Shiffrin Cracks Top 10 in Challenging Semmering Giant Slalom

In difficult winter conditions at the World Cup giant slalom in Semmering, Austria, the Stifel U.S. Ski Team showed resilience, with Olympic champion Mikaela Shiffrin leading the American charge by finishing sixth.

Shiffrin put together two composed runs on a demanding course, navigating bumpy terrain and low visibility to secure another top-10 result in giant slalom. The shaded slope at Semmering added to the challenge, forcing athletes to rely heavily on feel rather than sight.

“It was really rough out there, and this course is always dark because it sits in the shadow,” Shiffrin explained. “That makes it tough because you have to trust your skiing without seeing everything clearly. When I crossed the line, I felt like I could do it again — and for me, that was a big step forward.”

A.J. Hurt also delivered a determined performance, placing 21st in her return to World Cup racing after last competing in Gurgl in November. In a race where many athletes struggled to finish, Hurt managed two steady runs to earn a top-30 result.

“I’m just happy to be back out here with the team,” Hurt said. “This hill is always strange — it’s narrow and awkward, and today it was definitely a challenge.”

Several other American racers were unable to complete the event. Paula Moltzan, Nina O’Brien, Elisabeth Bocock, and Kjersti Moritz all recorded DNFs, though no injuries were reported. Moltzan had shown strong form in the opening run, sitting sixth before failing to finish her second run. Mary Bocock did not qualify for the final run. Despite the setbacks, the U.S. women remain motivated as the season progresses.

The race victory went to Austria’s Julia Scheib, who thrilled the home crowd with a standout performance. Switzerland’s Camille Rast finished second, while Sweden’s Sara Hector completed the podium in third place.

The focus now shifts quickly for the women’s technical squad, as they prepare to compete in the slalom event at Semmering the following day.