In the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup in Kronplatz, Italy, Mikaela Shiffrin, fresh off her record-breaking 83rd win, won again, making the tally 84. Shiffrin is now just three wins shy of surpassing Sweden's Ingemar Stenmark’s all-time record of 86 World Cup wins.

Shiffrin made history on Jan. 24th, to become the all-time winningest woman skier, passing the record previously set by Lindsey Vonn. Shiffrin sketched her name in history with the giant slalom win in Kronplatz, while second place went to Norwegian skier Ragnhild Mowinckel and third place went to Sweden's Sara Hector. 

Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athletes Paula Moltzan and Nina O’Brien also skied to very strong results - both landing in the top ten. Moltzan was seventh and O’Brien continues her impressive comeback from a broken leg in the Olympics with a 10th place finish. 

"I am really happy with the past two days I feel like I found some confidence and trusting myself more," said O'Brien. "I feel comfortable going for it."

Moltzan has also consistently skied fast this season and specifically in the giant slalom. Today, she adds another top 10 result to her 2022-23 resume. 

“It was a really fun two days here I am happy with my skiing,” said Moltzan. “It is so special to be here with Mikaela at this time of her life right now too.”

Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete Katie Hensien and independent skier Stella Johansson also raced but did not qualify for a second run landing in 42nd and 52nd respectively.

The women’s tech team will not shift their focus to slalom as they head into two slalom races in Spindleruv Mlyn, Czech Republic, on January 28 and 29.

RESULTS
Women's giant slalom

Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete, Ben Ritchie snagged a 23rd place under the lights in the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup night slalom in Schladming, Austria.

The crowds showed up by the thousands to cheer on their favorite racers, completely covering the race course. The racers had a strong surface, that fared well for the top skiers. Ritchie skied his way first run from bib 42 to 30th place, good enough to start first on the second run.

For the second run, the stage was set for a battle of the top racers. The course started to get more rutted and difficult for the athletes running later in the list, causing quite the shift in the overall results. First place went to French skier Noel Clement who was sitting in seventh place, jumping six spots to the top step. Second place went to Swiss skier Ramon Zenhaeusern, also moving up a few spots. Norwegian phenom Lucas Braathen ended the day in third. 

Ritchie skied with a few mistakes first run, and not his full effort, still finding himself moving up seven spots to secure more World Cup points.

Luke Winters and Jett Seymour also raced. They did not qualify for a second run ending in 37th and 38th respectively.

The next stop on the men’s slalom tour is in Chamonix, France on Feb. 4th.

RESULTS
Men's slalom

Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete Mikaela Shiffrin secured her 83rd FIS World Cup win at the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup giant slalom in Kronplatz, Italy to become the winningest woman skier of all time.

“I was a bit nervous for the second run but mostly I hate waiting,” said Shiffrin. “Finally when it was time to go, everything went quiet and I just pushed as hard as I could every turn. It was pretty amazing to come to the finish and see that I was quite fast. I could hear that the other athletes were skiing well… I was like I could lose this, so I’m going to try to ski a very good run, and it was. It’s still hard for me to believe that I have the mental focus again to be strong on the second run. It’s something I don’t take for granted.”

Shiffrin surpassed the previous record holder, fellow American skier Lindsey Vonn, who held a record of 82 World Cup wins. Shiffrin tied Vonn’s record in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia just 16 days ago. Shiffrin is now just three World Cup wins away from Ingemar Stenmark’s all-time record of 86 World Cup wins. 

“Reaching this milestone is an incredible accomplishment, one that I hope Mikaela is able to savor,” said Vonn. “Picabo Street inspired me to become an Olympian and I remember vividly how much of an impact she made on me. Throughout my career I always tried to be the role model for kids that Picabo was for me, and now it is Mikaela’s turn to carry that torch. As Americans, we have been able to produce incredible athletes, and I am excited to see who Mikaela will inspire to continue to push the limits of our sport. Congratulations on raising the bar for all skiers to come.” 

It has been a fast and furious rise to history for Shiffrin, starting with her first World Cup in December 2012 just a decade ago. At the age of 17, Shiffrin won the slalom in Åre, Sweden and became the second-youngest American to win an alpine World Cup. Her second win came two weeks later in Zagreb, Croatia. From there, she continued her streak, becoming the first ski racer in history in 2019 to win in every discipline: downhill, super-G, giant slalom, slalom, alpine combined and parallel. 

