All eyes are on American superstar Mikaela Shiffrin as she seeks to claw her way back into podium contention on Day Two of the giant slalom doubleheader at the PwC Tremblant Audi FIS Ski World Cup. Fresh off a sixth-place showing in Saturday’s opener amid challenging weather, the two-time Olympic champion is determined to deliver a sharper performance on the demanding Flying Mile course, where New Zealand’s Alice Robinson stole the show with a commanding victory.
The Laurentian Mountains are alive with fervor, as Canadian fans rally behind their home favorites while global audiences tune in for what could be a defining moment in Shiffrin’s 2025-26 campaign. “Tremblant is tough but fair – the Flying Mile tests everything. Tomorrow’s a new day,” Shiffrin said post-race yesterday, reflecting on her slide from third after the first run to sixth overall with a combined time of 2:17.83. As the overall World Cup leader with 368 points, Shiffrin – who has dominated slaloms this season with wins in Copper Mountain, Gurgl, and Levi – remains a force, but her GS start has been uneven, including a fourth in Sölden and 14th in Copper. A strong Sunday could vault her up the discipline standings, where she’s currently sixth.
Saturday’s Intensity: Robinson’s Repeat Triumph, Shiffrin’s Near-Miss
In a day marked by heavy snowfall turning to afternoon fog, Robinson powered to her second straight GS win of the season, clocking 2:16.18 for a 0.94-second margin over Croatia’s Zrinka Ljutić in second.548beb Canada’s Valérie Grenier thrilled the home crowd with bronze, just 1.00 second back, marking her fifth career podium and first on Canadian snow. Switzerland’s Camille Rast (fourth, +1.21) and France’s Clara Direz (fifth, +1.51) rounded out the top five, while Shiffrin’s second-run struggles – the 20th-fastest of the day – dropped her from provisional bronze to just off the podium.223f84
Shiffrin, wearing bib 16, admitted to post-race analysis: “I felt very aggressive on the second run, but it was super dark and there were a couple spots where I think looking back I’ll find that I maybe wasn’t as clean as possible. That’s something I can work on tomorrow.” Despite the result, she climbed back into the top-15 start list for future races, a small but crucial step in an Olympic season. U.S. teammate Nina O’Brien posted an eighth-place finish, adding depth to the American effort.
For the Canadians, Grenier’s podium ignited celebrations, with teammate Britt Richardson (seventh in Kronplatz last season) eyeing her own breakthrough. “The crowd here is electric – it’s like nothing else,” Grenier beamed, as 15,000 spectators braved the elements.
Sunday’s Stakes: Shiffrin vs. the Field on a Fresh Setup
With FIS confirming optimal conditions after snow control, the second GS kicks off at 10:00 a.m. local (16:00 CET), with the top 30 advancing to the 1:00 p.m. (19:00 CET) finale. Norwegian Kai Grønningsæther crafts the first-run course, while Albania’s Alessandro Colturi sets the second – promising a test of adaptability on the 1,600-meter piste’s steep drops and flowing turns.
Shiffrin, chasing her first GS podium of the season and 23rd career GS win, faces stiff competition from Robinson (now atop the GS standings), Ljutić, and defending GS globe winner Federica Brignone of Italy (fourth yesterday). Switzerland’s Lara Gut-Behrami, in her farewell tour, lurks after a ninth-place finish, her precise technique a wildcard. On the home front, Richardson and debutante Kendra Giesbrecht aim to build on the momentum, while U.S. rising star Kjersti Moritz impressed in training with a 1:10.27 first-run simulation.
As FIS Alpine’s X account hyped: “The Women are ready for the second race day in Tremblant! 🇨🇦✨” – capturing the pre-race buzz with images of athletes in the start gate. Shiffrin’s quest adds extra intrigue; at 30, with 104 World Cup victories already etched in history, she’s not just racing for points but for legacy in an Olympic year leading to Milano Cortina 2026.
Tremblant’s Enduring Legacy
This event’s return after 40 years – last in 1983, when Laurie Graham won downhill gold – underscores Canada’s alpine resurgence, organized by Alpine Canada with 300 volunteers. CEO Therese Brisson noted: “We’re building on yesterday’s success to inspire the next generation – on and off the snow.” Off-course, the village offers live music, family activities, and tickets from $19 CAD, with broadcasts on Peacock (U.S.), CBC (Canada), and Eurosport (Europe).
Whether Shiffrin unleashes her signature precision or Robinson defends her throne, Sunday’s showdown on the Flying Mile could redefine the GS title chase. The mountain calls – and the world is watching.
