US Women, Shiffrin Lead Strong Alpine Ski World Cup Season Start Ahead Milan Olympics

Mikaela Shiffrin, widely regarded as the greatest alpine skier of all time with 101 World Cup wins, is entering the 2025-26 season with some uncertainty about her focus and mental health, particularly with the upcoming Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in February. While she continues to dominate in slalom and giant slalom, Shiffrin is unsure about competing in downhill and super-G events this season, emphasizing consistent World Cup performance as critical for Olympic momentum rather than prioritizing the Olympics alone. The US women's team showed strength with Paula Moltzan winning silver in the giant slalom at Soelden and Shiffrin placing fourth despite starting 20th due to previous injuries and PTSD, signaling a resurgence in American alpine skiing. This season’s World Cup has heightened safety measures following recent fatal accidents, and the competition includes races across Europe and North America, with Shiffrin potentially aiming to set a record for nine discipline titles if she wins the slalom standings. Despite past Olympic disappointments, Shiffrin remains focused on incremental improvements and is accompanied by experienced teammates, including Lindsey Vonn, as she prepares for what could be another record-setting year.