Women’s Alpine Season Review: Brignone’s brilliance and Shiffrin’s century highlight remarkable campaign

The women’s 2024/25 Audi FIS World Cup season was memorable, with established stars creating history, fresh guns advancing to the podium, and one or two shocks.

As the off-season begins, we reflect on the athletes and moments that shaped an unforgettable winter.

Triumph and tragedy for ‘La Tigre’.

It was an era-defining season for an enduring marvel.

Federica Brignone (ITA/Rossignol) broke the record for the oldest woman to win a World Cup race at 34 years old in October’s season opening in Sölden. She went on to set the record nine more times on her way to a career-best 10 wins and three Crystal Globes.

The Italian veteran dominated the competition, earning her second overall title by more than 300 points, adding the Downhill and Giant Slalom globes to her trophy cabinet, and finishing second in Super G.

Brignone won many times in all three disciplines, including her first career World Cup Downhill victory in St. Anton in January, followed by another in Garmisch later that month.

 

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In addition to her World Cup victories, the all-rounder won Giant Slalom gold and Super G silver at the World Championships in Saalbach in February.

“It’s been a crazy and amazing season for me,” Brignone said after winning the Giant Slalom title in March. “I never thought that I was able to ski like that this year — it’s something magic.”

Brignone’s outstanding season came to a heartbreaking end, however, when she tore her ACL and shattered many bones in her left leg in a collision during the Italian championships earlier this month.

After establishing herself as one of the most likely home medallists at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, the evergreen star will now be racing against the clock merely to get to the starting gate next February.

The season of highs and lows for the GOAT concludes with Dalmatians.

Mikaela Shiffrin (USA/Atomic) started the season only three victories shy of being the first Alpine ski racer to win 100 World Cup races, and she wasted no time making history.

With victories in the first two Slalom events of the season in November, the American superstar appeared poised to not only coast to 100 wins, but to do so in front of her home supporters at Killington on a double technical weekend.

In her maiden effort at No. 100, the 29-year-old led the Giant Slalom after the first run and had the green light late in the second run. However, she fell down on her inner ski and suffered a puncture wound, putting her century win celebration on wait and preventing her from competing for two months.

Shiffrin finished 10th in her maiden Slalom race and fifth at the world championships after returning in January. However, she won her tenth global gold in the new Team Combined event alongside Breezy Johnson (USA/Atomic).

Shiffrin’s timid comeback to Giant Slalom in a triple race weekend in Sestriere in late February, following what she described as “mental obstacles” with the discipline, resulted in a 25th and a DNQ, and 100 victories appeared a long way off.

The following day, Shiffrin won the Sestriere Slalom, reaching the century milestone in her preferred discipline.

 

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“I’m not sure if it’s feasible to dream of a milestone like this. The modest celebrity remarked, “It’s too big, too long, and it takes too much.”

“I’ve always dreamt of making excellent decisions and improving myself step by step. And my dream is large enough.”

Shiffrin won another Slalom at the World Cup Finals at Sun Valley the following month, bringing her total to 101.

Fans came up like the characters from “One Hundred and One Dalmatians” to celebrate their hero’s achievement.

Swiss superstar finally has fun in the sun.

After winning three Crystal Globes and nearly losing out on a fourth in 2023/24, Lara Gut-Behrami (SUI/Head) had a difficult follow-up season due to her extremely high expectations.

A knee injury at the start of the season kept her out of Sölden and stifled her pre-season enthusiasm, and she struggled to rediscover her groove on her skis for much of the winter.

After winning eight times the previous season, Gut-Behrami had only one victory going into the World Cup Finals, and he also missed out on individual gold at the World Championships.

During the Sun Valley Finals, the 33-year-old skier regained her winning form and found love in her craft, resulting in triumphs in Super G, Giant Slalom, and Super G Crystal Globe.

“Since I’m here (in Sun Valley) I finally found the happiness again of skiing, so it was just fun to ski and everything is easy when you’re enjoying what you’re doing,” she told me.

That GS victory in her final race of the season made her the sixth woman to reach 100 Alpine skiing World Cup podiums and the first woman to complete the ‘triple-double’: 10+ victories in three disciplines.

