Returning Vlhova and rising Rast lead charge as new era of women's Slalom starts in Levi

The start of the women’s Audi FIS World Cup Slalom season is always a ‘must-not-miss-moment’ but this year, anticipation levels are at a particular fever pitch.

Not only will a new name lift the trophy in Levi, Finland on Saturday, 14 November for the first time in four years, but ski racing fans will also finally get a glimpse as to how this brave new ‘Mikaela Shiffrin-lite’ world may unfold.

After a record 73 World Cup Slalom wins, nine Slalom Crystal Globes, and nine victories in Levi – including five in the past six races – Shiffrin (USA/Atomic) has, of course, chosen to funnel her energies elsewhere this season. A host of thrilling names – from rejuvenated greats to charging youngsters – are poised to take on the mantle.

‘Healthy, happy & grateful to be back’

Just one skier lining up on Saturday knows what it is like to win in Levi, and while a seventh triumph on Finnish snow for Petra Vlhova (SVK/Rossignol) would be quite an ask, just seeing the Slovakian icon back racing is a monumental boost for the sport.

Not that Vlhova herself has anything other than the top step of the podium on her mind; despite the fact she last competed in a World Cup Slalom almost 34 months ago.

The smile on the 31-year-old’s face indicates she knows patience may be needed as she seeks to regain her best. But the signs are all positive.

“I feel really good, both physically and mentally. I’m healthy, happy and grateful to be back doing what I love,” the 2022 Olympic Slalom champion said.

“The past few years have been challenging, with surgeries, rehabilitation and a lot of hard work, but they have also changed me as a person. I have a different mindset now. I’ve realised that life isn’t just about skiing, and I’ve learned to appreciate every moment. I’m enjoying the journey, focusing on the present and feeling very positive about this new beginning.

“I’m especially looking forward to seeing the fans again because they are a huge part of my career. I’ve missed them a lot, and I can’t wait to share those emotions with them once again.”

Swiss stars headline challengers

Leading the list of skiers hoping to become the first Levi winner in 12 years and 15 races not named Shiffrin or Vlhova, is surely Camille Rast (SUI/Head). The 27-year-old had a brilliant 2024/25 season, and then stepped it up a notch last time out.

The only person other than Shiffrin to win a World Cup Slalom race in 2025/26, Rast landed four further podium spots, including three second places. That was enough to propel her to second in the Slalom standings, a year after finishing third. The odds must be pretty short that the 2026 Olympic Slalom silver medallist can keep that numerical surge going and land her first ever Globe.

Rast will also head to her hometown of Crans-Montana as a favourite to claim a second successive World Championship Slalom gold.

The Swiss star could do no better than turn to compatriot Wendy Holdener (SUI/Head) for advice on how to keep turning expectations into silverware. Now 33, Holdener has five Olympic medals (one gold, two silvers and two bronzes) and nine world championship gongs (three golds and six silvers) to her name.

Without long-time nemesis Shiffrin on the scene, is this the time for skier with 41 Slalom World Cup podiums, but just two wins, to finally claim a first Slalom Crystal Globe?

“It’s not a specific goal of mine, but if I’m in a position to fight for the Slalom Crystal Globe, then I know I’ve done everything right,” Holdener said simply.

Second three times in Levi, the Finnish resort would be a great place for the veteran to break the mould.

Moltzan to step in for Mikaela?

While Holdener had to endure 30 finishes on a World Cup podium before grabbing her first Slalom win, Paula Moltzan (USA/Van Deer) took 149 career starts before finally breaking her duck in Sölden just a couple of weeks ago.

That monumental Giant Slalom triumph, allied to some enviably consistent Slalom form in recent times makes the American a real threat.

“After 14 years of World Cup skiing, it’s a relief that it finally happened,” Moltzan said with a smile, before adding, “But knowing that I’m capable of winning also makes me want more. I don’t think it will change my approach to the season in a drastic way, but it definitely helps build confidence in my skiing.”

Top five finishes in seven of the 10 races last season showed that the previously unpredictable Moltzan is adding consistency to her game. Not that the Van Deer skier wants to lose what makes her such a riveting watch.

Youngsters vie with veterans

 While Moltzan’s fourth place finish in Levi 12 months ago is comfortably her best effort in the season-opener, Emma Aicher (GER/Head) went one better, securing what was her first World Cup Slalom podium finish.

Two years ago the young all-rounder considered Slalom to be her best discipline, and while results came quicker in the speed disciplines, there was still plenty last season to suggest her technical skiing remains top notch. Four further podium finishes followed that Levi effort, including in each of her most recent three races. Surely, it cannot be long until the 22-year-old climbs to the very top step.

The same can be said for 19-year-old Lara Colturi (ALB/Head). The duo both have five Slalom podiums, with Colturi having opened this season with a 2^nd in the GS in Sölden last month, one place ahead of Aicher.

While those bastions of youthful excellence will continue to go head-to-head, the likes of Lena Duerr (GER/Head), Anna Swenn Larsson (SWE/Head) and Sara Hector (SWE/Head) will no doubt continue to fly the flag for those with a touch more experience. Tune in at 10:00 CET Saturday for the first look at which group will prevail.