She took her first giant slalom win in 2015 at the season-opener in Soelden. Her first super-G win was in Lake Louise, Canada in 2019, where she also won her first downhill in 2018. She won an alpine combined in Crans-Montana, Switzerland in 2017 and her first parallel at a city event in Stockholm, Sweden in 2017. Shiffrin’s win rate is an incredible 35%, which means that when she starts a race, she will win more than one-third of all races. Her podium percentage is more than half at 55%.

Shiffrin also holds 12 World Cup crystal globes in three different disciplines, including four overall titles, as well as nine World Championships medals—including six golds—and three Olympic medals. And that just scratches the phenom’s resume. 

“Mikaela Shiffrin is now not only the best woman alpine skier of all time, but she is also a great person, teammate and role model for the sport of alpine skiing,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “As an organization, we are so proud of her accomplishments and cannot wait to see how she further transforms the sport and the history books next.” 

Shiffrin now turns toward Stenmark’s record as the season continues, as she eyes becoming the most dominant alpine skier in history. The women race another giant slalom in Kronplatz on Wednesday. 

RESULTS
Women’s giant slalom

Dr. J. Richard Steadman, famed orthopedic surgeon from the Vail Valley and founder and champion of U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s medical program, passed away on Friday, Jan. 20 at age 85.

One of the most talented surgeons in sports medicine history, many U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team athletes throughout the years owe their careers to Steadman. He was an award-winning innovator in his field and became a legend for his pioneering approach that got world class athletes back on snow ready to perform at their best. 

“Dr. Steadman has been revolutionary in the sports of skiing and snowboarding, and has left a lasting impression on the sports and athletes he cared for throughout his career,” said U.S. Ski & Snowboard President & CEO Sophie Goldschmidt. “U.S. Ski & Snowboard has been partnered with the Steadman Clinic and the Steadman Philippon Research Institute for decades, which has allowed our athletes to maximize their careers and do what they love at the highest level.”

Steadman earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas in 1963 and went on to work in South Lake Tahoe, California as an orthopedic surgeon at Barton Memorial Hospital. When he volunteered his services at an Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup in Heavenly Valley in 1973, a long and successful relationship with the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team began. 

Steadman pioneered significant improvements in post-surgical rehabilitation developing novel exercise protocols that shook the foundations of sports medicine. In 1974, U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team Olympic medalist alpine skier Cindy Nelson became the first elite skier to be treated by Dr. Steadman. Nelson would undergo 11 surgeries in her 14-year career, without ever missing a full season. Legions of U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team athletes coursed through Tahoe over the next decades before Nelson, working as Vail’s Director of Skiing, and former Vail Associates owner George Gillett persuaded Steadman to leave Lake Tahoe in 1990 with the promise of expanded research, treatment and training facilities in Vail.

Steadman treated well over 22,000 patients during the course of his 40-year career in Tahoe and Vail. In addition to members of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team, the list includes such legendary athletes as tennis greats Martina Navratilova, Monica Seles and Billie Jean King, NFL Hall of Famers Dan Marino and Bruce Smith, musicians Judy Collins and Rod Stewart and global soccer sensations Cristiano Ronaldo and Lothar Matthaeus. Steadman became a consultant to the Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies while serving as U.S. Alpine Chief Physician at nine consecutive Olympic Winter Games from 1976 through 2006.

Steadman championed U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Sports Medicine program, chairing U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Medical Committee and working alongside the first medical director Melinda Roalstad, MS, PAC. Dr. Steadman was a constant source of support for the department providing consultation, mentorship and guidance at every turn. 

“Dr. Steadman affected every aspect of U.S. Ski & Snowboard throughout his career—from his world-renowned medical care to forging our medical program and chairing our medical committee, to helping formulate our foundational sports medicine policies and procedures,” said U.S. Ski & Snowboard Director of High Performance Gillian Bower. “His vision of athlete health and wellbeing will continue to have broad impact on both the athletes and our Sports Medicine Department. His generosity with his talents, time and passion for our sports will live on within our organization in perpetuity.”  

Steadman’s internationally renowned advanced surgical protocols and innovations include: Microfracture, a procedure that repairs the damaged joint and encourages the regrowth of articular cartilage; Healing Response, an arthroscopic alternative to full knee reconstruction; and The Package, a collection of arthroscopic procedures performed in a single operation, for which Steadman received a research award in 2012.

Today, the Steadman Philippon Research Institute (SPRI) in collaboration with the doctors of the Steadman Clinic, is known worldwide for its unprecedented clinical database and research into orthopedic injuries of the knee, hip, shoulder, ankle and spine.

Dr. Steadman’s pioneering spirit, surgical prowess, revolutionary advancements and uncommon devotion to treating the whole patient leaves a distinctive and lasting impact in the field of sports medicine, in the lives of everyday people and across many pro sports, particularly the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team.

