This weekend, on the 16th and 17th of November, we can watch the season’s first slalom in Levi, Finland. This year, the weather forecast predicts temperatures from -3°C (27°F) to -1°C (30°F) with clouds and light snow flurries. Although the conditions are warmer than usual, FIS announced they are good enough. The racers are used to icy slopes and freezing temperatures in Levi, so they and their technicians will have to adapt.
Levi lies above the Arctic Circle. That makes it an ideal venue for early-season events because natural snow often covers the slopes in autumn, and the Northern Lights add a magical touch to the events. The races are held on the “Levi Black” piste, a challenging, steep slope that has been part of the World Cup since 2004. This slope requires precision and skill, especially with the varying Arctic weather and limited visibility. Levi’s unique use of snow farming allows the venue to store snow from previous seasons to guarantee race conditions, even in warmer years.
The winners traditionally receive a symbolic prize: a young reindeer to which they can give a name. This tradition has created a special connection between the athletes and the local culture. The reindeer remain with their flock; they cannot be taken away. Michaela Shiffrin and Marcel Hirscher have a little flock of their own from previous victories.
Who Are the Favorites Amongst Ladies
Amongst ladies, we sure expect Mikaela Shiffrin to name another reindeer of her own, with her biggest competitor, Slovakia’s Petra Vlhová, recovering from a knee injury she suffered in a horrible crash last season in Jasná. After a successful start in Sölden, which is not her favorite discipline, we can expect big results from Austria’s Katharina Liensburger and her Austrian ski squad.
The question mark hovers over the name of Wendy Holdener (SUI), who used to be one of the world’s best slalom skiers, but is returning after a break caused by a complicated ankle injury.
Men Slalom Favorites
We sure expect significant results from the young Norwegians – Atle Lie McGrath, Alexander Steen Olsen, and their buddy racing under the Brazilian flag, Lucas Braathen. Braathen proved in Sölden that the one-year break had done nothing to his miraculous skills. The two Norwegians representing the Van Deer brand, Henrik Kristoffersen and Timon Haugen, will also want to leave their mark.
Let us not forget the Swiss, Daniel Yule, who consistently shows good form, with his countryman Ramon Zenhäusern searching for his lost form last season. Louis Meillard will be back in Levi after a back injury. However, he probably won’t push it. His medical team sees Levi’s event as a stress test for his body.
The French, Clement Noel, declared that he expects big results this season. And let us not forget Alex Vinatzer (ITA), who seems to have finally found some consistency.
Then, the question mark is above the name Marcel Hirscher (NED). In Sölden, Hirscher proved that he is still, at 35 years, fit enough to chase some youngsters in giant slalom. But this is slalom. Will he still have the technique, flexibility, strength, and, most of all, grit to remain competitive? We can only guess. But watching him will be exciting, and if Hirscher does not land a big result in Levi, he can still come and visit his little flock of three reindeer.
