The spotlight remains firmly on Mikaela Shiffrin as the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup women’s slalom heads to Slovenia’s iconic Podkoren 3 course on Sunday. The American superstar arrives with a commanding six-race winning streak in the discipline, having swept all five slaloms this season. The burning question for fans and competitors alike: can anyone finally halt her dominance?
This weekend’s event marks the sixth of ten slaloms in the 2025/26 season, positioning it squarely at the midpoint. With the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics looming, pressure is mounting. Only three slaloms remain before the Games, with two more scheduled afterward, leaving little margin for error as athletes vie for national team selections, prime starting positions, and crucial momentum in one of skiing’s most unforgiving disciplines.
Shiffrin has built a substantial lead in the slalom standings, underscoring her unparalleled consistency.
Slalom Standings – Top Five (After Semmering, 5/10 races)
Mikaela Shiffrin (USA) – 500 points
Lara Colturi (ALB) – 280 points
Camille Rast (SUI) – 262 points
Wendy Holdener (SUI) – 208 points
Katharina Truppe (AUT) – 186 points
The top starters promise an intense opening run, with Shiffrin in bib 3 on a slope known for rewarding aggression and punishing any hesitation.
Key Starters – Kranjska Gora Women’s Slalom
Bib 1: Lena Dürr (GER)
Bib 2: Zrinka Ljutić (CRO)
Bib 3: Mikaela Shiffrin (USA)
Bib 4: Wendy Holdener (SUI)
Bib 5: Paula Moltzan (USA)
Bib 6: Camille Rast (SUI)
Bib 7: Lara Colturi (ALB)
The Stifel U.S. Ski Team fields a strong contingent, including several promising younger athletes showing flashes of elite speed despite razor-thin margins this season.
U.S. Entries
Bib 3: Mikaela Shiffrin
Bib 5: Paula Moltzan
Bib 31: A.J. Hurt
Bib 36: Elisabeth Bocock
Bib 42: Nina O’Brien
Bib 43: Liv Moritz
Canada’s squad is led by Laurence St-Germain, with Amelia Smart and others in support. Notably absent is Ali Nullmeyer, who is progressing toward a comeback ahead of the Olympics.
Course Details
The race unfolds on Podkoren 3, with the first run featuring 65 gates (64 turns).
Course setters: Alessandro Colturi (ALB) for Run 1; Sascha Sorio (SWE) for Run 2.
As the season hits its halfway mark, Shiffrin’s historic run continues to captivate the sport. Fans are privileged to witness one of the greatest ski racers ever, competing at her peak—until a challenger rises to the occasion.
How to Watch
Sunday, January 4:
First run: 9:30 CET (3:30 a.m. ET / 12:30 a.m. PT)
Second run: 12:15 CET (6:15 a.m. ET / 3:15 a.m. PT)
United States: Ski and Snowboard Live
Canada: CBC Sports
Great Britain: Discovery+