Heading into what may be her last year on tour in 2025/26, the Swiss superstar’s late-season form delivered a strong message to her rivals: she would not give up her Olympic Super G crown easily.

The future is today; new stars emerge with a boom.

With Shiffrin away for much of the season and Olympic Slalom champion Petra Vlhova (SVK/Rossignol) absent entirely, the door was open for the next generation of technical skiers to step up — and they did.

Zrinka Ljutic (CRO/Atomic) and Camille Rast (SUI/Head) were among the top Slalom racers this season, winning the Crystal Globe and world championships gold.

Both won their first World Cups early in the season and continued to improve, with the 21-year-old Croatian winning three times in Slalom to beat Katharina Liensberger (AUT/Rossignol) and Rast for the season title.

“I had the wish, I saw myself able to compete for the globe, after last season — I had it somewhere in the back of my mind,” Ljutic told ESPN. “Then at the end of the season I thought, ‘Woah, it’s actually happening’.”

Lauren Macuga (USA/Rossignol) and Emma Aicher (GER/Head) not only demonstrated their technical skills, but also made their World Cup debuts on the speed course.

In January, Macuga, 22, won the St. Anton Super G, and in March, Aicher, 21, surprised herself by winning both a Downhill and a Super G.

“In the speed disciplines, I was not expecting this,” the promising all-rounder added. “I wanted to ski good, but I never thought I would be able to do this.”

A legend returns to the World Cup—and to the podium.

The future generation may have already arrived, but in an odd narrative twist, so has the previous one.

Lindsey Vonn (USA/Head), an 82-time World Cup champion and 2010 Olympic Downhill gold medallist, has announced her return to elite skiing at the age of 40, after nearly six years in retirement.

Skiing on a reconstructed knee, Vonn surprised everyone by finishing 14th in her first race back, then sixth and fourth in her following two races.

She was unable to maintain her progress in the subsequent races, frequently matching the best skiers in specific sectors of races but being hindered by mistakes, accidents, and a maddening lack of consistency.

at the last race of the season, Vonn finished second behind Gut-Behrami at the Sun Valley Super G, marking her 138th World Cup podium and first in almost seven years.

“I finally put all the pieces together,” she explained following her podium performance. “This is where I knew I can be: I know I have the speed.”

That pace will now be temporarily suspended as Vonn and the other Alpine skiing stars take a deep breath and a well-deserved rest before revving up for the next season with a concentrated concentration.

In just six months, one of the most anticipated women’s ski racing seasons in recent memory will begin, with captivating stories surrounding every carving curve — and Olympic gold on the line.

Bring it on.

Mikaela Shiffrin will return to World Cup skiing two months after her injury

Mikaela Shiffrin, a three-time Olympic medallist, will resume alpine skiing competition next week, the American star stated Thursday on the “Today” show.

She’ll compete in the World Cup event in Courchevel, France, where a slalom race is set for 30 Jan., exactly two months after she was wounded in a severe incident.

Shiffrin, the winningest World Cup alpine skier of all time, has been out since November 30 due to a puncture wound in her left abdomen from a violent accident during a giant slalom competition in Killington, Vermont.

“It’s been a little but uncertain whether I could even return this season,” Shiffrin said. “Today.” “But I’ve been able to get on snow, I’ve been able to train a little bit the past week or so, and I’m actually going to be heading over to Europe in the next couple days to race my first World Cup back in Courchevel.”

Shiffrin said she is not 100 percent, but she is pain-free, has regained her strength, and is “in a really good place physically.”

“I think we’re going to be dealing with the remnants of this injury throughout the rest of the season,” she told the crowd. “… Skiing is such a demanding sport that you have to gradually get into it.”

That November weekend in Vermont was intended to be a homecoming celebration for the American who learnt her trade as a child at Burke Mountain Academy in the state’s northeast. Shiffrin, 29, has 99 World Cup wins, the most in alpine skiing history, and was leading after the first run of the giant slalom that day, looking to achieve a historic 100th win.

But the tumble dashed her hopes, knocking her out of the slalom – her finest discipline — the following day. She’s missed four World Cup slaloms and three giant slaloms since her injury.

Shiffrin routinely posted updates on her social media accounts while she healed from the accident, and she appeared to be in high spirits, joking that she had been “impaled” like Olaf, the talking snowman in Disney’s “Frozen” films.

