Ladies open the 2025 battle for the Globes in a Slovenian venue, Kranjska Gora, on a traditionally challenging slope. We will watch them compete in giant slalom and slalom on Saturday and Sunday. Who are the favorites?
The competition takes place on the Podkoren slope. The start of the giant slalom is 700 meters above sea level, and the course length is 450 m.
For giant slalom racers, Kranjska Gora in Slovenia is one of the three most prestigious and challenging slopes, with Adelboden in Switzerland and Alta Badia in the Italian Dolomites. The women’s competition, the Golden Fox, was traditionally held in Maribor since 1964. However, as the lack of snow has troubled the organizers in Maribor lately, in 2020, the decision was made to move the Golden Fox permanently to Kranjska Gora. This challenged the ladies, as men traditionally raced on this terrifying, steep course. However, these are the best female skiers in the world, and since then, ladies have gotten used to the slope and performed magnificently on it.
Who to Watch in the Giant Slalom?
Federica Brignone (ITA) reigns supreme this season, winning two out of three giant slaloms this year, with one unhappy DNF from Killington. Brignone also dominates both giant slalom and super-G rankings. She knows how to win in Kranjska Gora, as she won here in 2023. The only other winner of the past Slovenian racers on start is Marta Bassino (ITA), who won here in 2021. However, Bassino’s form is not the best this year. Other past winners from this venue, Mikaela Shiffrin (USA) and Petra Vlhová (SVK) are out due to injuries.
- Related post: Shiffrin Out Due to an Unusual Injury
Both ladies from the podium in Semmering stand a good chance at winning this weekend. Alice Robinson (NZ) used to struggle with consistency. Lately, however, she seems to have adjusted her aggressive style to perform consistently and deliver excellent results. Sara Hector (SWE) opened the season with strong performances, and we can only wait for her to keep her form throughout the season.
The Slalom in Slovenia
Only Mikaela Shiffrin and Petra Vlhová have won the slalom in the Golden Fox competition, so there will be a new face in the statistics. Who has the best chance of becoming one? Zrinka Ljutic (CRO) will strive to prolong her winning streak. This young lady had risen like a shooting star during the previous season, and her first win was always a matter of time. Now that she has it, and with it the self-confidence every racer needs for the slalom competition, we expect just the best from her.
Lena Dürr (GER) has performed at the best level for years, and her second spot from Semmering will help her confidence. Katharina Liensberger (AUT) is living the season of her life this year and will surely do her best to grab a victory for her country. Let us not forget Camille Rast (SUI), who dominates not only the slalom standings but also the overall standings and enjoys a stellar form, wearing a constant smile on her face. The local darlings Andreja Slokar and Neja Dvornik will want to shine in front of the home crowd, and as they don´t count amongst the favorites, this might serve as a positive motivation rather than a negative pressure.
There are more favorites in the tough competition, whether from Switzerland, Sweden, or Albania. We can sure expect thrilling races on both days.
