Stephanie Venier: GEPA pictures
A Battle Against the Mountain
The Women’s Super-G at the 2025 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships erupted today in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria. Under clear skies and with pristine snow conditions, elite skiers attacked the formidable Zwölferkogel course. This track featured a vertical drop of 580 meters over a 1,655-meter stretch, including the daunting “Ulli Maier Sprung” and “Panoramasprung” jumps above the middle station. These sections demanded unparalleled strength and audacity as athletes reached breakneck speeds. The course’s steep pitches and massive jumps pushed competitors to their absolute limits, making it one of the most challenging arenas in women’s alpine skiing. As the race progressed, spectators were on the edge of their seats, witnessing athletes confront and conquer this relentless terrain.
Early Contenders Set the Bar
French skier Laura Gauché set the early pace, taking the lead with a strong, aggressive run. Reigning World Champion Marta Bassino followed, looking to defend her title. The Italian charged down the mountain but crossed the finish 0.41 seconds behind Gauché, moving temporarily into second with many top contenders yet to race. Among the five Italians in the field was pre-race favorite and veteran Federica Brignone. She delivered a masterful performance, completing the course 1.12 seconds faster than Gauché and seizing the lead.
“I really fought with myself with what I am used to doing,” Brignone said. “I usually push hard on the turns, but today I kept reminding myself, ‘Just be smooth, don’t push, just go down.’
“I knew that if I wanted to be fast, I had to approach the jumps with confidence, knowing that to maintain my speed, I had to jump really far. I’ve been training for this a lot, and it really paid off.
“Actually, after the Panorama jump, I felt the urge to push harder, but then I told myself, ‘No, no, no, just go!’ It was all about trusting my instincts and staying in control.”
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Austria’s Hope Takes Charge
Energized by the roaring Austrian crowd, Stephanie Venier, wearing bib number 7, launched herself down the course. Delivering her best run of the season, she skied at the very edge of her abilities, crossing the finish line 0.10 seconds ahead of Brignone. With many elite skiers still to compete, Venier claimed the leader’s chair, igniting excitement among the home fans.
Challenges from Switzerland and Norway
As Venier watched from the leader’s chair, Switzerland’s reigning super-G World Cup champion Lara Gut-Behrami took on the course. Gut-Behrami appeared poised to challenge for the lead but clipped a gate panel with her arm, slowing her momentum. Norway’s Kajsa Vickhoff Lie followed with an aggressive run, threatening the top time throughout her race. However, she ultimately finished 0.24 seconds behind Venier, securing the third-fastest time.
Goggia Pushes the Limits
Next, Italy’s speed queen, Sofia Goggia, brought her signature intensity. She attacked the course with a fearless, all-or-nothing approach, but despite a strong performance, she crossed the finish 0.30 seconds back, finishing the day in fifth.
“I knew this race would be challenging, but today it confirmed my belief that skiing is about adapting to every moment. Even when things don’t go as planned, you learn, push forward, and always strive to be better.” – Sofia Goggia
A Rising American Star
With several formidable competitors still to come, the leaderboard stood with Austria’s Stephanie Venier in first, Italy’s Federica Brignone in second, and Norway’s Kajsa Vickhoff Lie in third. Next up was World Championship rookie Lauren Macuga of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team, wearing bib 14. Fresh off her maiden World Cup victory in St. Anton, Macuga attacked the course with fearless determination. Showcasing world-class speed, she charged through the technical sections and powered across the finish line, moving into a tie for third with Vickhoff Lie. With many talented skiers still to come, the race remained undetermined.
A Nervous Wait for the Leaders
With the pre-race favorites now in the finish, the leaders watched nervously as the remaining skiers took their turns, hoping for a surprise run that could shake up the standings. The Austrian crowd, still stung by the nation’s disappointing performance in the Team Parallel event, sat anxiously, willing Venier to deliver Austria’s first victory of the championships.
“I don’t know what to say, I’m just speechless,” Venier said. “It was an amazing run, and in front of the home crowd it’s even more special. The energy from the fans was incredible, and it pushed me to give my best.
“It’s just a dream. It’s just amazing. In front of the home crowd; nothing can beat this. I gave everything I had, and to see it pay off like this is unbelievable.
“I’m a world champ. That’s so unreal. Crazy. It’s hard to put into words. This is the moment I’ve worked for my whole life, and to do it here, at home, it’s beyond anything I could have imagined.”