“I’m so happy with (and thankful for) how far we’ve come in this recovery,” she posted on Instagram earlier this week. “It’s been pretty gruelling, but I’m feeling stronger and stronger.”

On Thursday, she told “Today” that returning to racing is her next step.

“The recovery is not really over,” she told me, “but I’m strong enough to get back in the start gate.”

Shiffrin, who won each of this season’s first two slalom events, will now attempt to reach No. 100 next week in France, but she acknowledged Thursday that it will be a difficult order against in-form opposition. The Courchevel race takes place one week before the annual World Championships, which are distinct from the World Cup series, begin in Saalbach, Austria. The women’s giant slalom is set for February 13, with the slalom on February 15. Shiffrin has won at least one gold medal in each of the past seven world championships.

If she doesn’t win in Courchevel, Shiffrin will have seven more chances to reach No. 100 in her top disciplines during the World Cup’s three final tour legs, which include slalom competitions in Sestriere, Italy in late February, Are, Sweden, and Sun Valley, Idaho in March.

Shiffrin won gold in slalom at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. In 2018, she won gold in giant slalom and silver in combined events at Pyeongchang, South Korea. In 2022, she did not win any medals in her hallmark events.

Zack Pierce is the national managing editor of The Athletic. Previously, he was the managing editor for The Athletic’s Minnesota coverage. Following a brief time at ESPN.com, he worked in several editorial roles for FoxSports.com for more than ten years. He is a Minnesota native who co-founded the Trent Tucker Fan Club and refused to contact with society for several hours following the 1998 NFC Championship Game.

Mikaela Shiffrin Opens Up About Being in ‘Survival Mode’ with Fiancé After Ski Injuries

In an emotional and candid interview, Olympic skiing champion Mikaela Shiffrin revealed the intense challenges she and her fiancé faced after suffering significant ski injuries. Speaking exclusively, Shiffrin described the period as being in “survival mode,” as both she and her partner navigated the physical and emotional toll of recovery together.

Shiffrin, widely considered one of the greatest alpine skiers of all time, experienced a harrowing crash during the 2024 season that left her sidelined and uncertain about the future. Around the same time, her fiancé, Norwegian skier Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, endured a serious crash of his own, resulting in multiple injuries and surgeries. Their simultaneous setbacks turned their shared passion for skiing into a daunting period of mutual struggle and healing.

“It was a really dark time for both of us,” Shiffrin said. “You’re used to being strong, active, pushing your limits every day. Then suddenly, you’re dependent on each other for the basics—just getting through the day. We were truly in survival mode.”

The couple leaned on one another for support, forming an even deeper bond as they went through the grueling process of rehabilitation together. Shiffrin shared that while their circumstances were incredibly difficult, they also brought clarity to what matters most.

“You don’t think about medals or rankings when you’re lying in bed with an ice pack and your partner is helping you just stand up,” she said. “You think about love, patience, and how lucky you are to have someone who understands what you’re going through.”

Now both steadily on the path to recovery, Shiffrin and Kilde are focusing on healing, with no rush to return to competition until they are fully ready—mentally and physically. Shiffrin emphasized that the experience has changed her perspective on life, partnership, and the sport she has dominated for more than a decade.

“Our journey isn’t just about skiing anymore,” she said. “It’s about resilience, trust, and knowing that no matter what, we’re in it together.”

As fans await her return to the slopes, Shiffrin’s story stands as a powerful reminder of the human side of elite athletes—one that involves not just strength and skill, but also vulnerability, endurance, and love.

Mikaela Shiffrin pens an emotional message for fans as the skiing community embraces the American legend

“A rollercoaster-thrill-of-a-season indeed.” Mikaela Shiffrin won her 101st World Cup at Sun Valley, marking the end of another memorable story. The season was nothing short of extraordinary—a comeback narrative that combined tenacity and record-breaking victories. She recovered from a horrific injury in late 2024.

And now she has returned to the slopes with the same perseverance that has defined her career, winning her 101st World Cup title in Sun Valley. With each race, she asserted her supremacy. She demonstrated that even failures could not deter her quest of excellence. Even at her height, she never forgets her supporters. Indeed, she turned to Instagram to express her deep appreciation to her admirers.

