Paula Moltzan discusses her “unconventional” ski racing journey, her reconnection with Mikaela Shiffrin, and her global ambitions at the age of 30

In this exclusive interview, the Minnesota native contemplates her most impressive performances this season and the lessons she acquired after regaining her position on Team USA a few years ago.

Paula Moltzan declares, “I am merely beginning.” Her countenance is adorned with a radiant smile.

The USA tech specialist has finally achieved the consistency necessary to be a consistent podium contender, following an unconventional trajectory in elite alpine skiing that included competing at the collegiate level.

Moltzan has obtained the most impressive results of her career this season, securing two World Cup podiums and a bronze medal in giant slalom at the most recent World Championships in Saalbach, at the age of nearly 31. It was her initial individual recognition in a significant senior competition.

The USA women’s team has achieved remarkable results this campaign, particularly the victories of Mikaela Shiffrin, Lauren Macuga, and Breezy Johnson, as a result of her performances, which also include seven individual top-5 finishes across the World Cup and Worlds.

Moltzan stated to Olympics.com, “I believe that we are currently experiencing a significant amount of positive momentum.”

Moltzan is the highest-ranked USA skier in giant slalom, currently rated sixth. Nina O’Brien, AJ Hurt, and Katie Hensien are all in the top 20.

“On any given day, one of those girls could be smoking me in training, and the next day, it could be someone else,” Moltzan stated. “I believe that this season has been a significant factor in my ability to make the next step in GS, as it continuously challenges the environment of fast skiing.”

This is the reason why competing for a globe no longer seems unattainable, even at what is considered a mature age in alpine skiing: “That is undoubtedly on my long-term objective list, and I am optimistic that I will be able to achieve it in the upcoming season or the following.” Perhaps in slalom or GS. (Federica Brignone, Italy’s overall World Cup leader) is currently so dominant, and she is older than I am, so I am aware that it is feasible. She has achieved more than half of her victories after the age of 30.

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Paula Moltzan’s quest to rediscover her passion for skiing

A person who once doubted her future in the sport now finds nothing to be unattainable.

Moltzan’s World Cup campaign was unsuccessful, resulting in her departure from the US team less than one year after she won the juvenile world slalom title in 2015.

Nevertheless, she persisted and elected to compete at the college level.

“I would certainly describe it as unconventional in a ski racing career to be a member of the national team, attend university, and then return to the national team,” Moltzan stated.

“I was 22 years old.” It was unclear to me what alternatives were available. I was unable to pursue independence for a year due to financial constraints. Consequently, the only viable option was to enrol in a university. I was fortunate enough to secure a spot at the University of Vermont.

Moltzan learnt the significance of teamwork through this effective experience, which was exemplified by his NCAA slalom championship.

“I believe that being asked to leave the team was the most beneficial thing that ever happened to me, as it allowed me to rediscover my passion for ski racing in a competitive yet supportive environment,” she stated. I was a member of a team of athletes, and we took part in competitions every weekend. It was no longer solely about you, and as a result, you acquired the ability to support the other athletes and function as a team participant. I acquired a substantial amount of knowledge.

Moltzan discovered the importance of never taking anything for granted after rejoining Team US in 2018. “I did a lot of growing up at college, and I think that has paid off in the long run.” Currently, you could assert that I have demonstrated the ability to be coachable, a good colleague, and flexible. Additionally, I believe that you must develop a sense of gratitude. And that is who I am. I am grateful for this second opportunity to compete in the World Cup as a skier, and I am grateful for the opportunity to train with speed skiers on a daily basis, as this was not an option during my undergraduate years.

At the age of 30, the Minnesotan can now reflect on her adolescent errors with a fresh and candid perspective.

“I am uncertain as to whether I was spoilt; I believe that I simply felt entitled,” she disclosed.

“At the age of 17, I was the highest-ranked athlete in my age group, with the exception of Mikaela. I believed that the United States ski team should be providing me with additional support, opportunities to train with faster athletes, or both.” However, I believe that I may have been slightly deranged. Therefore, I am uncertain as to how I acquired the notion that I was exceedingly proficient, as it is evident that I was not.

