In a thrilling display under the floodlights of the iconic Planai slope, Norway’s Henrik Kristoffersen secured his 34th FIS Alpine Ski World Cup victory and a record-extending fifth win in the Schladming night slalom. The 31-year-old delivered a masterful second run to overtake his teammate and claim the top spot on the podium in the final men’s slalom before the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Kristoffersen, who trails Atle Lie McGrath after the first run by 0.15 seconds, unleashed a stunning performance in the decisive leg, posting a combined time of 1:53.80. His precise, aggressive skiing allowed him to build a decisive lead, finishing 0.34 seconds ahead of McGrath. France’s Clément Noël rounded out the podium in third place, +0.54 behind the winner, after posting the fastest time in the second run but unable to overcome his first-leg deficit.
The Norwegian duo dominated the evening, delivering a commanding 1-2 finish for Norway in what is traditionally one of the most electric races on the World Cup calendar. The Schladming “Nightrace” lived up to its reputation, with thousands of fans lining the illuminated course and creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
For Kristoffersen, the victory carried deep emotional weight. It marked his first World Cup win of the 2025/26 season after a prolonged wait since his last triumphs nearly 11 months earlier. Living just an hour away in Salzburg, he has long treated Schladming as a second home, where he also earned his maiden World Cup victory back in 2014. Surpassing Austrian legend Benjamin Raich’s previous record of four wins here, Kristoffersen now stands alone as the most successful skier in the history of the Planai slalom.
An emotional Kristoffersen fought back tears in his post-race interview, describing the moment as an “emotional rollercoaster.” “Fifth time Schladming, I guess this is my house,” he said. “I don’t cry a lot… but today I cry for joy.”
McGrath, who held the lead after a strong opening run, fought hard but couldn’t match Kristoffersen’s pace in the closing gates. The result positions McGrath strongly in the slalom standings, taking the red bib by a slim margin ahead of upcoming races post-Olympics.
Noël’s bronze continues a solid season for the Olympic champion, highlighting his consistency on technical courses. Further back, Brazil’s Lucas Pinheiro Braathen (formerly competing for Norway) finished fourth, adding to the international flavor of the podium chase.
The race served as the last individual slalom tune-up before the Olympic slalom events in Bormio, Italy, next month. With Norway’s technical team showing formidable depth, Kristoffersen’s resurgence arrives at the perfect time as the sport’s elite prepare for the biggest stage of the season.
This victory not only boosts Kristoffersen’s confidence but also underscores his enduring excellence in slalom, cementing his status as one of the discipline’s all-time greats.
