Levi 2025: First Gates of the Olympic Season 3/3

Men: Kristoffersen, the Top Contender in Hirscher's Absence

Henrik Kristoffersen (NOR) is Levi's man. Two victories since 2015, six podiums in seven appearances. While he trails Marcel Hirscher by one victory, he holds the record for most podiums on the Finnish slope. When the Norwegian sets his skis on Levi Black, he knows he's home. The short, technical pitch demanding fluidity: everything suits him.

The 2024-2025 season brought him his first crystal globe in the discipline, with impressive consistency: 92.3% of races finished, twelve finishes in thirteen starts. At 31, after a career studded with world podiums but without an individual Olympic title, Kristoffersen enters this 2025-2026 season with a clear objective: Milano Cortina. His last Games? Probably. His last major opportunity for Olympic gold? Certainly.

But Levi 2025 comes with a shadow: his thirteenth-place finish at the Saalbach World Championships last February. A surprising underperformance for the discipline's leader. Henrik may be Levi's strongest contender, but he knows he must answer the doubts. From the first run, from the first gates.

Because the competition has changed. Timon Haugan, his compatriot, claimed three victories in 2024-2025. Atle Lie McGrath (NOR), world championship silver medalist, is gaining momentum. And above all, Loïc Meillard (SUI), the Saalbach world champion, arrives in Lapland with renewed confidence and one goal: to capture his first Levi victory.

Meillard: The World Champion Seeking Confirmation

Loïc Meillard lived the winter of his life. World champion at Saalbach in February, victor at Hafjell in March to close out the season. At 29, the Swiss racer reached a new level. Long considered an excellent technician without the burst of speed needed to win major events, Meillard proved he could beat the best when it counts.

His 2024-2025 season shows an avg rank of 3.3—his career best—and a finish ratio of 84.6%. Boss-level numbers. But Levi remains an enigma. In six participations, he's never done better than third place (2024). The short, nervous Finnish slope has never fully suited him. Too fast? Not enough development to express his fluidity? Meillard himself couldn't explain it. But one thing is certain: this year, with his world title in hand and confidence at its peak, the Swiss arrives at Levi with different ambitions.

Facing him: Kristoffersen, of course. But also Clément Noël (FRA), defending champion at Levi, quadruple winner at the start of the 2024-2025 season (Levi, Gurgl, Adelboden, Kitzbühel) but with a more fragile finish ratio: only 75%. And Haugan, the Norwegian phenomenon with three victories, still searching for his first at Levi.

Noël: The Champion's Paradox

Clément Noël defends his title. Champion at Levi in November 2024, the Frenchman then strung together three consecutive victories: Gurgl, Adelboden, Kitzbühel. Four wins in ten weeks. A blazing start that seemed to announce a season of domination.

But the statistics tell another story. Over the last three seasons, Noël posts the best avg rank on the circuit: 4.36. Better than Kristoffersen (5.20), better than Meillard (5.79). The Frenchman, when he finishes, finishes up front. The problem? He only finishes two races out of three. Three-year finish ratio: 66.7%. He's improving in 2024-2025 though: 75% (9 races finished out of 12).

Noël embodies modern slalom's paradox: explosive in the first run, sometimes fragile in the second, he remains a constant threat. Podium or DNF. Rarely anything in between.

At Levi, he's found terrain that suits him. If he can hold his early-season form from last year, he can create surprises. But Kristoffersen, Meillard and the Norwegians won't give him any breathing room.

Haugan & McGrath: The Norwegian Young Wolves

Norway dominates men's slalom. Three Norwegians in the world top 5, two on the Saalbach podium (McGrath, silver). And among them, two names emerge as the discipline's future masters: Timon Haugan and Atle Lie McGrath.

Timon Haugan, 29, exploded in 2024-2025 with three World Cup victories (Alta Badia, Schladming, Sun Valley). His progression is spectacular: avg rank from 13.8 in 2023 to 5.4 in 2024, then stabilized at 5.5 in 2025. A powerful, aggressive slalom racer capable of destroying any course. But at Levi, curiously, never better than second place (2024, behind Noël). The Finnish slope resists him. Too technical? Not enough margin for his raw power? Whatever the case, Haugan arrives at Levi with determination: to prove he can also win in Lapland.