On Sunday’s Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup super-G in Cortina, Italy, Mikaela Shiffrin led the way for the Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team women with a seventh-place finish.

It was another beautiful day on the gorgeous Cortina track for Norway's Ragnhild Mowinkel to take her third career victory. Austria’s Cornelia Huetter was second and Italian skier Marta Bassino third.

Shiffrin was on pace for a podium much of the race until she got late and veered off line toward the end of her run.

“I made a little error with my timing on the last turn on the course,” Shiffrin said. “And of course, it’s quite flat down here so you lose some speed. But it was quite a strong run.”

Sofia Goggia of Italy and Corinne Suter of Switzerland did not start the day’s race due to crashes the day previous. 

Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athletes Breezy Johnson, Keely Cashman and Lauren Macuga also raced landing in 29th, 37th and 43rd respectively. Bella Wright did not finish.

Shiffrin continues the hunt for her 83rd record-breaking victory. Her next chance will come in two giant slaloms at the Kronplatz resort in nearby San Vigilio di Marebbe on Tuesday and Wednesday.

In Kitzbuehel, the men raced slalom. Daniel Yule of Switzerland took the win on the Ganslern course. Dave Ryding of Great Britain was second overall after finishing 16th first run. Half his podium finishes have been in Kitzbuehel. Lucas Braathen of Norway was third. 

Ben Ritchie, Jett Seymour and Luke Winters raced for the Stifel U.S. Alpine Team. Ritchie did not qualify for a second run and Seymour and Winters did not finish first run.

Next the men head to the famous night slalom in Schladming, Austria on Tuesday and a night giant slalom, replacing the Garmisch GS, on Wednesday. 

RESULTS
Women's super-G
Men's slalom

Mikaela Shiffrin led the way for the Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team in the second Cortina d’Ampezzo Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup downhill in two days, taking seventh place. Breezy Johnson was just behind her in 10th.

It was a windy day, which forced the start to be lowered and took off nearly 30 seconds from Friday’s downhill, which left no room for skiers to make mistakes. Only .05 seconds separated Shiffrin from the podium, with less than a half second separating second place from 15th. Ilka Stuhec of Slovenia took her first victory in four years. Norway’s Kajsa Vickhoff Lie came from bib 30 to second place and Elena Curtoni of Italy was third.

Shiffrin is still in pursuit of her 83rd win to become the winningest woman alpine skier of all time, currently sitting at 82 wins. “I am enjoying each race and the process is like an opportunity,” said Shiffrin. “I’m just here trying to figure out the track like all the other racers on the course and see if I can do my best and if it’s good enough to be close to the top. …When I look forward, I see opportunity, but I don’t see pressure.”

Bella Wright also had another great day, skiing to 16th place after her 11th place finish in Friday’s downhill. Keely Cashman skied into the points in 27th. Tricia Mangan was 39th.

The women have one more speed event at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games track on Sunday with a super-G.

RESULTS
Women’s downhill

Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete Travis Ganong scored a podium finish at the hardest downhill on the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup circuit, taking third place at the Hahnenkammrennan in Kitzbuehel, Austria in front of a roaring international crowd. It was the first American podium in Kitzbuehel since Bode Miller in 2014.

There was some snowfall at the Austrian venue, but that didn’t slow down the men, who threw themselves down the intimidatingly steep Streif track. Ganong started fourth and grabbed the lead to hang on while racer after racer crossed the finish line.

“My goal this season was to push it and I’m happy with what I did and I can walk away being satisfied on what Kitzbuehel gave me,” said Ganong, who was seventh in Friday’s downhill. “It was a pleasure to ski here—I love this place.”

Ganong, now 34 years old, started his first Hahnenkamm in 2011 and has raced on the track almost every year since. He has had some of his shining moments in his career at the historic venue, including six top 10 finishes, but this is his first podium at the “Super Bowl of ski racing.”

“The goal is always to win,” said Ganong. “But I’m stoked with how I skied and it was a fun time being here as a racer.”

Aleksander Aamodt Kidle of Norway won the race—an impressive feat after a near crash in Friday’s downhill and a hurt hand. Veteran skier Johan Clarey of France took second place at age 42.   

Famed Swiss skier Beat Feuz, who dominated the Kitzbuehel track for more than a decade with three victories and nine podiums, retired at the end of his race and celebrated with his family and friends in the finish.

Ryan Cochran-Siegle also scored points, finishing in 20th place, along with Bryce Bennett in 22nd. Erik Arvidsson was 39th and Kyle Negomir 44th. Sam Morse and Jared Goldberg did not finish, but are OK.

