Following the giant slalom season opener in Sölden, the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup heads to Levi, Finland, for the inaugural women’s slalom event—and the first of the Olympic cycle.
Beneath the dim Arctic light and amid the distant jingle of reindeer bells, elite slalom specialists tackle the challenging Levi Black piste, a steep, technical run that rewards precision, poise, and lightning-fast reflexes. With Olympic team selections on the line, every early-race result carries extra weight this winter.
The defending podium trio from last year—Mikaela Shiffrin (USA), Katharina Liensberger (AUT), and Lena Duerr (GER)—is back in action, promising another intense two-run showdown.
Shiffrin Chases Record-Extending Win in Levi
Mikaela Shiffrin of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team arrives as the all-time slalom queen, boasting 64 World Cup wins in the event. She crushed the competition here last year with a margin of almost eight-tenths of a second and holds a record eight reindeer antler trophies from Levi—more than any other skier ever.
Even with injuries disrupting her past two seasons, Shiffrin notched multiple victories each year. Her unmatched adaptability and speed under pressure position her as the clear favorite once again.
North Americans Showcase Growing Depth
The Stifel U.S. Ski Team fields a robust contingent in Levi. Paula Moltzan, who placed eighth last season, leads a group including Nina O’Brien, Katie Hensien, AJ Hurt, Liv Moritz, and Elisabeth Bocock, the latter set for her third World Cup slalom appearance.
Adding excitement is 19-year-old Annika Hunt from Burke Mountain Academy, a World Cup debutante making her first career start—a major breakthrough for the young American.
Canada fields a formidable squad headlined by Laurence St-Germain, the 2023 world champion, alongside Ali Nullmeyer, Amelia Smart, and Kiki Alexander. Independent Canadians Sarah Bennett and Arianne Forget round out the entry, both eager to accumulate points and experience on the unforgiving Levi Black course.
Last year, four North American women earned points in Levi—two from the U.S. and two from Canada. In the 2025 standings, eight from the region landed in the top 60, underscoring rising strength and breadth for both countries.
British Racer Adds to Diverse Field
Great Britain’s Victoria Palla joins the lineup for her ninth World Cup slalom start, enhancing the event’s global flavor.
Titleholders and Rising Stars
Croatia’s Zrinka Ljutić, the reigning 2025 World Cup slalom overall champion, kicks off her defense in Levi. Switzerland’s Camille Rast, the 2025 world slalom gold medalist, also launches her season as a top contender.
Seasoned threats like Liensberger and Duerr loom large on the podium hunt, while a wave of emerging talents looks to make early statements and gain momentum for the demanding Olympic winter ahead.
