Mikaela Shiffrin crushed the competition to win her ninth Levi victory and her 102nd World Cup triumph

First Run: Shiffrin on Another Planet

The tone was set from the first run. Mikaela Shiffrin started with bib 3 and immediately posted a benchmark time: 56.08. A mark that left all her rivals more than a second behind. Across the four intermediate sectors, the American posted the fastest time in three of them. Only the flat section eluded her, where Lara Colturi managed to gain fifteen hundredths. But on the technical steep section, Shiffrin opened up the gap impressively: more than three-tenths on her pursuers.

The major surprise of the first run came from Lara Colturi herself. The young Albanian skied a remarkable run. Starting with bib 12, she finished 1.08 seconds behind Shiffrin, ahead of all the favorites. It confirmed her Gurgl podium from November 2024 (previous season): Colturi is no longer a promise, she's a reality. Our prediction was spot on.

Behind them, Lena Dürr (GER) sat in provisional third (+1.49), followed by Zrinka Ljutic (CRO) at +1.58. The Croatian globe holder seemed to be struggling. No major mistakes, but not the explosiveness expected either. Wendy Holdener (SUI), eighth at +1.92, and Emma Aicher (GER), seventh at +1.83, were also in contention for the podium.

Paula Moltzan (USA), by contrast, had a catastrophic first run. An error on the steep section relegated her to provisional 19th place (+2.46). With a late start in the second run, the course would already be well-rutted: the American would need a heroic effort to climb back up the rankings.

The other disappointment of this first run had a name: Katharina Liensberger (AUT). Winner at Levi in 2023, the Austrian made a mistake entering the steep section and had to fight to limit the damage. She finished beyond 15th place and would have to settle for a back-row seat in the final.

At the end of this first run, one certainty: barring disaster, Mikaela Shiffrin would win her ninth Levi victory. The real battle was for the places of honor. Could Colturi hold her position? Would Dürr finally claim a Levi victory? Could Ljutic wake up?

Second Run: Shiffrin Dominates, Colturi Confirms, Aicher Surges

The second run looked like a formality for Shiffrin. But the American didn't manage anything at all. She attacked from the start, posted the fastest time at the first split, and hammered it home on the steep section. Her lead only grew. At the finish, 52.84: again the fastest run time, ahead of all her rivals. The final gap? 1.66 seconds over Lara Colturi. In modern slalom, that's a chasm. Any speculation about Olympic-saving tactics is now settled!

"I trusted the work I did with my team this summer," Shiffrin confided after her victory. "The final step was the mental side and pushing hard, and it just felt really good to race again. Levi is becoming more and more like a second home for me. I'm really happy to open the slalom season this way."

Behind her, Lara Colturi withstood the pressure. The young Albanian posted the third-fastest run time (53.42) and held her second place. No better birthday present: a World Cup podium on one of the circuit's most mythical courses, on her 19th birthday. "It's incredible," she told the microphone. "I didn't think I could hold my position after the first run. But I attacked, took my risks, and it paid off."

The major surprise of this final came from Emma Aicher. Seventh after the first run, the German started with a favorable bib and skied a perfect run: 53.51, fourth-fastest time. She climbed to third place and secured the first slalom podium of her career.

Aicher, 22, had never done better than fifth in slalom (Courchevel 2024). Her progression this season is spectacular. "I can't find the words," she said, tears in her eyes. "After the first run, I was seventh, I told myself: 'Everything is possible.' I attacked, and here we are. It's a dream."

The other heroic performance in the final came from Paula Moltzan (USA). Nineteenth after the first run, the American benefited from still-fresh snow for her second descent. She posted the second-fastest run time (53.12), just 28 hundredths behind Shiffrin, and climbed fifteen places to finish fourth in a tie with Lena Dürr. Just 0.15 seconds from the podium. Frustratingly close, but a remarkable performance.

Lena Dürr, meanwhile, couldn't accelerate enough in the second run. Third after the first course, she dropped to fourth place in a tie. For the German, it's another missed podium at Levi. Six podiums between 2021 and 2024, never a victory. And today, a fourth place that extends the curse. At 34, how many chances does she have left?

Shiffrin: 102-65-9, Numbers from Another World

102 World Cup victories. No one had ever reached that number. Not among the men, not among the women. Ingemar Stenmark (SWE) stopped at 86. Lindsey Vonn (USA) at 82. Mikaela Shiffrin, at 30, continues to write a story that defies comprehension.

