Semmering Slalom 2024: Stars Shine in Shiffrin’s Absence

Paula Moltzan and Mikaela Shiffrin Semmering SL 2022: GEPA pictures

Women’s World Cup Slalom in Semmering: Who’s Racing, When and How to Watch

A Return to Semmering’s Storied Slalom Legacy

The FIS Women’s World Cup slalom returns to Semmering, Austria, on December 27, 2024, bringing the world’s best female ski racers to one of the sport’s most celebrated venues. Held every other year, Semmering’s slalom is renowned for its thrilling action and challenging course. This year, the festive atmosphere promises to draw fans eager to witness another exciting chapter in Austrian alpine racing history.

This season, the Panorama course will test the racers with its 200-meter vertical drop, sharp turns, and variable terrain, demanding precision and skill. With Austria’s rich alpine legacy as the backdrop, the race remains a highlight of the World Cup season..

Shiffrin’s Absence Changes the Narrative

Mikaela Shiffrin, a three-time winner in Semmering, will not compete this year as she continues to recover from the injury sustained during the Killington Giant Slalom on November 30, 2024. Her absence reshapes the competition and opens the door for other top contenders to claim the podium.

Stars to Watch in Semmering

With Mikaela Shiffrin absent, several podium-proven athletes and rising stars are poised to shine on the Panorama course:

• Camille Rast (SUI): The current slalom leader with 205 points, Rast won the slalom in Killington and secured a podium in Gürgl. She is in excellent form and a strong favorite for another top result.
• Lena Dürr (GER): Ranked second for active skiers in the standings, Dürr claimed a podium in Levi earlier this season, showcasing her consistency and ability to handle technical courses.
• Anna Swenn Larsson (SWE): A seasoned slalom specialist, Swenn Larsson earned second place in Killington, further solidifying her position among the top competitors.
• Katharina Liensberger (AUT): The Austrian star finished second in Levi and is eager to perform on home snow, with the crowd behind her.
• Lara Colturi (ALB): At just 18 years old, Colturi achieved a stunning second-place finish in Gürgl, marking her as a rising star in the discipline.
• Wendy Holdener (SUI): Ranked fifth in the standings, Holdener took third in Killington and remains a consistent contender for the podium.
• Laurence St-Germain (CAN): The reigning World Champion, ranked ninth, continues to build her form and remains a strong threat on technical courses.
• Paula Moltzan (USA): The proven podium skier, who finished second in Semmering last time, is eager to replicate that success and lead the North American contingent.

Top 15 Women’s 2024-25 SL World Cup Standings

These rankings reflect the depth of talent in women’s slalom, with Camille Rast leading the charge and several athletes poised to make their mark.

Sixty-three women from 19 nations will start the women’s World Cup SL in Semmering on Dec. 28. Switzerland and Austria entered the most athletes, with Switzerland fielding nine competitors and Austria starting eight.

Amir Ljutić (CRO) will set the first run, and Sascha Soria (SWE) will set the second run.

North America’s Current World Cup Slalom Rankings

North American Rising Stars

Beyond proven podium skiers like Paula Moltzan and Laurence St-Germain, several other North American athletes are ready to take on the challenging Panorama course in Semmering, bringing determination and potential to the race:

• Amelia Smart (CAN): Ranked 37th in the standings with 8 points, Smart has shown moments of brilliance this season but is looking for consistency. A University of Denver graduate, she aims to capitalize on her technical skills and secure a strong result in Semmering.
• Kiki Alexander (CAN): Competing in her eighth World Cup slalom, Alexander is still chasing her first points. As a member of Alpine Canada Alpin, she continues to gain valuable experience and aims to break into the top 30.
• AJ Hurt (USA): Making her season debut in slalom, Hurt is returning from injury and looking to reestablish herself on the World Cup circuit. Her third-place finish in Kranjska Gora last season demonstrated her ability to compete with the best, making her a wild card for a strong result in Semmering.
• Katie Hensien (USA): Hensien has been skiing with impressive speed in slalom this season but has struggled to finish. In Levi, she posted top-10 split times before straddling and earning a DNF. Her raw speed and potential make her a contender for a breakthrough result if she can put two runs together.
• Nina O’Brien (USA): O’Brien is seeking her first slalom points this season. Known for her technical prowess, she has shown flashes of her capabilities in giant slalom and is looking to transfer that success to the slalom discipline.

This group of North American athletes, blending experience and emerging talent, represents the region’s growing strength in women’s slalom. Hurt’s return and Hensien’s speed promise excitement, while Smart, Alexander, and O’Brien aim to build on their experience and move up the ranks.

North American Women Racing Slalom in Killington

• Bib 9, Laurence St-Germain, ACA, University of Vermont, Mont Sainte-Anne
• Bib 14, Paula Moltzan, Stifel USST, University of Vermont, Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, Oakley
• Bib 26, Amelia Smart, ACA, Windermere, University of Denver, Atomic
• Bib 29, AJ Hurt, Stifel Stifel, Team Palisades Tahoe, HEAD
• Bib 36, Katie Hensien, Stifel USST, University of Denver, Rowmark Ski Academy, SHRED
• Bib 43, Nina O’Brien, Stifel USST, Burke Mountain Academy
• Bib 54, Kiki Alexander, ACA, Sunshine Alpine Racers

How and When to Watch

The first run kicks off 4:30 a.m. Eastern and 1:30 a.m. Pacific Time, with the second run set for 7:30 a.m. Eastern and 4:30 a.m. Pacific Time.

U.S. audiences can catch the Semmering 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

Click the images to enlarge or download.

First Run Start List