Atle Lie McGrath (NOR), 25, is the other face of the new Norwegian wave. World championship silver medalist at Saalbach, winner at Wengen in January 2025, McGrath combines technique and speed. His progression is lightning-fast: avg rank from 10.8 in 2024, brutally dropped to 4.3 in 2025. More refined than Haugan, more explosive than Kristoffersen, he perhaps represents the future of Norwegian slalom. At Levi, he's already claimed a podium (3rd in 2024, behind Noël and Kristoffersen). This year, he'll aim higher.

His finish ratio remains fragile though: 69.2% in 2025 (9 races finished out of 13). Like Noël, McGrath embodies the "explosive" profile: median of 3.5 over three years, but 31% DNF or DNQ. All or nothing!

Together, Kristoffersen, Haugan and McGrath form a formidable Norwegian trio. But beware: slalom is unpredictable. Saalbach proved it, where Meillard (world champion), McGrath (silver) and Strasser (bronze, GER) caught everyone off guard, with Kristoffersen finishing thirteenth.

The Outsiders and the Finnish Renaissance

Linus Strasser, 33, Saalbach bronze medalist, embodies German consistency. Never spectacular, always in the mix, Strasser is the type of racer who can steal a podium when favorites crack. At Levi, he's never won, but has finished in the top 10 multiple times. A serious outsider.

Manuel Feller and Fabio Gstrein represent the Austrian school. Feller, 2024 season champion with an avg rank of 2.9, went through a tougher 2025 season: finish ratio dropped to 61.5% (8 races finished out of 13). Gstrein, meanwhile, shows impressive consistency: 84.6% finish in 2025, avg rank at 8.5. Both can capitalize on leaders' mistakes.

Last season's revelation is Tanguy NEF. Long relegated to the back of the top 20, the Swiss exploded in 2025: finish ratio from 58% (over three years) to 92.3% this season! Twelve races finished out of thirteen, avg rank dropped from 20.4 in 2024 to 10.4 in 2025. A spectacular progression that makes him a true dark horse.

And then there's Lucas Pinheiro Braathen (BRA). The former Norwegian now races under his Brazilian mother's colors after a dispute with his federation. He remains one of the circuit's most unpredictable slalom racers. Capable of stunning podiums (3rd at Hafjell 2025) as well as incomprehensible DNFs, Braathen is the weekend's wildcard.

But the weekend's story could well be Finnish.

Eduard Hallberg (FIN), 22, achieved the Finnish feat of the season: twelfth at the Saalbach World Championships. The best result for a Finnish slalom racer since Kalle Palander. Eighth at Gurgl in November 2024, Hallberg is progressing. His finish ratio remains fragile (38.5% over three years, but he only has 13 starts on his record). Yet at home, in front of his crowd, with Jesper Pohjolainen at his side, he'll carry a nation's hope.

Making the second run is imperative. Climbing into the top 15? A feat. Matching his 8th place or taking another step toward the podium? The Finnish dream of a fearless dreamer.

Women: Shiffrin, the Eight-Time Queen Chasing Her 100th in FIS WC

Mikaela Shiffrin (USA) reigns over Levi like no one has ever reigned over a slalom course. Eight victories. Eight reindeer. An absolute record that places her second worldwide across all disciplines for victories at a single venue—only Lindsey Vonn and her fourteen downhills at Lake Louise have done better.

The slalom globe eluded her in 2025 after a serious injury. She placed 10th at Courchevel in late January for her first race after two months away, then won at Sestriere in February. Season 2025 finish ratio: 100% (7 out of 7 races). Three-year avg rank: 2.04 (median: 1.0). Alien-level statistics.

At 30, Shiffrin remains the benchmark. And she arrives at Levi with an additional goal: to claim her 100th World Cup victory. Currently at 99, she could make history in Lapland. But she's no longer alone at the summit. Zrinka Ljutic, globe winner at twenty, is rising. Camille Rast, surprise world champion, is progressing. And Lena Dürr, the eternal outsider, is lurking. Levi 2025 won't be a formality for the American. It will be a battle.

A ninth reindeer? The 100th victory? Mikaela is thinking about it. But she knows she'll have to earn it.