Sixty-five slalom victories. Again, an all-time record. Stenmark had 40—Shiffrin surpassed them in 2019, naming her Levi reindeer "Ingemar" in tribute to the Swede. Marlies Raich (AUT) held the women's record with 35 slalom wins. Shiffrin obliterated it.

Nine victories at Levi. Only Lindsey Vonn has done better at a single venue: fourteen downhills at Lake Louise (CAN). On all other courses on the World Cup circuit, no skier has ever dominated a venue like Mikaela Shiffrin dominates Levi. Nine reindeer bear names she chose in a Lapland herd. Nine times she has stood on the Arctic podium's highest step.

Tradition dictates that the Levi slalom winner receives a live reindeer, which remains in Finland on a farm and bears the name chosen by its godparent. Shiffrin has named her eight previous reindeer: Rudolph (2013), Sven (2016), Mr. Gru (2018), Ingemar (2019), Sunny and Lorax (2022), Grogu (2023), and Rori (2024). The ninth's name will be revealed in the coming days. "It's not good karma for me to think about the name before the race," she explained last year with a smile. "I always wait to discuss it with the team afterward."

This victory comes one year after her spectacular Killington injury (November 2024), where she crashed violently during giant slalom training. Two months away, intensive rehabilitation, and a gradual return. "After the injuries of the last two seasons, I'm just really happy to have two races now where I felt really good," she confides. Season 2025 finish ratio: 100% (8 races out of 8). Three victories, including two in slalom.

At Levi, Shiffrin is untouchable. Since 2013, she has won nine of the last twelve editions contested. Only Petra Vlhová (SVK) managed to beat her multiple times, with six victories between 2018 and 2023. But Vlhová, seriously injured in January 2024, has been absent for over a year. The rivalry that animated Levi has disappeared. And Shiffrin, without a rival at her level at this venue, reigns supreme.

Her 1.66-second margin over Lara Colturi speaks volumes. In modern slalom, where gaps are measured in hundredths, finishing more than a second and a half ahead belongs to another dimension. "Mikaela gave a real skiing lesson today," summarizes Paula Moltzan, her American teammate. "She continues to impress everyone with her level."

What's next for Shiffrin? Gurgl, in a week. And the pursuit of a quest that seems never-ending: how many victories can one accumulate in a career? How many records can still be broken? At 30, with Milano Cortina 2026 three months away, Shiffrin hasn't finished writing her story. She's carving it, race after race, into Levi's Arctic marble.

Colturi: The Perfect Birthday Gift

Lara Colturi celebrates her 19th birthday today. And for her birthday, she gave herself the finest gift: a World Cup podium on one of the circuit's most mythical courses. Second at Levi, behind the untouchable Mikaela Shiffrin, the Albanian confirms she's no fluke. After her Gurgl podium in November 2024 (also 2nd, behind Shiffrin), Lara proves she can compete with the best.

Colturi's path is unconventional. Born in Turin on November 15, 2006, daughter of Daniela Ceccarelli—Olympic super-G champion at Salt Lake City 2002—and a ski coach father, Lara grew up in Cesana Torinese in the Susa Valley. She raced for Italy in youth categories before making a radical choice: to wear Albanian colors.

From Turin to world slalom heights, discover the full portrait of Lara Colturi published last September.

A choice of heart, but also of reason. In Italy, squadra azzurra pressure is immense. Media expectations, internal rivalries, the weight of a historic federation. In Albania, Lara can ski freely, build her project at her own pace, without the crushing gaze of sponsors and Italian journalists. "I just wanted to ski," she simply explained. "Do what I love, without unnecessary pressure."

And it's working. Her statistical progression is spectacular: finish ratio jumped from 62.1% over three years to 90.0% this season (9 races finished out of 10). Avg rank dropped from 15.17 in 2024 to 10.22 in 2025. An improvement of nearly five points in one year. At Levi, she made an eleven-place jump: thirteenth in 2024, second today.

In the first run, Lara skied a remarkable course. On the flat section, she even managed to gain fifteen hundredths on Shiffrin—a rare feat. "I attacked from the start," she recounts. "I knew that if I wanted to fight for the podium, I had to give everything from the first run. Mikaela was untouchable, but behind her, anything was possible."

In the second run, the pressure mounted. Starting in second position, Lara knew she had a podium within reach. But Emma Aicher, Lena Dürr, Paula Moltzan: all could dislodge her. She started, attacked again, and posted the third-fastest run time (53.42). Enough to hold her position. At the finish, tears welled up. "It's incredible. On my 19th birthday. I couldn't have dreamed better."

