World Cup Slalom Heads to Semmering with Shiffrin Eyeing Another Historic Win

The women’s Alpine Skiing World Cup slalom circuit moves to Semmering, Austria, for the fifth technical race of the 2025–26 season, and the narrative heading into the event is clearer than ever. As the Olympic year gathers momentum, form lines are settling, contenders are emerging, and one athlete continues to stand distinctly above the rest.

Mikaela Shiffrin once again arrives as the focal point.

With the pre-Olympic slalom calendar now halfway complete, the Semmering race represents a pivotal moment in the discipline. Start lists, seeding, and confidence are increasingly influenced by early-season results, and Shiffrin’s dominance has already reshaped the competitive landscape.

Shiffrin’s Unstoppable Momentum

Shiffrin enters the Austrian resort riding a remarkable five-race winning streak in World Cup slalom competition. She closed last season with victory at the World Cup Finals and has followed it up with a flawless four-for-four record so far this winter. Now, the American superstar lines up with a chance to claim her sixth consecutive slalom win — a streak that would further underline her authority as the Olympic season unfolds.

Beyond the immediate pursuit of another victory, every race now carries additional significance. Olympic selection dynamics, national team pecking orders, and confidence heading toward Cortina are all influenced by performances at this stage. Shiffrin’s consistency has placed her firmly at the center of those calculations.

Current Slalom Standings Reflect a Clear Hierarchy

The season standings tell a story of separation at the top. Shiffrin leads the slalom rankings comfortably with a perfect 400 points, having won every race she has entered. Trailing her is Albania’s rising star Lara Colturi, who has amassed 220 points through a series of impressive podium finishes. Switzerland’s Camille Rast sits third on 182 points, followed closely by American teammate Paula Moltzan with 172.

Swiss veteran Wendy Holdener rounds out the top five with 168 points, maintaining her reputation as one of the most reliable technicians on the circuit.

As the field assembles in Semmering, these rankings are reflected directly in the start order — a sign that the elite group has firmly established itself.

Elite Start Group Set for High-Stakes Opening Run

The opening run will see the top seven skiers on course in rapid succession, leaving little room for caution. Austria’s Katharina Liensberger, racing on home snow, has been given the honor of opening the race with bib number one. She will be followed immediately by Colturi and Rast, before Shiffrin launches her run from bib four.

Behind Shiffrin, the pressure remains intense. Holdener, Croatia’s Zrinka Ljutić, and Germany’s Lena Dürr will all attack the course knowing that any early hesitation could prove costly. With such depth packed into the first wave, the opening run is expected to be fast, aggressive, and unforgiving.

Podium Pattern Shows Shiffrin as the Constant

Reviewing the podiums from earlier in the season reinforces just how consistent Shiffrin has been. She claimed victory at Levi in Finland, Gurgl in Austria, Copper Mountain in the United States, and Courchevel in France. While the athletes flanking her on the podium have varied — including Colturi, Rast, Dürr, and Emma Aicher — Shiffrin has remained the unmovable constant at the top.

This consistency has not only delivered points but has placed psychological pressure on the rest of the field. Rivals now enter each race measuring success not only by podium finishes but by how close they can come to matching Shiffrin’s pace.

Strong American Presence in Semmering

The United States will be well represented in the slalom, led, of course, by Shiffrin. Paula Moltzan continues to show steady improvement this season and will start with bib 13, well-positioned to challenge for a top result. Young talents Elisabeth Bocock, Logan Grosdidier, Nina O’Brien, Liv Moritz, and Kjersti Moritz round out a deep American lineup that blends experience with youth.

Particular attention will be on Grosdidier, a 17-year-old World Cup rookie, who continues to gain valuable experience against the sport’s elite in her first full season at this level.

International Field Brings Depth and Variety

Canada fields a solid team led by former world champion Laurence St-Germain, alongside Amelia Smart, Ariane Forget, Kiki Alexander, and Sarah Bennett. Great Britain will be represented by Victoria Palla, continuing her push to establish herself consistently on the World Cup circuit.

With nations from across Europe and North America contributing depth, the Semmering slalom promises a wide range of styles, strategies, and approaches — all shaped by the demands of the course.

Why Semmering Is a True Test

Semmering’s slalom course has earned a reputation as one of the most technically demanding venues on the calendar. Narrow sections, rhythm changes, and limited visibility place a premium on precision and trust. Athletes must commit fully from the first gate, knowing that hesitation often leads to costly mistakes.

The pressure is further intensified by the reversed start order for the second run. A strong opening performance is essential, but maintaining composure with everything on the line in run two often defines the final outcome. In an Olympic season, these moments serve as valuable rehearsals for the intensity athletes will face on the biggest stage.

Course Setters and Tactical Challenge

The first run has been set by Switzerland’s Denis Wicki, while France’s Vincent Blum will design the second run. This combination is expected to produce two distinct challenges, forcing athletes to adapt their tactics and timing between runs.

Such variety favors skiers with versatility, strong inspection skills, and the ability to adjust rapidly — qualities that have long defined Shiffrin’s success.

How and When to Watch

Fans around the world will be able to follow the action live. The women’s slalom takes place on Tuesday, December 16. The first run begins at 8:15 a.m. Eastern Time (5:15 a.m. Pacific), with the second run scheduled for 11:45 a.m. Eastern (8:45 a.m. Pacific).

In the United States, coverage will be available live and on replay via Peacock. Canadian viewers can stream the event on CBC Sports, while fans in Great Britain can watch both runs live on Discovery+.

The Bigger Picture

As the road to Cortina continues, Semmering represents more than just another race. It is a measuring stick — a moment where momentum is confirmed or challenged. With half the slalom season already complete, the elite group has clearly emerged, the chasing pack knows its target, and Mikaela Shiffrin remains the standard by which everyone else is judged.

Whether she extends her winning streak or faces a renewed challenge, Semmering will offer valuable insight into how the Olympic season is shaping up.