Ljutic: The New Queen Seeks Confirmation

Zrinka Ljutic (CRO) exploded last season. At twenty, the Croatian won three World Cup victories and claimed the discipline's crystal globe. A meteoric rise for someone who, two years earlier, was just a promising prospect. Attributing her performance solely to Mikaela Shiffrin's forced absence would be a mistake.

But beyond the victories, it's especially her newfound maturity that impresses. Three-year finish ratio: 64.7% (22 races finished out of 34). Season 2025 finish ratio: 90.9% (10 out of 11). A 26 percentage-point improvement reflecting renewed stability. Technical, fast, bold, Ljutic embodies the new generation of women's slalom.

A small shadow looms over her record: her ninth place at the Saalbach World Championships. Arriving as favorite, the young Croatian cracked. A warning about her ability to handle pressure at major events?

At Levi, Ljutic has never won. Her best result: third in 2023, far behind Shiffrin's two victories during that weekend's two races. This year, as defending slalom globe holder, she arrives with different status. Expectations are different. Pressure too.

Levi 2025 will be a test. Can she beat Shiffrin on her turf? Can she withstand the pressure of an Olympic-season opening weekend? Can she confirm she's not a flash in the pan, but truly world slalom's new boss? Answers will come under Levi Black's LEDs.

Rast & Holdener: The Swiss Lie in Wait

Swiss women's skiing is experiencing a technical golden age. Camille Rast (SUI), 26, is its finest example. Surprise world champion at Saalbach in February, winner at Flachau in January, Rast reached a new level this season. Her statistical progression is spectacular: avg rank from 21.4 in 2023, dropped to 11.5 in 2024, then exploded to 4.9 in 2025. Over two years, a 16.5-point improvement reflecting complete transformation.

Finish ratio 2025: 90.9% (10 races finished out of 11). Long in the shadow of Wendy Holdener and Michelle Gisin, Rast has established herself as a leader. But at Levi, she's never shined. No podium, rarely in the top 10. The Finnish slope apparently doesn't suit her. But this year, armed with her world title, she arrives in Lapland with different ambitions.

At her side: Wendy Holdener, 32, Switzerland's eternal outsider. World championship silver medalist at Saalbach (behind Rast), Holdener has accumulated podiums for years without ever breaking through. Finish ratio 2025: 90.9%. Three-year avg rank: 4.65 (median: 4.0). At Levi, she finished second in 2020 and multiple times in the top 5. A reindeer is missing to crown a remarkable career. This year could be the one.

Dürr: The Eternal Bridesmaid

Lena Dürr (GER) is a textbook case. Thirty-four years old, one hundred World Cup starts, seventeen podiums. And one single victory. One. At Spindleruv Mlyn in January 2023, ahead of Mikaela Shiffrin and Zrinka Ljutic. That day, Lena proved she could win. Then nothing more. Or almost.

Because Dürr never really loses. She's second, third, fourth. Always there, unshakeable, absorbing blows without ever wavering. Three-year finish ratio: 91.2%. 2025 finish ratio: 90.9%. Metronome-like consistency. And especially, a median of 4.0 over three years—proof she regularly finishes in the top 5.

At Levi, she achieved a unique feat: six consecutive podiums between 2021 and 2024. Six. Without ever winning. Third in 2021 (second race), third in both 2022 slaloms, second then third in 2023, second in 2024. Never off the podium. Never a winner either. Lena Dürr is Levi's eternal bridesmaid. The question is no longer: can she win? But: when will she finally win?

At 34, Dürr knows time is running out. Milano Cortina could be her last Games. Levi 2025 could be her last chance to claim a reindeer.

Liensberger: The Silent Killer

Katharina Liensberger (AUT), 28, is the slalom racer everyone forgets. And yet. World champion in 2021 (Cortina), she beat Mikaela Shiffrin at Levi in 2024. A rare performance. A performance reminding everyone that the Austrian, when confident, can beat anyone.

At Levi, Liensberger collects podiums. Seven total since 2021, including the 2024 victory. Finish ratio 2025: 90.9% (10 races finished out of 11). Three-year avg rank: 9.97 (median: 7.5). Consistent, solid, rarely spectacular but always effective, Liensberger is women's slalom's silent killer.

World championship bronze at Saalbach in February, she arrives at Levi in full confidence. Can she repeat and beat Shiffrin again? Can she resist Ljutic's rise? Answers in a few days.

