American alpine skiing superstar Mikaela Shiffrin kicked off the 2025/26 FIS World Cup slalom season in emphatic style, claiming a commanding victory in Levi and extending her all-time record to 102 career World Cup wins. The 30-year-old delivered a masterclass performance on the Levi Black course, posting the fastest times in both runs to finish in 1:48.92 and win by a staggering 1.66 seconds.
Shiffrin, who has now triumphed nine times in Levi – more than on any other World Cup slope – was untouchable from the outset. Starting third in the first run, she built a lead of over one second, which she extended in the second run under the Arctic lights. Albania’s Lara Colturi, celebrating her 19th birthday, secured second place, while Germany’s Emma Aicher rounded out the podium in third, 2.59 seconds behind the winner.
“This was kind of the perfect run – everything I could do,” Shiffrin said after the race. “Levi is starting to feel more and more like home. I’m really happy to kick off the slalom season this way.” Her ninth Levi victory also earned her a ninth reindeer, the traditional prize at the Finnish venue, adding to her famous herd.
The win marks Shiffrin’s 65th in slalom and serves as a strong statement in an Olympic season leading to Milano Cortina 2026. Absent her longtime rival Petra Vlhová, who continues to recover from injury, Shiffrin faced a field of emerging talents but proved once again why she remains the benchmark in technical events.
Teammate Paula Moltzan provided further American success with a strong fourth-place finish, highlighting the depth of the U.S. women’s team.
Fresh off her triumphant weekend in Lapland, Shiffrin wasted no time turning her attention to the next challenge. In a social media post, the champion shared her excitement: “After an amazing weekend in Levi, it’s time to head back to Austria for two more slaloms in @gurgl.official. Men race on Saturday, women on Sunday. Who’s joining us?”
The World Cup circuit now shifts to Gurgl, Austria, for back-to-back slalom races this weekend. The men compete on Saturday, November 22, followed by the women on Sunday, November 23. Shiffrin, leading both the slalom and overall standings, will aim to build on her momentum on the demanding Kirchenkar slope.
With her flawless form and mental sharpness on full display, Shiffrin has sent a clear message to the field: the queen of slalom is back at her best, and the road to Olympic gold will likely run through her.
