Valerie Grenier (CAN) Kranjska Gora 2024: GEPA Pictures
Women’s World Cup GS: Who’s Racing, When, and How to Watch
Kranjska Gora: A New Chapter in the Golden Fox’s Storied History
Alpine skiing has deep roots in Slovenia, where the first skis in Central Europe were crafted. Initially used for transportation, skiing became a celebrated sport, and Slovenia became a hub for winter competition. January 2024 marked the 60th anniversary of the first FIS Alpine Ski World Cup competition held initially at the Maribor Pohorje ski area. Over the past six decades, the Golden Fox, still the unofficial name of the race, has become a centerpiece of countless inspiring stories in women’s Alpine skiing.
Traditionally hosted in Maribor, the competition was officially moved to Kranjska Gora recently due to climate change. Warmer winters made it impossible to produce enough artificial snow, forcing the event to adapt. The Golden Fox has been held in Kranjska Gora 11 times, including the most recent seasons, cementing the Podkoren slope as its new home. Notably, the Golden Fox was the site of a historic milestone in 1972, when the women’s giant slalom was contested over two runs for the first time.
The Podkoren slope on Vitranc mountain is a challenging and technical stage for the world’s best skiers. With a vertical drop of 442 meters and a maximum incline of 59%, this steep and demanding course promises high-stakes competition for the 2025 edition of the Golden Fox.
Key Contenders and What’s at Stake
Canada’s Valérie Grenier, the defending champion in Kranjska Gora, enters the race with strong momentum. After narrowly missing the podium in Semmering by just 0.04 seconds, she is poised to contend for another Golden Fox victory. Grenier’s history on the Podkoren, including her win in 2024 and a second victory in 2023, makes her a leading contender.
Federica Brignone (Italy), the current giant slalom standings leader, is fresh off her second win of the season in Semmering. Brignone also finished third in Kranjska Gora last year, demonstrating her consistency and expertise on this demanding slope. Sweden’s Sara Hector, the winner in Killington and runner-up in Semmering, trails Brignone by just four points in the standings and is another favorite to watch.
New Zealand’s Alice Robinson, with podiums in Sölden and Semmering this season, has proven she can excel in challenging conditions and will look to secure her first victory of the season. Reigning World Cup Giant Slalom champion Lara Gut-Behrami (Switzerland), who finished second in Kranjska Gora last year, has yet to hit the podium this season but remains a perennial threat.
Top 15 Women’s GS World Cup Rank After Semmering
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Season Standings and Nations Cup Update
After three giant slalom races, Federica Brignone leads the standings with 200 points, followed closely by Sara Hector at 196. Alice Robinson sits third, while the top five are separated by just 84 points, underscoring the tight race for the Crystal Globe.
The Stifel U.S. Women lead Italy by 29 points in the Nations Cup Giant Slalom standings, thanks to consistent scoring from Katie Hensien, Paula Moltzan and Nina O’Brien. With nine North American skiers scoring GS points this season, the region continues to shine with competitive depth.
Nations Cup GS Standings
Seventy-two women representing 23 nations are set to compete in the World Cup Giant Slalom in Kranjska Gora on January 4. Switzerland leads the field with nine athletes on the start list, closely followed by Austria with eight.
Tim Cafe (NZL) set the first run, and Pauli Gut (SUI) will set the second run.
North American Highlights
North American skiers have delivered strong performances this season, and the contingent heading to Kranjska Gora is brimming with talent. Grenier leads the charge, while Moltzan (USA) is on the rise, coming off a career-best fifth-place finish in Semmering. Hensien has been a standout performer for the Stifel U.S. Ski Team, with finishes of fourth in Sölden, 13th in Killington, and a points-earning 28th in Semmering.
Additional U.S. skiers include O’Brien, who finished 15th in Semmering, and AJ Hurt, who scored her first points of the season in her return from injury. Canada’s Cassidy Gray, who finished 20th in Semmering, will aim to build on her solid start to the season. Rising talents like Elisabeth Bocock, who earned her first career World Cup points in Killington, and her sister Mary Bocock, who seeks her first points, will also compete. Canadian skier Justine Lamontagne adds depth to the North American contingent as she looks to break into the points.
North American Women With 2025 World Cup GS Points
North American women racing GS in Killington
- Bib 3, Valérie Grenier, ACA, Club de Ski Mont Tremblant
- Bib 14, AJ Hurt, Stifel USST, Team Palisades Tahoe, HEAD
- Bib 15, Paula Moltzan, Stifel USST, University of Vermont, Ski and Snowboard Club, Vail, Oakley
- Bib 20, Nina O’Brien, Stifel USST, Burke Mountain Academy
- Bib 26, Britt Richardson, ACA, Calgary Alpine Racing Club, Burke Mountain, Academy, Oakley
- Bib 28, Katie Hensien, Stifel USST, University of Denver, Rowmark Ski Academy, SHRED
- Bib 35, Cassidy Gray, ACA, Team Panorama, Atomic
- Bib 52, Elisabeth Bocock, Stifel USST, Rowmark Ski Academy
- Bib 58, Mary Bocock, Stifel USST, Dartmouth College, Rowmark Ski Academy
- Bib 65, Justine Lamontagne, Montana State University, Mount Sainte-Anne
What to Expect
As the women take on the challenge of the Podkoren slope, expect a wide-open race for the podium. Brignone, Hector, and Robinson have been the most consistent performers this season, but Grenier’s mastery of Kranjska Gora makes her a top contender. Moltzan, Hensien, and O’Brien lead the Stifel U.S. Ski Team effort, while rising stars like Elisabeth Bocock, her sister Mary Bocock, and Canadian Justine Lamontagne could deliver surprising breakout performances. With tight margins in the standings and a field full of potential winners, this race promises another thrilling chapter in the giant slalom season.
How and When to Watch
The first run starts at 3:30 a.m. Eastern and 12:30 a.m. Pacific time, with the second run following at 6:30 a.m. Eastern and 3:30 a.m. Pacific Time.
U.S. audiences can watch the race live or as a replay on Ski And Snowboard Live.
Sports enthusiasts in Canada can watch the World Cup on CBC Sports.
Daily Program and First Run Start List
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First Run Start List
