With a rare 21-day interlude between the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup opener in Sölden and the upcoming technical events in Levi on November 15-16, elite skiers are maximizing the brief respite. From intensive training blocks to leisure pursuits and milestone recoveries, athletes are fine-tuning body and mind before the grueling schedule intensifies toward the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics.
Mikaela Shiffrin (USA/Atomic), the record holder with 101 World Cup victories, expressed optimism after her fourth-place Giant Slalom finish in Sölden—her strongest in nearly two years. The 30-year-old, who will compete in Slalom at Levi and Gurgl (November 22) before a North American tour leg, emphasized a renewed focus on “efficiency, efficacy, and transparency” in her approach.
“My team is entering this season more unified than ever,” Shiffrin said. “Consistent communication is key right now.” She has also launched a podcast, What’s the Point with Mikaela Shiffrin, to explore these themes during the break.
Norwegian rival Thea Louise Stjernesund (Rossignol), fifth in Sölden, used the event to expand her “comfort zone” by embracing risk. “It’s about mentally committing, even if turns aren’t perfect,” she noted after a bold second run. Stjernesund arrived early in Levi with her technical team to refine this mindset.
In the speed disciplines, Aleksander Aamodt Kilde (NOR/Atomic) marks steady progress from a severe January 2024 crash in Wengen. The 2020 overall champion, now 33, is eyeing his Downhill return in Beaver Creek on December 4. “From wheelchair to full-speed Downhill in 30 days—I’m thrilled,” Kilde said, en route to final U.S. preparations. He acknowledged the emotional journey: “Vulnerability and boundaries pushed; it’s shaped me for life.” While Olympic medals remain a goal, Kilde prioritizes pacing his comeback. He and fiancée Shiffrin have deferred family plans to focus on skiing.
Others balanced rest and rigor. Swiss veteran Wendy Holdener (Head), a five-time Olympic medalist, opted for relaxation with food, films, and hot tubs. U.S. athletes like Keely Cashman joined a Mallorca getaway, where coaches overlooked off-piste antics. Paula Moltzan (Rossignol), runner-up in Sölden, made a quick Vermont homecoming and attended a U.S. Olympic Committee event marking 100 days to Milano-Cortina. Reigning GS champion Marco Odermatt (SUI/Stöckli) visited Athens, reflecting on Olympic origins.
The British men’s team trained in Kåbdalis, Sweden, alongside Bulgaria’s Albert Popov (Head). For World Cup debutants—Hannes Amman (GER/Rossignol), Pietro Tranchina (MAR), Freddy Carrick-Smith (GBR/Dynastar), and Shaienne Zehnder (SUI/Rossignol)—Sölden was a pivotal introduction. Tranchina drew inspiration from Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, while Zehnder called it “the toughest start” but anticipates improvement.
As the circuit resumes, this pause underscores varied paths to peak performance in a season building to Olympic heights. Levi’s Slalom races will signal who’s best positioned for the surge ahead.