Colturi: The Albanian Gem

Lara Colturi (ALB), 18, is the season's sensation. Tenth in world slalom rankings, second at Gurgl last November (2024-2025 season, ahead of Rast, behind Shiffrin), eighth at Killington. Her statistical progression is spectacular: finish ratio from 62.1% over three years to 81.8% in 2025 (9 races finished out of 11). Avg rank dropped from 15.17 to 10.22 in one year. A 9.3-point improvement reflecting accelerated maturity.

Lara Colturi was born in Turin, daughter of Daniela Ceccarelli—super-G Olympic champion at Salt Lake City 2002—and a ski coach father. Raised in Cesana Torinese in the Susa Valley, she raced for Italy in youth categories before choosing Albanian colors. A choice of heart and reason that also allows her to escape the pressure of the squadra azzurra.

From Turin to world slalom's summit, discover her profile published last September.

Technical, aggressive, Colturi embodies the post-Shiffrin new generation. At Levi, she hasn't yet shined (best result: 13th in 2024). But her podium at Gurgl in November 2024 proves she can compete at the front. A Levi podium? That would be a surprise. But it's not impossible.

Vlhová: The Great Absentee

Petra Vlhová (SVK) is missed. Six Levi victories, second in the all-time standings behind Shiffrin. Between 2018 and 2023, the Slovak dominated the Finnish slope with impressive consistency. Unfortunately in November 2023, during the second race, while leading after the first run by 1.41 seconds, Vlhová crashed. Knee injury. Season over.

What should have been simple recovery transformed into an ordeal. First surgery in February 2024. Complications. Second operation in December 2024. Chronic pain, cartilage problems. In May 2025, Petra told Slovak media: "No one can guarantee I'll be able to ski again. We're progressing step by step."

The entire 2024-2025 season, Petra was absent. Recovery, rehab, patience. At 30, she knows Milano Cortina could be her last Olympic Games. Her last major opportunity to claim a second medal: she's 2022 Olympic slalom champion but dreams of more medals.

Levi 2025? Her team hasn't confirmed her presence. And recent statements offer little hope. Vlhová doesn't want to return to "just ski down the course." She wants to return to win. Or not return at all.

If she's absent, her shadow will still hang over the podiums. Because a Levi without Vlhová is an incomplete Levi.

Milano Cortina 2026: The Race for Quotas

Levi 2025 is not just another season opener. It's the first chapter of the race to the Olympics. Milano Cortina, February 2026. Three months away. Every point counts. Every podium too. And for some, every second-run qualification can make the difference.

Selection systems vary by nation, but the principle remains the same: accumulate FIS points, string together World Cup results, show you're in the mix. For major nations—Norway, Austria, Switzerland, France—quotas are generous (up to four athletes per discipline per gender). For smaller nations—Finland, Croatia, Bulgaria—every spot is a battle.

Eduard Hallberg and Jesper Pohjolainen, the Finns, know they're racing their Olympic dream starting at Levi. A top 15, a top 10, a second-run qualification: every performance counts to convince their federation they deserve a ticket to Italy.

Ljutic, the Croatian defending globe holder, already has her spot secured. But she wants to arrive at Milano Cortina in a position of strength. Dürr, at 34, knows these might be her last Games. Kristoffersen, Shiffrin, Vlhová (if she returns): all have the same goal. Olympic gold. The one still missing, for many, from their trophy cases.

Levi offers no Olympic medals. But Levi sets the foundation. And in three months, in Italy, people will remember who seized their chance starting in November in Lapland.

Rendezvous Under the Arctic Stars

Levi 2025 is not just another race. It's the opening of an Olympic season. It's the first real test before Milano Cortina. It's where dreams meet reality, where favorites must confirm, where outsiders can surprise.

Under five hours of natural light, under Levi Black's LEDs, under the benevolent gaze of Mikaela Shiffrin's eight reindeer, seventy women and eighty men will chase their dreams. Some will win a reindeer. Others a podium spot. The Finns will have already won something more precious: hope.

Who will name a reindeer this weekend? Who will write the first page of the Olympic season? Who will lay the foundations for Milano Cortina? Answers in a few days. Meanwhile, one certainty: world slalom history is written at Levi. Once again. Always.

Welcome to the race for reindeer. And Olympic dreams.