Lara Colturi embodies the new generation of women's slalom. Technical, fast, bold, she fears nothing. At 19, she's already tenth in the world. With two podiums this season (Gurgl and Levi), she confirms she can play leading roles. What's next? Milano Cortina 2026, in three months. And why not a first major title?

For Albania, a nation without alpine tradition, this podium resonates as a historic feat. Lara Colturi is the first Albanian to stand on an alpine skiing World Cup podium. A powerful symbol, proving that talent has no borders. That small nations can shine on the world stage. And that courageous choices sometimes pay off beyond all hope.

Aicher: The German Revelation

Emma Aicher didn't believe it. Seventh after the first run, 1.83 seconds behind Shiffrin, the German didn't think she could grab a podium. "I told myself: anything is possible, but I mustn't calculate anything. Just attack." And she attacked. With everything she had.

In the second run, Aicher skied a perfect course. No mistakes, no hesitation, just pure commitment. She posted the fourth-fastest run time (53.51) and climbed to third place. Ahead of Lena Dürr, ahead of Zrinka Ljutic, ahead of all the favorites. At the finish, she didn't immediately realize. Then the tears came. The first slalom podium of her career. At 22, on one of the circuit's most demanding courses.

"I can't find the words," she confided to the microphone, her voice trembling with emotion. "It's a dream. I've worked so hard for this. And today, it finally pays off."

Emma Aicher is no unknown. But she had never managed to break through to a slalom podium. Her best result before today? Fifth at Courchevel in January 2024. Since then, she's strung together top-15 finishes without ever truly shining. Until today.

With this podium, Aicher also validates her Olympic ticket for Milano Cortina 2026. The German federation had set strict criteria: a World Cup podium or a world championship medal. Emma just checked the box. In three months, she'll be in Cortina defending German colors. With, now, the confidence of an athlete who knows she can beat the best.

For the German women's team, this podium is a breath of fresh air. Lena Dürr accumulates places of honor without ever winning. Emma Aicher brings new blood, fresh momentum. At 22, she has time to progress further. What if this first podium leads to others?

"This is the beginning," she promises in the mixed zone. "I know I can do even better. Today, I proved I belong at the top. Now, I want to stay there."

What's next? Gurgl, in a week. Another technical course, another challenge. Aicher arrives with a new status: that of a podium contender, capable of playing leading roles. The pressure will be different. But after what she just accomplished at Levi, Emma Aicher proved she knows how to handle big moments.

Dürr: The Curse Continues

Lena Dürr is cursed at Levi. Six podiums between 2021 and 2024. Seven races contested. Never outside the top 4. But never a victory. And today, a fourth place in a tie with Paula Moltzan, just fifteen hundredths from the podium. The curse continues.

In the first run, Lena looked well-positioned. Provisional third at +1.49, she was lurking to fight for the podium. But in the second run, she couldn't accelerate enough. Her time (54.09) dropped her to fourth place, overtaken by Emma Aicher and matched by Paula Moltzan.

At 34, Lena Dürr embodies consistency itself. Three-year finish ratio: 91.2%. Season 2025 finish ratio: 90.9%. A median of 4.0 over three years, proof she regularly finishes in the top 5. But only one career victory: Spindleruv Mlyn, in January 2023, ahead of Mikaela Shiffrin and Zrinka Ljutic. That day, Lena proved she could win. Then nothing more. Or almost.

At Levi, Lena Dürr is the eternal bridesmaid. Always there, imperturbable, taking the hits without ever wavering. But never on the top step of the podium. How many chances does she have left? Milano Cortina 2026 could be her last Games. Time is running out.

"It's frustrating, of course," she admits in the mixed zone. "I know I have the level to win. But at Levi, it never works out. Maybe it's just not my hill. But I'll be back next year. And I'll try again."

Lena's optimism commands respect. But the reality is cruel: at 34, how many seasons does she have left at the highest level? How many more chances will she get to claim a second World Cup victory? The questions loom. The answers remain elusive.

Ljutic: The Globe Holder Disappoints

Zrinka Ljutic (CRO), slalom globe holder, was expected on the podium. Perhaps even on the second step, behind the untouchable Shiffrin. She finished sixth. A disappointment. An underperformance reminiscent of her ninth place at the Saalbach world championships last February.

In the first run, Zrinka sat in fourth place (+1.58). Not ideal, but still in contention for the podium. She attacked in the second run but couldn't find her rhythm. Her time (54.06) relegated her to sixth place overall, overtaken by Colturi, Aicher, Dürr, and Moltzan.

