Mikaela Shiffrin Courchevel Night Slalom: GEPA pictures
Women’s World Cup Night Slalom in Courchevel France: Who’s Racing When, What’s at Stake, and How to Watch
Courchevel Night Slalom: A Highlight of the Season
The FIS Women’s Night Slalom in Courchevel, France, is one of the most exciting events on the World Cup calendar. Scheduled for Jan. 30, 2025, this race brings together the best female skiers in the world to compete under the lights at the iconic Emile-Allais Stadium.
The event is more than just a race; it’s a celebration. Thousands of spectators gather for a night of singing, cheering, and electrifying performances on the slope. First held in 1979, the Courchevel Women’s World Cup has a rich history. After a decades-long hiatus, its return to the calendar in 2011 has since become a fan favorite. The unique night format and festive atmosphere make it a standout experience for competitors and fans alike. The evening culminates in a flower ceremony and fireworks, creating an unforgettable finale.
Mikaela Shiffrin Returns to Competition in Courchevel
Mikaela Shiffrin is making her long-awaited return to World Cup racing at the Courchevel Night Slalom after 60 days away. She has been recovering from a serious injury sustained during the giant slalom in Killington, Vermont. While regaining her strength, Shiffrin views Courchevel as a crucial step in her recovery.
Before her injury, Shiffrin had won the first two slaloms of the season in Levi, Finland, and Gurgl, Austria—the only slaloms she competed in this season. The sport continues to feel the absence of her longtime rival Petra Vlhová, who remains sidelined after an injury she suffered last season. Shiffrin, a past winner in Courchevel, brings excitement back to the circuit with her return, marking the week’s biggest story in ski racing.
Updated Slalom Podium Winners
With six races completed, the slalom season has showcased incredible depth and competition. Nine women from seven countries have shared the podiums so far, underscoring the strength of the field. Courchevel will be the seventh slalom of the season and an important race before the World Championships in Saalbach, Austria.
Here’s the updated list of podium finishes this season:
- Levi, Finland: Mikaela Shiffrin (USA), Katharina Liensberger (AUT), Lena Dürr (GER)
- Gurgl, Austria: Mikaela Shiffrin (USA), Lara Colturi (ALB), Camille Rast (SUI)
- Killington, Vermont: Camille Rast (SUI), Anna Swenn-Larsson (SWE), Wendy Holdener (SUI)
- Semmering, Austria: Zrinka Ljutić (CRO), Lena Dürr (GER), Katharina Liensberger (AUT)
- Kranjska Gora, Slovenia: Zrinka Ljutić (CRO), Wendy Holdener (SUI), Anna Swenn-Larsson (SWE)
- Flachau, Austria: Camille Rast (SUI), Wendy Holdener (SUI), Sara Hector (SWE)
With the depth of the podium finishes and the stakes higher than ever, Courchevel promises to deliver an intense and decisive race.
Who to Watch for Victory in Courchevel
The Courchevel Night Slalom promises an intense battle as the top-ranked slalom skiers look to climb the standings and chase the season title. Here are the key contenders:
- Camille Rast (SUI): Slalom leader with 405 points, Rast has two wins this season (Killington, Flachau) and is focused on maintaining her lead in the standings.
- Wendy Holdener (SUI): Second in the rankings with 345 points, Holdener is pushing to close the gap on Rast with her consistent podium finishes.
- Zrinka Ljutić (CRO): Third with 309 points, Ljutić has two wins (Semmering, Kranjska Gora) and is a strong contender for the title.
- Katharina Liensberger (AUT): Fourth in the standings with 284 points, Liensberger’s steady performances keep her in contention for wins and a higher rank.
- Lena Dürr (GER): Fifth with 261 points, Dürr is aiming for her first win of the season to move closer to the leaders.
- Anna Swenn-Larsson (SWE): Ranked sixth with 242 points, Swenn-Larsson has been a regular podium threat and will aim to move higher in the standings.
- Mikaela Shiffrin (USA): Returning after a 60-day absence, Shiffrin, with two wins earlier this season, could shake up the rankings with another strong performance.
- Sara Hector (SWE): Eighth with 211 points, Hector is building momentum after her podium in Flachau.
- Lara Colturi (ALB): Tenth in the standings with 170 points, Colturi’s breakout season includes a podium in Gurgl, and she remains a rising star.
As the final slalom before the World Championships, Courchevel offers these athletes a chance to solidify their positions and gain momentum in the race for the season title.
Top 15 Women’s 2024-25 SL World Cup Standings
Top 15 Slalom Rankings: A Global Field
The top 15 slalom rankings showcase the sport’s international appeal, with skiers representing eight different countries. Switzerland leads the way with three athletes, followed by Sweden and Austria, each with two representatives. The United States also fields two competitors, underscoring its depth in slalom skiing.
Germany, Croatia, Albania, Slovenia, and Canada each have one athlete in the rankings, highlighting the global competitiveness of the field. This mix of nations reflects the widespread talent and passion for slalom skiing, with both established powerhouses and emerging nations contributing to the excitement of the season.
Sixty-five women from 18 nations will start the women’s World Cup SL in Courchevel, France.
Denis Wicki (SUI) has set the first run, and Alex Berthold (AUT) will set the second run.
North America’s 2024-25 World Cup Slalom Rankings
North America’s 2024-25 World Cup Slalom Rankings
Stifel U.S. Ski Team Women
Shiffrin (9th) and Paula Moltzan (11th) lead the Stifel U.S. Ski Team in slalom rankings. At the Flachau night slalom, Moltzan placed sixth, while Nina O’Brien earned her first slalom points of the season, finishing 20th. AJ Hurt, ranked 40th, qualified for the second run but did not finish. Katie Hensien, ranked 33rd, also failed to finish the first run in Flachau.
Alpine Canada Alpin Women
Laurence St-Germain (12th) and Amelia Smart (30th) represent Alpine Canada Alpin in the rankings. In Flachau, St-Germain finished 11th, while Smart achieved her best result of the season, placing 17th. Ali Nullmeyer, currently ranked 40th, is returning from injury and has not raced since Dec. 1 due to back pain.
Both teams look to build momentum in Courchevel as they prepare for the World Championships.
Looking Ahead to Courchevel
Courchevel represents a key opportunity for athletes to gain momentum in the slalom standings and fine-tune their form ahead of the World Championships in Saalbach. With the stakes at their highest and the world’s best gathered under the lights, the race promises thrilling moments and a preview of what’s to come in Saalbach.
North American Women Racing Slalom in Killington
- Bib 1, Mikaela Shiffrin, Stifel USST, Burke Mountain Academy, Atomic, Oakley
- Bib 11, Paula Moltzan, Stifel USST, University of Vermont, Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, Oakley
- Bib 16, Laurence St-Germain, ACA, University of Vermont, Mont Sainte-Anne
- Bib 18, Ali Nullmeyer, ACA, Middlebury College, GMVS, Atomic
- Bib 29, Amelia Smart, ACA, Windermere, University of Denver, Atomic
- Bib 31, AJ Hurt, Stifel USST, Team Palisades Tahoe, HEAD
- Bib 40, Katie Hensien, Stifel USST, University of Denver, Rowmark Ski Academy, SHRED
- Bib 50, Nina O’Brien, Stifel USST, Burke Mountain Academy
How and When to Watch
The first run starts at 11:00 a.m. Eastern and 8:00 a.m. Pacific time, with the second run following at 2:00 p.m. Eastern and 11:00 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
