Mikaela Shffrin / GEPA pictures
Fastest Five — First Run
- Bib 1 — 🇺🇸 Mikaela Shiffrin (USA) — 1995 — 48.80
- Bib 8 — 🇨🇭 Wendy Holdener (SUI) — 1993 — +1.26
- Bib 18 — 🇩🇪 Emma Aicher (GER) — 2003 — +1.47
- Bib 5 — 🇨🇭 Camille Rast (SUI) — 1999 — +1.66
- Bib 11 — 🇺🇸 Paula Moltzan (USA) — 1994 — +1.66
Mikaela Shiffrin built early separation with a commanding first run. Wendy Holdener sits 1.26 seconds back, followed closely by Emma Aicher at +1.47. From there, it’s razor-thin, with Camille Rast and Paula Moltzan locked together at +1.66, setting the stage for a fierce fight behind Shiffrin in run two.
Shiffrin Sets the Benchmark from Bib 1
The standard was set immediately by bib 1 Mikaela Shiffrin, whose first run made it clear she is in a league of her own in slalom right now. Skiing with confidence and attack from the opening gates, Shiffrin posted a commanding time, finishing 1.26 seconds ahead of her nearest challenger, Wendy Holdener. She was fast in every section of the course, but it was the top section where she truly separated, gaining +0.69 seconds right from the start and never looking back.
“I felt really good on the run,” Shiffrin said. “I brought a lot of energy from the start. The course is fast, and I just tried to stay strong mentally and go for it.”
Behind her, the race tightens significantly. Wendy Holdener delivered an impressive run of her own, skiing with strong intent and control. While no one could match Shiffrin overall, Holdener was outstanding in the bottom section, winning the split and solidifying her hold on second place after the first run. With her aggressive finish, she’ll be looking to claw back time in run two—or at the very least prevent Shiffrin from extending the gap further.
Emma Aicher sits in third at +1.47, continuing an impressive stretch of skiing. A true four-event athlete—an increasingly rare profile—Aicher has managed a demanding schedule with remarkable composure. Fresh off a Super-G victory in Tarvisio and a top-10 finish in yesterday’s giant slalom, she once again showed her calm, efficient approach. Smooth and controlled throughout her run, Aicher never appeared rushed or panicked, relying instead on clean execution and rhythm. She continues to prove she belongs at the very top level across disciplines.
High-Bib Impact — Six Qualify from Bib 41 or Higher
- 17th — Bib 56 — 🇨🇦 Justine Lamontagne (CAN) — 2003 — +2.95
- 21st — Bib 42 — 🇺🇸 Liv Moritz (USA) — 2004 — +3.03
- 24th — Bib 45 — 🇨🇿 Martina Bubovska (CZE) — 2003 — +3.38
- 27th — Bib 48 — 🇫🇷 Doriane Escané (FRA) — 1998 — +3.53
- 28th — Bib 57 — 🇳🇴 Thea Louise Stjernesund (NOR) — 1996 — +3.60
- 30th — Bib 51 — 🇮🇹 Emilia Mondinelli (ITA) — 2001 — +3.70
Bubovská Delivers a Breakthrough Run on Home Snow
Amid the high-bib surge, local favorite Martina Bubovská 🇨🇿 delivered a breakthrough first run in front of an energized home crowd. Starting from bib 45, Bubovská skied with confidence and composure to slot into 24th place at +3.38, securing her first qualification for the second run this World Cup season. On a demanding course where mistakes were costly, her clean execution and controlled approach stood out, making it a memorable performance on home snow and a significant step forward as she heads into run two.
Strong U.S. Depth Paired with a Key Canadian Charge
The U.S. team continued its strong showing with three skiers inside the top 10 after the first run. Paula Moltzan delivered a solid, composed performance, skiing a bit more conservatively than usual in the upper section before gaining confidence and momentum through the middle and lower parts of the course. A near miss in the bottom cost her some time, but she stayed on her feet to post a strong result, sitting tied for fourth with Camille Rast at +1.66. Moltzan remains firmly in the mix and will be looking to attack in the second run to make up ground.
Depth and Opportunity Across the U.S. Lineup
From bib 28, Nina O’Brien skied into an impressive 7th place, continuing to build confidence throughout the weekend. She came out of the gate with great attack and noticeably more zip than those around her, ranking third in the middle section and carrying strong speed into the finish.It was a confident, assertive run that stood out and puts her in a strong position heading into the second run.
AJ Hurt also impressed, charging from bib 30 into 16th place. She was especially strong on the flats and through the bottom section—an area where she consistently excels—making up time late and posting the third-fastest split in the final section.
Rounding out the American effort, Liv Moritz delivered a breakthrough performance from bib 42, skiing into 21st place to qualify for her first second run of the season. The Europa Cup slalom winner in Valle Aurina/Ahrntal showed composure and confidence from the back of the field.
On the North American side, Justine Lamontagne 🇨🇦 continued the momentum, charging from bib 56 into 17th place. Primarily a giant slalom skier, Lamontagne stepped into the slalom lineup after teammates Laurence St-Germain and Ali Nullmeyer were sidelined with lingering injuries, making the most of her opportunity with a strong, confident run.
First Run Top 30
click images to enlarge
Run Analysis: Leaders & Other Qualified North Americans
About the Author: Katie Twible
