Giorgio Pavoni (ITA) set the first run, and R. Soulard (USA) will set the second run.
North American Highlights
Despite early disruptions, North American racers have delivered strong performances. The Stifel U.S. Ski Team is working to regain competitive momentum after missing the start of the season. Nina O’Brien leads the North American contingent, ranked seventh in the GS standings. She is followed by teammates Katie Hensien (8th) and Paula Moltzan (9th). Canada’s Valérie Grenier ranks 17th, while Britt Richardson is 26th. Rising talent Elisabeth Bocock scored her first career points in Killington, placing her 35th. AJ Hurt, who earned her first World Cup GS podium last season with a third-place finish in Soldeu, Andorra, on February 10, 2024, is also back in action. Her return adds another strong contender to the team’s growing depth and competitiveness.
North American Women on the World Cup GS Start List
WCSL is not the same as the season ranking
Other North American Racers to Watch
The Stifel U.S. Ski Team will start Mary Bocock, the older sister of Elisabeth. Mary has competed in three World Cups, all in GS, and will make her season debut in Semmering as she seeks her first career points. Joining the North American contingent is Canadian skier Justine Lamontagne, who will compete in her fifth World Cup GS, adding to her growing experience on the international stage.
North American women racing GS in Killington
- Bib 3, Valérie Grenier, ACA, Club de Ski Mont Tremblant
- Bib 9, Paula Moltzan, Stifel USST, University of Vermont, Ski and Snowboard Club, Vail, Oakley
- Bib 12, AJ Hurt, Stifel Stifel, Team Palisades Tahoe, HEAD
- Bib 19, Nina O’Brien, Stifel USST, Burke Mountain Academy
- Bib 23, Britt Richardson, ACA, Calgary Alpine Racing Club, Burke Mountain, Academy, Oakley
- Bib 26, Katie Hensien, Stifel USST, University of Denver, Rowmark Ski Academy, SHRED
- Bib 34, Cassidy Gray, ACA, Team Panorama, Atomic
- Bib 51, Elisabeth Bocock, Stifel USST, Rowmark Ski Academy
- Bib 58, Mary Bocock, Stifel USST, Dartmouth College, Rowmark Ski Academy
- Bib 66, Justine Lamontagne, Montana State University, Mount Sainte-Anne
How and When to Watch
The first run starts at 4:00 a.m. Eastern and 1:00 a.m. Pacific time, with the second run following at 7:00 a.m. Eastern and 4:00 a.m. Pacific Time.
U.S. audiences can catch the Stifel Killington Cup women’s slalom live or on replay on Peacock.
Sports enthusiasts in Canada can watch the World Cup on CBC Sports.
Daily Program and First Run Start List
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First Run Start List
About the Author: Peter Lange