The men now head to Schladming for the famous night slalom on Tuesday and an additional night giant slalom Wednesday.

RESULTS
Men’s downhill

At the infamous Kitzbühel downhill on Friday, Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete Jared Goldberg scored a career-best finish, just off the podium in fourth place. Goldberg ran bib 28 and was in the green at the top, initially landing in third place. The crowd and his teammates went wild as he crossed the line.

“I am just trying to show myself the level I can ski at, and I was really finding the front of the boot today,” said Goldberg. “It was a really good step forward into the next days to help me relax and get to a good head space, I think I found another gear on how to push and stay loose.”

Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team’s Travis Ganong also showed a strong performance with a seventh place finish. Ganong ran bib one, which can be a difficult position to start not knowing the speeds or tricks of the course, but Ganong held onto the lead for nine racers, a very strong run by him.

“It was good, you never know going first. I had some wild sections, so I was pushing,” said Ganong. “I expect the podium every time I ski. It’s my one goal to podium here, but there is another chance tomorrow. I am happy with my skiing.”

Erik Arvidsson also had a fantastic race going from bib 52 to 21st place. Arvidsson is notoriously strong at technical courses, making this course a great place for him.

“I am really happy with my skiing today. It was a really close race and I knew I would need to risk it,” said Arvidsson.  “I am happy with the commitment of my skiing and staying focused.”

Teammate Bryce Bennett finished in 29th place to also score points. Sam Morse was 38th, Kyle Negomir 40th and Ryan Cochran-Siegle in 41st.

The top three finishers for the day included Austria’s own Vincent Kriechmayr in first, Italian skier Florian Schieder with a tremendous run going from bib 43 to second and Swiss skier Niels Hintermann in third.

RESULTS
Men's downhill

HOW TO WATCH

Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023

4:00 a.m. Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup, Women's Downhill, Cortina, Italy, streaming on skiandsnowboard.live

5:30 a.m. Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup, Men's Downhill, Kitzbuehel, Austria, streaming on peacock.com

The Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team’s women’s speed team laid it down in the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup downhill in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy to place three in the top 15. Mikaela Shiffrin led the way with a fourth place finish. She led the race at the top with some very fast split times, but a little bobble toward the bottom put her into fourth, just shy of the podium. Behind Shiffrin for the Americans was Breezy Johnson in ninth place and Bella Wright in 12th.

“I did not hit my line in all the spots, but the speeds are fast and I am happy with the skiing,” said Johnson who is coming back from a knee injury she sustained last year. “My body is ok; my knee still hurts sometimes but I am just happy to be back here and get a little redemption.”

Wright started bib 27 and skied to a very quick 12th place position. She has had a consistent and strong season thus far and hopes to continue the success.

“I was really trying to focus on good skiing today,” said Wright. “I was nervous but in a good way. I am proud of the skiing and plan to improve for tomorrow. The sun was shining and it was great.”

Shiffrin continues her hunt for the 83rd record-breaking win. She currently stands at 82 wins, tied with Lindsey Vonn for the all-time woman skier record.

The top three finishers for the women's downhill included Italian skier Sofia Goggia in first, Slovakian skier Ilka Stuhec in second and Germany's Kira Weidle in third. Americans Keely Cashman and Tricia Mangan also raced, placing 39th and 41st.

The women race downhill again on Saturday, with the Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team hunting for podium spots. 

RESULTS
Women's downhill

HOW TO WATCH

Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023

4:00 a.m. FIS Alpine World Cup, Women's Downhill, Cortina, Italy, streaming on skiandsnowboard.live

5:30 a.m. FIS Alpine World Cup, Men's Downhill, Kitzbuehel, Austria, streaming on peacock.com

Two of our junior women at the Junior World Championships in St. Anton, Austria, secured a top ten in the downhill on Thursday, Jan. 19.

Ava Sunshine scored an eighth place and teammate Lauren Macuga secured tenth.

The top three finishers for the downhill included swiss skier Stefanie Grob, second place went to Italian skier Vicky Bernardi and third place went to Norwegian skier Pernille Drystad Lydersen. On the men’s side, Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athletes Cooper Puckett, Jay Poulter, and Finnigan Donley also raced in the men’s downhill landing in 17th, 28th and 29th respectively.

Justin Bigatel and Hunter Salani ended their downhill day in 35th and 38th place. The juniors will now turn to super-G on Friday, Jan. 20th. You can watch the action live here: https://youtu.be/wEhgmezJ90k. 

RESULTS
Women's downhill
Men's downhill