 

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gym sessions in the barn and the encouragement of Ryan Mooney, his spouse

Moltzan has improved and become a more complete athlete since re-joining the World Cup roster.

“I believe that my conditioning and strength were the final components that aligned in my professional life,” she stated. “I was a young athlete who possessed some natural talent and may not have had to work as hard during the summer.”

The Minneapolis-born skier began to dedicate more time to the gym after the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. She still vividly recalls the gruelling workout sessions she underwent in a barn in Massachusetts: “I constructed a gym within my husband’s parents’ woodshed.” During the initial year, the floor was devoid of cement. The second year, there was no electricity. Then, it gradually improved. However, it was undoubtedly somewhat rough.

In the past few years, Moltzan discovered more advanced training facilities in Vermont, where she relocated with her husband, Ryan Mooney, who was a former skier and attended the renowned Greenmount Valley Ski School. The couple has been residing in Vermont since 2022.

Moltzan stated, “Ryan is not given sufficient recognition.” “Ryan was also at university with me during our time there, and he has been tuning my skis ever since.” I am of the opinion that my ability to recover would have been significantly impaired without his presence.

In addition to serving as a coach, Mooney has supported his wife as a chauffeur, travel agent, and photographer. “He has been present for every moment of my career, whether it has been positive or negative,” she stated. Also, he is undoubtedly my most severe critic. “And yes, it is difficult when the person you love the most is so critical of you, but it also motivates you to improve and strive for the best possible outcome.”

Moltzan was so determined to have Mooney accompany her on the road that she employed as a whitewater raft guide during the summer to generate the necessary funds to cover his travel expenses.

QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND – AUGUST 21: Mikaela Shiffrin (R) of the United States and Paula Moltzan of the United States celebrate on the podium after the Women’s Night Slalom during the Opening Ceremony for the Winter Games NZ at Coronet Peak on August 21, 2015 in Queenstown, New Zealand. (Image courtesy of Getty Images/Dianne Manson) )

Paula Moltzan: Meeting Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin

Moltzan, who is currently residing on the East Coast, continues to value her Midwestern heritage: “We are amiable towards all individuals, and I believe that is one of the aspects of Minnesotan culture that I have absorbed.”

Moltzan, like her inspiration Lindsey Vonn, was reared in the infamous US ski’slalom factory’ of Buck Hill, located south of Minneapolis. This experience significantly influenced her development as a skier.

She described the resort with a 300-foot (93m) vertical plunge as “a fairly modest beginning.” “I have never spent a significant amount of time free skiing, as I am not from a large mountain.” I did indeed spend time at the gate. At our tender age, we are subjected to an abundance of repetitions, which I believe are conducive to our success. At an early age, one acquires the sensation of distinguishing between acceptable and unacceptable actions.

Moltzan also had the privilege of collaborating with the renowned Austrian coach Erich Sailer, who continues to provide him with support to this day. I receive numerous texts from him, despite the fact that I believe he is approximately 99 years old. It is quite remarkable that he and his wife continue to contact me after each successful outcome.

Mikaela Shiffrin was an additional significant figure in Moltzan’s skiing expedition.

“Mikaela and I are separated by 11 months.” Moltzan stated, “I cannot recall many instances during my skiing career in which she was absent, and she was exceptionally gifted from a young age.” “I may have surpassed her in a ski race at Whistler Cup when I was 13 or 14 years old.” Therefore, she has consistently demonstrated an exceptional level of diligence and competitiveness.

The two skiers were on the same team and shared instructors during the early World Cup years. However, their trajectories eventually diverged when she opted to establish her own team, thereby removing herself from the team setting. However, I also resigned from the United States ski team, which is why there is a rift in our alliance. We are both pursuing our own interests.

Shiffrin has, however, rejuvenated her relationship with Moltzan and the team over time.

