The Women's Ski World Cup is back, kicking off the 2025 season with thrilling events at Kranjska Gora, Slovenia, on January 4 and 5. Ski enthusiasts are gearing up for the Giant Slalom and Slalom competitions, pivotal for skiers chasing points for the season standings.
On Saturday, January 4, the spotlight will shine on the Giant Slalom as the best skiers from around the globe descend upon the challenging slopes of Kranjska Gora. This race marks the first of the year for the women's leg of the World Cup and promises high levels of competition. Broadcasts will be available via networks like ARD, Eurosport, and ORF, ensuring fans won’t miss any of the action.
On the day of the Giant Slalom, events kick off at 9:30 AM local time, with the first run live on the air approximately ten minutes earlier. Following the first run, viewers can tune back at 12:30 PM for the second, where athletes will have to navigate the demanding course of Podkoren 3. This segment is recognized as one of the most challenging tracks among the Ski World Cup competitions, presenting significant hurdles for even the most seasoned athletes.
The following day, January 5, Kranjska Gora will host the Slalom event. The first run is set to begin at 10 AM, again delivered through major networks. The unique layout of this competition promises to test the agility and skill of the athletes, sure to keep spectators on the edge of their seats.
Among the prominent racers participating, fans will be particularly interested to see performances from Mikaela Shiffrin, Lara Gut Behrami, and Cornelia Hütter. All eyes will be on these top competitors as each vies for valuable World Cup points across several alpine disciplines including Downhill, Super-G, and the aforementioned Slalom and Giant Slalom events running through the season, which lasts from October to March.
The excitement kicked off earlier now, as Australia’s Sara Hector emerged victorious at the Giant Slalom event back on January 4, 2025, where she clinched her second consecutive win this season. Her performance was commendable, finishing with over 1.42 seconds to spare against her nearest rival, Albania’s Lara Colturi. Hector’s triumph propelled her to the top of the discipline rankings, as reigning champion Federica Brignone faced challenges of her own, unfortunately crashing out during the first run.
Third place was secured by New Zealand’s Alice Robinson, marking another highlight for athletes representing various nations. While competitors from Germany, like Lena Dürr and Emma Aicher, faced considerable struggles, finishing outside the top ten. Dürr expressed her frustrations over her second run, stating, "Das ärgert mich ein bisschen, weil der Erste war wirklich gut und ich habe mich auch gut gefühlt. Aber es war trotzdem wieder ein Schritt in die richtige Richtung im Riesenslalom," which translates to "That annoys me a bit because the first run was really good, and I felt good. But it was still another step in the right direction for Giant Slalom." This statement reflects the fierce competitive spirit and determination among racers, emphasizing their resilience to keep pushing forward even after setbacks.
Fans are encouraged to tune in for live television coverage on platforms such as ARD, Eurosport, and ZDF, with additional streaming options available for those wanting to catch the action online. This weekend's events promise not only fierce competition but also the excitement of seeing how the athletes will navigate the steep slopes and challenging courses.
The Ski World Cup continues its tradition of exhilarating athletic displays, promising rewarding experiences for competitors and captivating moments for viewers. With every run, the stakes are high and the quests for championship points are on the line. Don't miss out on the thrilling start to what will surely be another exciting and unpredictable World Cup season.