Petra Vlhová hires a new coach amid Mikaela Shiffrin’s plans to make a comeback to the World Cup.

Many skiing fans were thrilled to finally see Petra Vlhová back in an Olympic start gate after more than two years away from competition due to the injury that eventually required two separate knee surgeries.

Now, the Slovak skiing star is moving into another important phase of her comeback journey.

According to reports from the Slovak newspaper Sport, along with confirmation on Vlhová’s official Instagram page, Mario Rafetzeder has officially joined her setup as the new head coach. The 2022 Olympic slalom champion and 2020-21 overall World Cup winner is now training fully again as she targets a long-awaited return to the World Cup circuit.

Vlhová shared her excitement about rebuilding her team and preparing for the next stage of her career.

She explained that she is delighted to once again surround herself with people who can help her fight her way back to the highest level of alpine skiing. The Slovak skier added that she is excited to begin working with everyone involved in her team and believes Rafetzeder is the ideal person to guide the group as they attempt to compete once again with the world’s best athletes.

A New Partnership Designed for a Major Comeback

The appointment of Mario Rafetzeder represents a major development in Vlhová’s recovery and comeback plans. The Austrian coach arrives after spending the previous two seasons working with the “Fearless Finns” setup and now faces the challenge of helping one of alpine skiing’s biggest names return to elite form.

Rafetzeder also spoke positively about joining the Slovak star’s team and said he was grateful for the opportunity.

He thanked Ski Team Petra Vlhová for allowing him to become part of a group that has already enjoyed tremendous success over the years. The Austrian added that he values the chance to support Vlhová on her road back to the very top of the sport.

Rafetzeder admitted there is still a significant amount of work ahead, but he believes the combination of systematic preparation, fresh opportunities and strong team support can gradually help Vlhová reach her goals again. He also acknowledged the importance of Slovak supporters and encouraged fans to continue backing the team throughout the comeback process.

Why Mario Rafetzeder Was Chosen

Rafetzeder arrives with growing recognition within alpine skiing circles after helping guide Finnish skier Eduard Hallberg through a breakthrough 2025-26 campaign.

During that season, Hallberg secured the first three World Cup podium finishes of his career, further enhancing Rafetzeder’s reputation as a coach capable of developing top-level competitors. Before working with the Finnish squad, the Austrian also gained experience coaching both Austrian and British athletes.

Now he takes on perhaps the biggest challenge of his coaching career by working alongside one of the most accomplished skiers of her generation.

Richard Galovič, manager of Ski Team Vlhová, revealed that the organization is extremely pleased to have completed its coaching structure for the upcoming 2026-27 campaign.

Galovič explained that Vlhová personally selected Rafetzeder as her new head coach, underlining the confidence she already has in him. He believes the Austrian will not only introduce fresh training methods but also refine the overall training system by building upon the successful foundations established by previous experts who worked with Vlhová over the years.

According to Galovič, the current agreement between both parties is for one season initially, although everyone involved hopes the partnership can develop into a successful long-term collaboration.

Petra Vlhová’s Long Road Back

For Vlhová, the last two and a half years have represented one of the toughest periods of her sporting career.

The Slovak skier was forced away from World Cup racing after suffering a serious injury that eventually led to multiple surgeries and an extended rehabilitation process. Throughout that time, uncertainty surrounded whether she would ever be able to return to her previous level.

However, recent months have brought increasing optimism.

Her return to full training suggests the recovery process is progressing positively, while the addition of a new coaching structure indicates that preparations for competitive skiing are becoming increasingly serious.

Fans around the world have eagerly waited to see the former Olympic champion return to action, especially given the intense rivalry she shared with fellow alpine superstar Mikaela Shiffrin over recent years.

That rivalry became one of the defining storylines in women’s alpine skiing, with both athletes regularly pushing each other to extraordinary levels in slalom and technical events.

Vlhová’s return would provide another huge boost for the women’s World Cup circuit as the sport continues entering a new era ahead of the next Olympic cycle.

One of Alpine Skiing’s Most Decorated Stars

Before her injury setback, Vlhová established herself as one of the dominant figures in international skiing.

She captured Olympic gold in slalom at the 2022 Winter Games and also won the overall World Cup title during the 2020-21 season. In addition, she became a two-time World Cup slalom champion and consistently challenged for victories across multiple disciplines.

Her versatility, technical precision and aggressive skiing style made her one of the most respected athletes on the circuit.

Even during her absence, many fans and experts believed Vlhová still possessed the ability to compete with the very best if she could successfully recover physically.

Now, with a fresh coaching setup and renewed determination, optimism surrounding her comeback continues to grow.

Big Expectations Ahead of the New Season

While there is naturally excitement surrounding Vlhová’s return, expectations will need to remain measured after such a lengthy absence from competition.

Recovering physically is only one part of the challenge. Returning to race sharpness, rebuilding confidence and coping with the intensity of World Cup competition after so long away will also be major tests.

Still, the appointment of Rafetzeder suggests that Vlhová and her management team are carefully planning every detail of the comeback.

The Austrian coach’s reputation for structured development and modern training ideas could prove valuable as the Slovak skier works toward regaining her competitive edge.

At 31 years old, Vlhová still has the experience, talent and determination to make an impact on the international stage if her body allows her to compete consistently again.

Fans Hope for a Fairytale Return

Across the skiing world, there is widespread support for Vlhová’s comeback story.

Supporters admire not only her achievements but also the resilience she has shown throughout an incredibly difficult rehabilitation period. Multiple surgeries and years away from competition would have convinced many athletes to walk away permanently, but Vlhová has continued fighting for another opportunity to compete.

Her determination to return reflects the same mentality that helped her become an Olympic champion and overall World Cup winner in the first place.

Now, with Mario Rafetzeder leading the coaching staff and preparations for the 2026-27 campaign fully underway, attention will slowly begin turning toward when fans might finally see Vlhová back competing regularly on the World Cup stage once again.

For the Slovak star, the next chapter of her remarkable career is officially beginning.