The women’s alpine skiing World Cup Finals delivered high drama on Sunday in Kvitfjell, Norway (near Lillehammer), as Italy’s Sofia Goggia claimed her maiden Super-G Crystal Globe while Germany’s Emma Aicher dramatically narrowed the gap in the overall standings chase against American superstar Mikaela Shiffrin.
Goggia Dominates to Secure First Super-G Title
Sofia Goggia attacked the Olympiabakken course with her signature aggressive style, posting a winning time of 1:29.23 despite going wide early in the run. The Italian speed specialist recovered brilliantly in the final two sectors to claim her third Super-G victory of the season and her 10th career win in the discipline. This performance locked up the 2025/26 Super-G Crystal Globe—her first ever in the event—adding to her four previous downhill globes.
“I’m happy for the outcome,” Goggia said post-race. “If you want to be a complete speed skier, you have to get both the globes in downhill and super-G. When you have pressure, you have to handle it.”
Switzerland’s Corinne Suter finished second (+0.32 seconds), while Germany’s Kira Weidle-Winkelmann took third (+0.60). Emma Aicher slotted in fourth (+0.61), earning crucial points in the overall battle.
Shiffrin’s Tough Day Leaves Door Open for Aicher
Mikaela Shiffrin, racing in just her third Super-G since December 2023 following recovery from past injuries, finished 22nd—2.78 seconds off the pace. As only the top 15 earn points in World Cup Finals races, the American added zero to her tally.
Shiffrin, who is pursuing a record-tying sixth overall Crystal Globe, remains the leader but now holds just a 45-point advantage over Aicher heading into the final two events: slalom on Tuesday and giant slalom on Wednesday.
Aicher started the day trailing by 95 points (after her fifth-place finish in Saturday’s downhill, where Shiffrin did not compete). Her strong fourth-place run netted 50 points, slashing the deficit significantly.
Overall Globe Race Heads to the Wire
The battle for the women’s overall title is now razor-close, with Shiffrin’s dominance in technical events (she has won eight of nine slaloms this season) pitted against Aicher’s all-around consistency and momentum. The 22-year-old German, who finished 15th overall last season, has enjoyed a breakout campaign with multiple podiums and victories.
Shiffrin downplayed expectations for the Super-G, noting her limited recent starts in the discipline.
“I didn’t really have so much expectations today because you only get points in the top 15, and I haven’t been there in super-G in a while,” she told reporters. “But I felt pretty solid on the course. There are definitely places where I’m leaving time, but it’s a good direction heading into the summer.”
U.S. Results and What’s Next
Among Americans, Keely Cashman led the way in 10th place. Breezy Johnson (Olympic downhill champion) finished 14th, and Mary Bocock came in 20th.
The Finals continue with technical races in Hafjell: women’s slalom on Tuesday and giant slalom on Wednesday. With up to 200 points still available (100 per race), the overall crown remains very much in play.
Shiffrin enters as the heavy favorite in slalom, but any slip could hand Aicher the opportunity of a lifetime. The sport’s most coveted prize—the big Crystal Globe—will be decided in the coming days in a thrilling finale.