For the Croatian, it's another missed opportunity at Levi. She has never won on the Finnish course. Her best result: third in 2023, far behind Shiffrin. This year, with her globe holder status, expectations were high. Too high, perhaps.

"I didn't find my feeling," she acknowledges after the race. "The course was demanding, and I wasn't fluid enough. It happens. Now we need to analyze, correct, and bounce back at Gurgl."

The big question for Ljutic: can she handle the pressure of favorite status? At 21, she won the slalom globe in 2025, but she still hasn't claimed a world championship medal. Saalbach, Levi: two failures that raise questions about her ability to shine at major events.

Her statistical progression remains impressive: finish ratio jumped from 64.7% over three years to 90.9% this season. But raw results aren't enough. In modern women's slalom, you must seize opportunities. And today, Ljutic let hers slip away.

The Top 15: Surprises and Confirmations

The top 15 holds a few surprises. Neja Dvornik (SLO) confirms her consistency with seventh place. Wendy Holdener (SUI), eternal outsider, finishes eighth. Marion Chevrier (FRA) posts her best result of the season with ninth place.

Katharina Liensberger (AUT), winner at Levi in 2024, finishes only tenth. An underperformance for the Austrian, who never found her rhythm in the first run. Sara Hector (SWE), giant slalom specialist, made a strong second-run comeback to finish eleventh in a tie with Anna Swenn-Larsson (SWE).

The performance of the day goes to Bianca Bakke Westhoff (NOR). Starting with bib 46, the Norwegian finished fourteenth. A feat that testifies to the quality of course preparation. At Levi, thanks to snow farming and 300 automated snow guns, the course holds up remarkably well. High bibs can compete with the favorites.

Camille Rast (SUI), reigning world champion, disappoints with fifteenth place. The Swiss has never shone at Levi, and this edition is no exception. For her, the quest for a first victory on the Finnish course continues.

Tomorrow: The Men Take the Stage

Tomorrow, Sunday November 16, the men will take over on Levi Black. And the battle promises to be tight. Henrik Kristoffersen (NOR), two-time Levi winner and 2024-2025 globe holder, starts as favorite. But he'll have to contend with Loïc Meillard (SUI), world champion at Saalbach, and Clément Noël (FRA), defending Levi champion.

Norway will field a formidable trio: Kristoffersen, Timon Haugan (three wins in 2024-2025), and Atle Lie McGrath (world championship silver). Enough to dream of an all-Norwegian podium. But watch out for the French (Noël), the Swiss (Meillard, Tanguy Nef), and the Austrians (Feller, Gstrein).

And above all, all Finnish eyes will be on Eduard Hallberg and Jesper Pohjolainen. The two "Fearless Finns" will contest their first home World Cup. The goal: make the second run. The dream: crack the top 15. For Finland, which hasn't had a male slalom representative since Kalle Palander (2009), it will already be a victory.

See you tomorrow at 10:00 (local time) for the first run. Levi Black will light up again. And a new page in world slalom history will be written under the northern lights.

Levi 2025: When Dreams Become Reality

Mikaela Shiffrin won her ninth Levi victory. Her ninth reindeer. Her 102nd World Cup win. Numbers that make your head spin. But beyond the statistics, the very essence of women's slalom was on display today under the LED lights of Levi Black.

Lara Colturi, 19 today, proved she's no fluke. Emma Aicher claimed the first podium of her career, validating her Olympic ticket. Lena Dürr missed another step, but her consistency commands respect. Zrinka Ljutic disappointed, a reminder that favorite status guarantees nothing.

And tomorrow, the men take over. Henrik Kristoffersen, Loïc Meillard, Clément Noël: the battle promises to be fierce. But above all, Eduard Hallberg and Jesper Pohjolainen will carry a nation's hopes. The "Fearless Finns" will chase their dream at home. And whatever the result, they'll already have won something more precious: the pride of having dared.

Levi isn't just a course. It's a place where dreams come true. Where young Albanians climb onto podiums. Where Germans claim their first trophy. Where Americans write history. And where Finns, despite lacking mountains, defy geography to shine under the northern lights.

The Olympic season has begun. Milano Cortina 2026 looms on the horizon. And every gate cleared at Levi counts double. For points, for confidence, for momentum toward Italy. Today, Mikaela Shiffrin laid down a first marker. Tomorrow, who will follow?

Welcome to the race for reindeer. And Olympic dreams.