Shiffrin and Vlhová Will Battle for the Golden Fox in the Kranjska Gora Slalom

Featured Image: Mikaela Shiffrin (USA) rejoicing at the World Cup in Lienz, Austria. Photo: GEPA pictures/ Matic Klansek

Tomorrow in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia, the women will transition to slalom. Following Valérie Grenier’s remarkable display in the giant slalom, we can anticipate even more thrilling conclusions tomorrow.

The skiing performance of numerous athletes was affected by the fluctuating weather conditions and unpredictable snow variables, resulting in a tentative approach. Conditions are set to change again as the night is supposed to be colder and the heavy rain is predicted to turn to snowfall. 

In 2023 this World Cup event hosted two giant slalom competitions. Thereby, having one day of GS and one day of slalom will add a different element for the athletes and spectators alike. 

Currently, Stifel US Ski Team athlete Mikaela Shiffrin is leading the field in World Cup slalom rankings. Shiffrin has finished on the podium in 12 of her last 13 World Cup slalom events she has participated in. This season she has won three slalom races (Levi, Killington and Lienz), so she will be aiming to cross the finish line triumphantly tomorrow. 

Today, Shiffrin was an athlete who took a more cautious approach to the giant slalom runs, which cost her time. The conditions she was fighting today, including energy levels, a cold, and snow variabilities she has struggled with, put her in 9th place.

Shiffrin stated after the giant slalom, “I was not able to execute the right skiing,” she continued, “I know that if I do anything less than my best then I am not going to be able to win races or be on the podium.” 

With stiff competition amongst the field, Shiffrin knows what she needs to do to execute winning runs and will continue to make sure her and her team are taking the right steps to success. 

An athlete gunning for another victory in the slalom is Slovakian, Petra Vlhová. Vlhová has won both of the last two women’s World Cup slalom events in Kranjska Gora (2020 and 2022). She is the only female to win multiple World Cup slalom events in Kranjska Gora.

In the giant slalom today she showed her eagerness to win with a stellar triumphant first run. Unfortunately, she did not claim overall victory, but she proved that she is ready for the elements on this race hill. 

Starting off the 2024 season, Vlhová has been successful in slalom with three podium finishes, two of them being victorious. The showdown between Shiffrin and Vlhová will be prominent tomorrow as they both look to stand on top. 

Lena Dürr is another contender that is striving for first place and has shown this season she has what it takes. She has been the only other athlete besides Shiffrin and Vlhová to stand on multiple podiums this season. She has accomplished three podium finishes and is looking to add another one tomorrow.

Top-ranked slalom women after Lienz World Cup

Other North Americans

Alpine Canada Alpin athlete Ali Nullmeyer is currently the second-ranked North American behind Shiffrin. She is ranked 6th in World Cup standings and strives to increase her slalom ranking through 2024.

She capped off the 2023 year with consecutive 6th-place finishes in Levi. She has achieved five top-10 finishes in her World Cup career and aims to keep up the streak.

Stifel US Ski Team athlete Paula Moltzan aims to get on the podium in slalom. At this event in 2022, she achieved a 13th-place result, and during her giant slalom today, Moltzan unveiled the energy to want more.

In the Courchevel slalom this season, Moltzan achieved a 5th-place finish, her 7th top-5 result in her World Cup career. This result lit a fire for the season and showed that she can contend for the top spot.

North Americans competing in the Kranjska Gora slalom on January 7th, 2024

• Bib 7, Mikaela Shiffrin, Stifel USST, Burke Mountain Academy, Atomic, Oakley
• Bib 5, Paula Moltzan, Stifel USST, University of Vermont Ski and Snowboard Club, Vail, Rossignol/LOOK, Level Gloves, Oakley
• Bib 13, Ali Nullmeyer, ACA, Middlebury College, GMVS, Atomic, Level Gloves
• Bib 24, Amelia Smart, ACA, Windermere, University of Denver, Atomic, Level Gloves
• Bib 38, AJ Hurt, Stifel Stifel, Team Palisades Tahoe, HEAD, Level Gloves

North Americans with 2024 slalom World Cup points

About Kranjska Gora, Slovenia

Located on the border of Italy and Austria, this charming town attracts passionate fans from all corners of the three countries when it comes to Alpine racing. It was in 1968 that the first Slovenian World Cup ski racing event took place here, marking a significant milestone. The slalom was won by french skier, Patrick Russel. 

To add to the excitement, the 60th edition of this World Cup event will feature post-award ceremony entertainment and live music by the Mambo Kings.

The women’s first GS run will begin at 9:30 CET, 1:30 AM MST and 3:30 AM EST. Second run will begin at 12:30 CET, 4:30 AM MST and 6:30 AM EST

In the United States watch the live stream and replays on Ski and Snowboard Live

In Canada watch the live stream and replays on CBC Sports

Start list for the Kranjska Gora slalom on January 7th

Program for the Kranjska Gora slalom on January 7th