Review of the Women’s Alpine Season: Shiffrin’s Century and Brignone’s Genius Highlight an Incredible Campaign

The 2024–2025 Women’s Alpine Skiing World Cup season will long be remembered for its extraordinary drama, record-breaking performances, and the unwavering dominance of legends. Two names stood tallest—Mikaela Shiffrin and Federica Brignone. One reached a historic milestone few believed possible, while the other, through consistency and brilliance, reaffirmed her place among the all-time greats. Together, they highlighted what was a breathtaking campaign full of intensity, rivalry, and emotional moments that captivated fans across the globe.

Mikaela Shiffrin: The Century Queen

When Mikaela Shiffrin claimed her 100th World Cup victory in Are, Sweden, she not only solidified her position as the most successful alpine skier in World Cup history, but also extended the boundaries of what was thought possible in the sport. At just 30 years old, Shiffrin’s record is the culmination of years of surgical precision, resilience, and evolution as a skier.

Shiffrin’s season didn’t begin without concerns. After sustaining a minor knee injury in the off-season, there were questions regarding her readiness. But she quickly silenced critics with an explosive return in Levi, winning back-to-back slalom races with clinical efficiency. What followed was a masterclass across disciplines: victories in slalom, giant slalom, and even strong showings in super-G. Her technique, particularly in technical events, remains peerless. Her slalom turns are still described as “poetry in motion,” with unmatched edge control and timing.

What has elevated Shiffrin’s dominance this season, however, is her mental strength. As she approached the 100-win milestone, the media frenzy intensified. Yet, she stayed grounded, crediting her support team, particularly new coach Karin Harjo, and her partner Aleksander Aamodt Kilde for their stabilizing influence. When the historic moment came in Are—fittingly the site of her first World Cup win in 2012—it was almost poetic. The tears, the ovation, and the gravity of the accomplishment turned a World Cup race into a historic celebration.

Her final tally for the season? 12 wins and 18 podiums, securing her 6th overall World Cup title—closing in on Annemarie Moser-Pröll’s record of seven. More than the numbers, it was her ability to adapt and evolve that defined her campaign. Her focus is already shifting toward Cortina 2026, but this season will remain a golden chapter in an already sparkling career.

Federica Brignone: The Architect of Elegance and Power

While Shiffrin grabbed headlines with her record-breaking achievements, Federica Brignone orchestrated a symphony of technical brilliance throughout the season that arguably matched the American’s influence on the tour. At 34, the Italian veteran displayed remarkable form and maturity, proving that age is but a number when talent is eternal.

Brignone’s strengths have always been in the technical disciplines, particularly giant slalom and super-G. This year, she took it up a notch. She claimed five victories, including dominant wins in Lienz and St. Moritz, where she delivered performances that pundits called “tactical perfection.” Her skiing was characterized by fluid transitions, powerful exits, and flawless line choices that made difficult courses appear effortless.

What makes Brignone’s season particularly special is her role as a leader in the Italian team. With Sofia Goggia sidelined due to injury, Brignone stepped into the leadership void with grace. Not only did she inspire her younger teammates like Marta Bassino and Roberta Melesi, but she also used her platform to advocate for better mental health resources and race conditions—especially after the controversial rescheduling of events due to unpredictable weather patterns.

Her consistency across disciplines saw her finish second in the overall standings behind Shiffrin, and she clinched the super-G crystal globe—her second discipline title. It was a fitting reward for a skier who, more than a decade into her career, continues to push her boundaries.

Rising Stars and Notable Storylines

Beyond the Shiffrin-Brignone axis, the season witnessed the emergence of several new talents and the resurgence of familiar names.

Lena Dürr of Germany showed she could be a slalom force with multiple podiums and a thrilling victory in Kranjska Gora. Her patience and late-career bloom were a testament to perseverance.

Zrinka Ljutić, the Croatian prodigy, marked her arrival on the big stage with daring performances in the technical events. While still a bit inconsistent, her raw speed and aggressive skiing have fans and coaches believing she could be a future overall contender.

Swiss skiers, led by Michelle Gisin and Lara Gut-Behrami, continued to be formidable. Gut-Behrami, in particular, won multiple giant slalom races and maintained top-five finishes in nearly every appearance, highlighting her enduring competitiveness.

The French team also had a season to remember with Tessa Worley’s surprise comeback and a breakthrough podium for Romane Miradoli, adding depth to an already exciting women’s field.

Injuries, Challenges, and Triumphs

No Alpine season is complete without the trials that come with the sport’s inherent risks. Sadly, the circuit saw serious injuries to several athletes, including Sofia Goggia, who suffered a tibial plateau fracture early in the season, forcing her to miss key races. Her absence was deeply felt—not only for her thrilling downhill runs but also for her infectious spirit and fierce competitiveness.

The weather played its part as well. Unseasonably warm temperatures and heavy snowfalls led to race cancellations and abrupt changes in the schedule, forcing athletes to adapt constantly. This tested their psychological strength as much as their physical skills. Race organizers, though often criticized, managed to deliver a mostly complete calendar, with a few relocated events to ensure fairness.

A Season to Remember

This was a season defined by milestones and momentum. Shiffrin’s century gave the sport a transcendent moment—a record that may never be matched. Brignone’s technical artistry and leadership made every race she entered a masterclass. And the emergence of new names ensured that the future of women’s alpine skiing is in safe, thrilling hands.

As the snow melts and the athletes retreat to their off-season routines—some to rest, others to train—the echoes of this campaign will linger. From Shiffrin’s beaming smile on the podium in Are to Brignone’s graceful exits and high-fives at the finish line, this was not just a series of races—it was a celebration of resilience, brilliance, and the undying spirit of competition.

Looking Ahead

With the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo drawing ever closer, the intensity will only increase. Shiffrin will aim to cement her GOAT status with more medals, while Brignone—perhaps in her final seasons—will seek one last flourish on home snow. The younger generation is catching up fast, and the rivalries are becoming fiercer.

But for now, the women’s alpine skiing world can take a collective breath and savor what has been a season for the ages—one that reminded us why we watch, why we cheer, and why this sport, with all its thrills and heartbreaks, is so deeply beloved.