After Mikaela Shiffrin ended another wonderful chapter at Sun Valley, she remarked, “You made this finale so special, Sun Valley”. This was a celebration of the sport, its supporters, and those who make it possible.

“Thank you to all of the fans, organisers, and course workers for bringing so much energy and enthusiasm to the day,” she said, acknowledging the passion that drives the slopes. With each turn and success, the season’s enthusiasm peaked. What better way to finish things off?

Mikaela Shiffrin, who battled grave injury and PTSD, pens down her feelings after a successful ski season.

For Shiffrin, this was more than simply another race; it was an opportunity to reflect on tenacity and collaboration. “I’m grateful that my own journey led me to be able to cap off the season with that race, and to share it with a team who has worked their tails off in order to make it possible,” she remarked, noting the effort behind the scenes. This season pushed limitations while also revealing the depths of resiliency.

Of course, the podium was impressive, and Shiffrin made sure to congratulate her other rivals. Last but not least, congratulations to @lenaduerr and @andrejaslokar for finishing on the podium, as well as @zrinkaljutic and @atomicski for winning the well-deserved slalom globe. “That was so cool to witness, Zrinka,” she added, praising those who created history alongside her.

As the snow sets on an incredible season, one thing is certain: Shifrin’s story is far from done. Her admirers are also expressing their love and support for their favourite diva.

What are your thoughts on:

After 101 victories, what else can Mikaela Shiffrin do to cement her legacy?

Do you have an intriguing perspective?

Debate

Fans express their affection and well-wishes for Shiffrin’s impressive recovery.

She ended her season in dramatic fashion, winning the 101st World Cup in Sun Valley and establishing her place as a skiing hero. Fans praised her performance, with one saying, “Absolutely remarkable!!” A spectacular performance!!” Another expressed the joy, tweeting, “What a race, so happy for the season finale, so proud of you.” The audience’ unbridled joy implies a demonstration of ability and creativity that far beyond expectations. After overcome a catastrophic injury, her heroic finish demonstrated her perseverance. What challenges will she face next?

For many, this triumph seemed like the ideal end to an incredible season. “I never imagined the season would finish like this after that injury! A admirer praised her astonishing turnaround, writing, “You’re incredible!” Shiffrin’s ability to overcome hardship and still dominate the slopes astounded supporters. With her momentum rising, how will she set the tone for the upcoming season?

Beyond simply another victory, this was definitely a moment of national pride, as illustrated by one fan’s exclamation: “You rocked and made us all so proud and pleased! USA!”. The phrase “You are always amazing!!” adds to the chorus of appreciation, highlighting the constant talent and high-level performance that has led to this accomplishment. Shiffrin’s successes continue to motivate a new generation of skiers and admirers. As the season concludes on a high note, all eyes are on what comes next—can she extend her legacy even further?

Mikaela Shiffrin: The Queen of Alpine Skiing and Her Unstoppable Legacy

Introduction

Mikaela Shiffrin is one of the most dominant figures in alpine skiing history. With an unparalleled record in slalom and giant slalom, she has shattered multiple records, proving her excellence on the slopes time and time again. From a young prodigy to a living legend, Shiffrin has not only redefined skiing but has also inspired a new generation of athletes. This article delves into her life, career, achievements, struggles, and impact on the sport.

Early Life and Background

Mikaela Pauline Shiffrin was born on March 13, 1995, in Vail, Colorado, USA. She was introduced to skiing at a very young age, following in the footsteps of her parents, Jeff and Eileen Shiffrin, both of whom were ski racers. Her early years were spent skiing in the Rocky Mountains, where she honed her technique and developed a natural flair for the sport.

Shiffrin’s talent was evident from an early age, and she quickly progressed through the ranks of youth competitions. She attended Burke Mountain Academy in Vermont, a prestigious ski racing school that shaped her competitive spirit and provided a structured environment to refine her skills.

Breakthrough in Alpine Skiing

Shiffrin made her World Cup debut at just 15 years old in 2011, and within a year, she claimed her first World Cup victory in 2012 at the age of 17. This victory marked the beginning of a historic career that would see her become the most decorated female alpine skier of all time.

Her technical prowess in slalom and giant slalom became evident as she won the World Cup slalom title for the first time in 2013. At the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, she became the youngest slalom Olympic champion at just 18 years old. This achievement catapulted her into international stardom.

