Mikaela Shiffrin Triumphs in Challenging Conditions to Win World Cup Finals Slalom

Mikaela Shiffrin once again showcased her dominance and resilience in alpine skiing by conquering a rough, bump-ridden course to win the World Cup finals slalom. Battling tough terrain and fierce competition, Shiffrin delivered a masterclass in precision and control, adding another prestigious victory to her already stellar career.

The slalom course in Saalbach, Austria, was anything but forgiving. Marked by deep ruts, icy patches, and constant changes in snow conditions, the final demanded a mix of courage, technique, and adaptability—qualities that Shiffrin has long embodied. Despite the high stakes and physical toll, the American skier remained composed and aggressive, laying down two blistering runs that secured her place atop the podium.

“It wasn’t the cleanest course, but I knew I had to attack it with confidence,” Shiffrin said after the race. “You can’t hold back on a hill like this—it punishes hesitation. I just tried to stay light on my skis and let my instincts take over.”

The win marks Shiffrin’s 97th career World Cup victory and further solidifies her legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats. With this result, she also wraps up another strong season, having returned to peak form following injury setbacks earlier in the year.

Her rivals, including Switzerland’s Wendy Holdener and Slovakia’s Petra Vlhová, acknowledged Shiffrin’s brilliance on the hill. “She’s incredible,” Holdener said. “No matter the course conditions, she finds a way to make it look smooth.”

As the season concludes, Shiffrin’s performance stands as a powerful reminder of her unmatched skill, mental fortitude, and unwavering determination. With each race, she continues to raise the bar in alpine skiing—and shows no signs of slowing down.