A Historic Podium
As the final racers crossed the line, it became clear that no late challenger would have a storybook moment to disrupt the standings. Once again, four women stood on the women’s World Championship super-G podium. To the absolute delight of the home crowd, Venier claimed Austria’s first gold of the championships. The ever-reliable Italian superstar Brignone secured second place, while Norway’s Vickhoff Lie and the young American standout Macuga shared the third step of the podium. Notably, Vickhoff Lie had previously tied for third in the 2023 World Championship super-G, making this her second time sharing the bronze—a remarkable achievement.
After the race, Kajsa Vickhoff Lie said, “This season didn’t start as I had hoped, and regaining my confidence was a struggle. Through extensive discussions with my team, focusing on the right aspects of my skiing, I’ve rebuilt that trust in myself and my support system. To deliver on this special day is unbelievable. Sharing the podium again, especially with our collaboration with the U.S. team, makes it feel like a team win today.”
A Statement for Macuga, Redemption for Austria
Any doubts about Macuga’s World Cup victory earlier this season were put to rest—her performance proved she belongs among the sport’s elite. At the same time, Austria’s fears about a medal drought at these championships were silenced, as Venier’s triumph electrified the home fans and set the tone for the days ahead.
Reflecting on the experience, Macuga said, “At the start, I just told myself, ‘Come on, everything you’ve got.’ I knew there were big jumps and crucial sections, but it was about trusting my line and going for it. After winning my first World Cup, I realized I had it in me—I just had to do it again. And today, I proved that. To stand on the podium at my first World Championships, in Austria of all places, is just incredible. I hope this is just the beginning.”
“I just had to put everything out there – it was a medal or nothing. I knew I had to trust my line and stay aggressive through every section. I focused on maintaining my speed through the technical parts, especially the jumps. I wasn’t afraid to take risks and really pushed myself to the limit. When I crossed the line and saw I was in third, it felt surreal. I’m so proud of how I skied today – it’s a dream to earn my first World Championship medal, and I’m just so grateful!” – Lauren Macuga
Additional North American Challenges
The second member of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team to race was Breezy Johnson, wearing bib 23. Known for her rising trajectory and affinity for the Zwölferkogel course, Johnson had showcased world-class speed in downhill training. She navigated the upper sections adeptly but encountered difficulties in the lower part, resulting in a finish 1.73 seconds behind Austrian leader Stephanie Venier.
Canada’s Valérie Grenier followed but struggled to generate speed from the outset. Finding herself out of position, she ultimately pulled out of the course before completion.
Next for the Stifel U.S. Ski Team was World Championship rookie Keely Cashman. Coming off a sixth-place finish in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Cashman faced challenges in harnessing speed on the demanding course. She crossed the line 1.99 seconds behind Venier, placing her toward the back of the standings.
Vonn’s Anticipated Return
One of the day’s most anticipated moments was Lindsey Vonn’s return to the World Championships, wearing bib 30. The final Stifel U.S. Ski Team member in the women’s super-G, Vonn began her run aggressively, recording a first split 0.14 seconds off the lead. However, in a dramatic turn, she collided with a gate, impacting her shoulder and forcing her out of the course. After standing back up, Vonn was seen clutching her shoulder in visible discomfort, marking an unfortunate end to her comeback attempt.
“Even though it wasn’t the result I wanted, I’m out here, enjoying every moment. I didn’t wait six years to stay in bed – I’m going to keep charging, no matter what.” – Lindsey Vonn
The final North American to compete was Canadian Cassidy Gray. After being flagged during her initial run, Gray attacked her second attempt with determination. She skied well, crossing the finish line 1.78 seconds behind the leader, placing her 20th overall, just behind Breezy Johnson.
These performances highlight the formidable challenges North American athletes face on the demanding Zwölferkogel course.
A Day of Triumph and Promise
The Women’s Super-G at the 2025 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships showcased the pinnacle of athletic prowess and determination. Stephanie Venier’s gold medal not only ignited national pride but also set a high standard for future competitions. Federica Brignone’s consistent excellence secured her a well-deserved silver, while the shared bronze between Kajsa Vickhoff Lie and Lauren Macuga highlighted the emergence of new talents on the world stage. As the championships continue, the performances witnessed today promise an exhilarating future for women’s alpine skiing.
Top 15 Earn WCSL Points
While World Cup points are not awarded at the World Championships, the top 15 finishers receive World Cup Start List (WCSL) points. These points influence future starting positions and contribute to a skier’s ranking on the WCSL. Being in the top 60 helps secure a nation’s spot for their country in that event on the World Cup circuit.
Top 30 results
Analysis of the podium skiers
About the Author: Peter Lange