Record-Breaking Career

Mikaela Shiffrin’s career is filled with incredible records and accomplishments. She has dominated the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup, winning numerous titles in slalom, giant slalom, super-G, and even downhill. Some of her most notable records include:

• Most World Cup Slalom Wins: Shiffrin surpassed the previous record, making her the greatest female slalom skier in history.
• Most World Cup Wins by an American Skier: She eclipsed legends like Lindsey Vonn and Bode Miller in total World Cup wins.
• Youngest Skier to Reach 50 World Cup Wins: Shiffrin achieved this feat at the age of 23, showcasing her consistency and dominance.
• Multiple Overall World Cup Titles: She has claimed several Overall World Cup titles, proving her versatility across different disciplines.
• Olympic and World Championship Medals: Shiffrin has won multiple Olympic and World Championship medals, further solidifying her legacy.

Olympic and World Championship Success

Mikaela Shiffrin’s Olympic journey has been nothing short of remarkable. She has competed in multiple Winter Olympics, winning gold in slalom (2014), giant slalom (2018), and several other medals across various disciplines. Her ability to perform under pressure on the biggest stage has made her one of the most celebrated Olympians in alpine skiing.

At the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, Shiffrin has secured numerous medals, often outperforming her competitors by significant margins. Her technical precision and mental toughness have made her a formidable force in both slalom and giant slalom events.

Challenges and Comebacks

Despite her dominance, Shiffrin’s journey has not been without challenges. The sudden passing of her father, Jeff Shiffrin, in 2020 was a devastating personal loss that temporarily sidelined her from the sport. Overcoming grief, she made a remarkable comeback, proving her resilience and dedication.

Injuries and the demanding nature of the sport have also tested her physical and mental endurance. Yet, each setback has only fueled her determination to return stronger. Her ability to bounce back from adversity has made her an inspiration to many athletes around the world.

Influence on the Sport and Legacy

Mikaela Shiffrin’s impact on alpine skiing extends beyond records and medals. She has inspired countless young athletes to pursue skiing, emphasizing hard work, discipline, and mental strength. Her technical mastery and innovative approach to training have set new standards in the sport.

She has also been an advocate for gender equality in sports, using her platform to promote fairness and opportunity for female athletes. Her commitment to excellence and sportsmanship has made her a role model for aspiring skiers and sports enthusiasts alike.

Training and Work Ethic

Shiffrin’s success can be attributed to her rigorous training regimen and relentless work ethic. She follows a meticulously designed program that includes on-snow training, strength and conditioning, and mental preparation. Her emphasis on perfecting technique rather than just relying on speed has been a key factor in her consistent performances.

Her training philosophy revolves around repetition and precision. By focusing on refining every aspect of her skiing, she has been able to maintain dominance in an ever-evolving sport.

Personal Life and Interests

Beyond skiing, Shiffrin is known for her humility and down-to-earth personality. She enjoys playing the guitar, spending time with family, and engaging with fans on social media. Her ability to balance a high-profile career with personal interests has made her one of the most relatable sports icons.

She has also partnered with various brands and organizations, using her influence to promote causes close to her heart, including mental health awareness and environmental sustainability.

Future Prospects

As Mikaela Shiffrin continues her career, the question remains: How far can she go? With her current trajectory, she is likely to break even more records and set new benchmarks in alpine skiing. Fans and analysts predict that she could become the most decorated skier in history, surpassing all previous milestones.

Her focus on longevity and adaptability will play a crucial role in determining how many more years she competes at the highest level. Regardless of what the future holds, Shiffrin’s legacy is already cemented as one of the greatest athletes in winter sports history.

Conclusion

Mikaela Shiffrin’s journey from a young skiing prodigy to an alpine skiing legend is a story of passion, dedication, and resilience. Her unparalleled achievements, combined with her impact on the sport, make her a true icon. As she continues to push boundaries and inspire generations, her name will forever be etched in the history of alpine skiing.

With every race, Mikaela Shiffrin not only competes against her rivals but also against history itself. Whether she is carving through slalom gates or speeding down a downhill course, one thing is certain—she is a force to be reckoned with, and her legacy will continue to inspire for years to come.