Moltzan stated, “I believe that she has experienced her own challenges, such as losing her father and being injured. I believe that these experiences have contributed to our growing intimacy and that she is more inclined to assist others during their difficult times.”

“Now that she has likely encountered some more challenging races in GS, she is beginning to understand that a team is invaluable in providing support during the tough days and that not every day of ski racing will be a breeze.” I believe that her proximity to the female team has been beneficial, as she has sought assistance and expressed gratitude for the support. It is a pleasure to feel appreciated and to be there for her, as she has achieved significant success.

On February 23, 2025, in Sestriere, Italy, Mikaela Shiffrin of Team United States secured the first place and Paula Moltzan of Team United States secured the third place in the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Women’s Slalom. Shiffrin became the first athlete to achieve this milestone by celebrating her 100th World Cup victory. (Photo by Christophe Pallot/Agence Zoom/Getty Images) )

Paula Moltzan: I am eagerly anticipating the home Finals in Sun Valley.

Moltzan, despite her recent success in giant slalom, stated that she perceives herself as a “tech specialist” and will not prioritise any discipline in anticipation of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina.

“I began my skiing career as a slalom skier, and I had a coach who essentially said that I would never be a successful World Cup GS skier. I am pleased to have disproven his assertion,” she stated with a smile, opting not to disclose the identity of the coach.

The 30-year-old is among the home favourites at the forthcoming World Cup Finals in Sun Valley, Idaho, where a substantial audience is anticipated to cheer on one of the most formidable United States teams in recent years.

Moltzan stated, “The entire US women’s team is highly talented, and at any given moment, any one of the girls could win a race.” “That is truly inspiring and distinctive, and it has been an extended period since the era of Lindsey (Vonn) and Julia (Mancuso) dominated the female narrative.”

Moltzan achieved the national title in giant slalom on the same slopes in 2024 and is now enthusiastic about concluding the season in a grand manner.

“As an American in a very European dominated sport, to be able to compete on home soil is just really awesome,” according to her. “You are so motivated and the crowd is so good because they are there to watch you and they want to see the Americans perform well.” And to have such a formidable team entering the American Finals is truly exceptional, and the objective is to complement a successful season in the United States.

Mikaela Shiffrin Sets World Cup Podium Record with Third-Place Finish in Åre Slalom

ÅRE, Sweden — On Sunday, March 9, 2025, American alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin secured her 156th World Cup podium, surpassing Swedish legend Ingemar Stenmark’s long-standing record of 155 podium finishes. Shiffrin achieved this milestone by finishing third in the slalom event held in Åre, Sweden, where Austria’s Katharina Truppe clinched her first World Cup victory.

Shiffrin led after the first run but encountered challenges during her second descent on a deteriorating course, ultimately finishing 0.19 seconds behind Truppe. Austria’s Katharina Liensberger secured second place, trailing Truppe by a mere 0.05 seconds.

Reflecting on her performance, Shiffrin expressed satisfaction despite the outcome, stating, “I actually feel pretty good about it. I maybe wasn’t always perfect, but I was pushing really hard.”

Truppe’s victory marked a significant milestone in her career, coming in her 181st World Cup start. The 29-year-old Austrian was elated, sharing, “First victory, it’s crazy. I have goosebumps on my body.”

The race also impacted the season-long slalom title chase. Croatia’s Zrinka Ljutic leads the standings, with Switzerland’s Camille Rast and Austria’s Katharina Liensberger in close pursuit. The final slalom of the season is scheduled for March 27 in Sun Valley, Idaho, where the crystal globe trophy will be decided.

Shiffrin’s record-breaking podium finish adds to her illustrious career, which includes surpassing Stenmark’s all-time World Cup wins record in 2023 and achieving her 100th World Cup victory last month in Sestriere, Italy.

As the season approaches its conclusion, Shiffrin plans to train in Europe before heading to the United States for the final events, acknowledging the challenges of travel and expressing anticipation for the upcoming races.