In a weekend that reaffirmed the Austrian resort of Obergurgl’s status as a slalom stronghold, the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup delivered two electrifying races under crisp Tyrolean skies. Mikaela Shiffrin etched another chapter in her legendary career with a commanding victory in the women’s slalom, while French prodigy Paco Rassat stunned the field to claim his first-ever World Cup triumph in the men’s event the day prior. As the season’s early technical battles heat up, Gurgl’s steep, icy pitches once again separated the elite from the emerging stars.
Shiffrin’s Masterclass: A Second Straight Slalom Crown
American icon Mikaela Shiffrin wasted no time in extending her dominance, powering through the Rettenbach course to secure her 103rd career World Cup victory – her 66th in slalom alone. Clocking an aggregate time of 1:48.11, Shiffrin posted the fastest runs in both the morning and afternoon legs, finishing 1.23 seconds ahead of her nearest challenger. The 30-year-old, fresh off a Levi win two weeks ago, showcased flawless line control and explosive acceleration, turning the technical test into a clinic.
“It feels incredible to back-to-back these,” Shiffrin said post-race, her breath visible in the chill. “Gurgl always tests your precision – today, everything clicked.” Her performance not only bolsters her lead in the overall standings but also sends a clear message ahead of the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympics, where she’ll defend her slalom gold.
Hot on her heels was 19-year-old sensation Lara Colturi of Albania, who earned her second consecutive podium with a runner-up finish. The Tirana native, competing under the Albanian flag after switching from Italy, skied with veteran poise to post a 1:49.34 total, her aggressive second run vaulting her from third after the opener. “Chasing Mikaela pushes me to my limits,” Colturi beamed, her result marking Albania’s best-ever women’s alpine finish.
Rounding out the podium was Switzerland’s Wendy Holdener in third (1:49.67), the Olympic medalist holding steady despite a minor first-run wobble. American teammates Paula Moltzan (6th, +2.15) and Nina O’Brien (who crashed in the second run after qualifying 22nd) showed promise, while Italy’s Martina Bassino and Norway’s Mina Fuerst posted strong top-10s.
