2023 Sölden Podium: GEPA Pictures
Sölden Women’s World Cup GS: Who’s Racing, When, and How to Watch
Season Opener: Sölden, Austria
The 2024-25 World Cup season will officially kick off with the Women’s Giant Slalom in Sölden, Austria, on Saturday, October 26th. This highly anticipated race will set the tone for the season, with the world’s top GS skiers competing on the iconic Rettenbach Glacier. Sölden has long been a prestigious opener, and all eyes will be on the athletes as they launch into another thrilling season.
Last Season’s Best: Top 7 in GS
The women’s Giant Slalom (GS) battle during the 2023-24 World Cup season was fierce, and the competition for the title came down to the wire. Swiss star Lara Gut-Behrami clinched the GS globe by a mere 21 points over Italy’s Federica Brignone. Gut-Behrami also took home the Overall title, dominating not only in GS but also in Super-G.
The Swiss powerhouse had a stellar season, and between Gut-Behrami and men’s GS sensation Marco Odermatt, they helped Switzerland secure 7 of the 10 season titles. This GS competition was one of the most exciting competitions to watch last season, showcasing some of the best female talent the sport offers.
New Zealand’s veteran skier Alice Robinson, still just 22 years old, returned to top form in GS, finishing fourth overall—an inspiring achievement.
In total, five women claimed World Cup GS wins last season:
- Lara Gut-Behrami (SUI): 4 victories
- Federica Brignone (ITA): 4 victories
- Mikaela Shiffrin (USA): 1 victory
- Valerie Grenier (CAN): 1 victory
- Sara Hector (SWE): 1 victory
All but Grenier will start the 2024-25 season in Sölden.
Top 15 Women’s GS World Cup Start List
H. Pfitscher (SUI) will set the first run, and D. Simoncelli (ITA) will set the second run.
Top 15: North Americans Shine
Among the top 15 GS skiers last season, Mikaela Shiffrin stood out for the Stifel U.S. Ski Team. Despite a January injury, Shiffrin finished fifth in the World Cup Women’s GS standings. She competed in only 7 of the 11 GS races, winning in Lienz, Austria, and earning four other podium finishes. Her ability to stay competitive after her injury showcases her resilience and talent, making her a formidable contender this season.
Canada’s Valerie Grenier also had an impressive season, finishing sixth in the GS standings. She won the GS in Kranjska Gora for the second consecutive year before a January injury ended her season early. Unfortunately, Grenier is not yet ready to return and will miss Sölden.
Another standout for the Stifel U.S. Ski Team is Paula Moltzan, ranked 11th on the World Cup Start List (WCSL). Moltzan is a strong GS podium contender, showcasing consistency and skill.
Sadly, AJ Hurt, who earned her first GS podium last season in Soldeu, Andorra, and is ranked 15th, has suffered an injury and will not compete in Sölden.
Canadian’s: Rising Stars on the World Cup Start List
Two other Canadian women who scored 23-24 World Cup points will be on the start list this season. 21-year-old Britt Richardson, ranked 27th on the GS WCSL, will start inside the top 30, giving her an early season advantage. Meanwhile, 23-year-old Cassidy Grey, who scored GS points last season, will start just outside the top 30. Her FIS points position her in the early 30s, meaning she will be among the first starters after the top 30.
Outside the Top 30: But Ready to Compete
Stifel US Ski Team’s Nina O’Brien returns to the World Cup after breaking her leg over a year ago in New Zealand. Despite reaching the World Cup finals in 2023, her FIS points rank her 33rd, just outside the top 30. However, thanks to her position on the WCSL and injuries sidelining other athletes, she will start 28th. After a strong recovery, O’Brien is ready to ski fast and fight back to the top.
Other North American women will be starting outside the top 30 in Sölden, but each has the potential to surprise.
Katie Hensien, who missed last season due to a knee injury, is returning to the World Cup circuit. She has previously scored World Cup GS points but will start using FIS points. She is currently ranked 69th.
Keely Cashman has already skied in nine World Cup GS races, but has yet to score. With a FIS rank of 83rd, she will be looking to make her mark in Sölden.
Canada’s Justine Lamontagne, aged 22, is a Montana State University student and a member of the Bobcat ski team. She competed in five World Cups last season, including two home races in Tremblant, Quebec. This season, she will be looking to qualify for her first, second run with a world ranking of 155.
All of these North American women have shown they can ski at an elite level. With a mix of experience, determination, and new talent, they’ll bring confidence to Sölden as they kick off another exciting season.
North American Women in the Top 60 of the World Cup GS Start List
North American women racing GS in Sölden
- Bib 1, Mikaela Shiffrin, Stifel USST, Burke Mountain, Academy, Atomic, Oakley
- Bib 8, Paula Moltzan, Stifel USST, University of Vermont, Ski and Snowboard Club, Vail, Oakley
- Bib 21, Britt Richardson, ACA, Calgary Alpine Racing Club, Burke Mountain, Academy, Oakley
- Bib 28, Nina O’Brien, Stifel USST, Burke Mountain Academy
- Bib 32, Cassidy Gray, ACA, Team Panorama, Atomic
- Bib 47, Katie Hensien, Stifel USST, University of Denver, Rowmark Ski Academy, SHRED
- Bib 59, Justine Lamontagne, Montana State University, Mount Sainte-Anne
- Bib 54, Keely Cashman, Stifel USST, Team Palisades Tahoe, HEAD
How and When to Watch
The first run starts at 4:00 a.m. Eastern and 1:00 a.m. Pacific time, with the second run following at 7:00 a.m. Eastern and 4:00 a.m. Pacific.
U.S. audiences can watch the race live or as a 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
About the Author: Peter Lange
