The 2025 FIS Alpine Ski World Championships in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria, is proving to be a thrilling event. Saalbach-Hinterglemm is no stranger to hosting world-class events. In fact, this is the sixth time the resort town has hosted the World Championships, with its rich history stretching back to the first time it welcomed top skiers in 1991.
The stunning alpine setting and the technical slopes make it a prime location for international competition, but also for regulars, holding a special significance. “I’ve been skiing in Hinterglemm for 24 years now, and it fills me with pride to see that the World Championship is taking place on my favorite slope on Zwölferkogel,” explains Kira Wieland from Nuremberg, Germany, who is currently in Hinterglemm.
The event kicked off on Feb. 4, and there has already been plenty of action. The women’s downhill event three days ago was one of the first major highlights, with Breezy Johnson of the U.S. taking home the gold, followed by Austrian Mirjam Puchner.
Wieland, who used to work as a skiing instructor in Hinterglemm, was present on that successful day for the U.S. She–beaming–added: “The conditions couldn’t have been better for the ski racers—sunshine, snow, and cold temperatures…The downhill race for the women was especially captivating, even though no German skier won this time.”
Rounding out the U.S.’s successful performances in the early days, Lauren Macuga made a strong statement by securing a bronze in the Super-G on Feb. 6, while the Italian skiers showcased their skills, with Federica Brignone picking up a silver in the same discipline. The Italian team also came out victorious in the team parallel race on Feb. 4.
On the men’s side, the Swiss team has been unfailingly competitive, adding to their medal tally in both Super-G and downhill events. For the host nation, Austria, there is nothing to be desired: A gold and silver medal for the women and two silver medals for the men so far.
One of the biggest names in alpine skiing, with 99 World Cup titles—more than anyone ever before—Mikaela Shiffrin, had originally planned to compete in the giant slalom but declared she would not. This is due to the mental health struggles she encountered following a severe injury sustained in November in Killington. Shiffrin, who had hoped her passion would overcome the mental barriers, decided not to compete in her previous gold-medal discipline but will race in the Team Combination, a new combination of disciplines introduced this year.
In this competition, nations will field teams, with one skier competing downhill and another in slalom, with the best combined times determining the winners. The U.S. will see Shiffrin pair with Johnson for this exciting new challenge later today. The two athletes, who raced together as young skiers, are now teaming up on the world stage. Shiffrin has expressed great pride in the partnership, describing it as a full-circle moment in their careers.
As the championships progress, the focus will shift to the remaining events, including giant slalom on Feb. 13 and 14 and slalom races this upcoming weekend.
But for now, Saalbach-Hinterglemm is living up to its reputation as one of the premier venues in alpine skiing. The resort town’s legacy of hosting the World Championships again is a testament to its special place in the world of skiing, and this year is proving to be another memorable chapter.
The 2025 event has already shown the skill, perseverance, and resilience of athletes across the world, and the U.S. team, despite Shiffrin’s absence from giant slalom, remains a powerful contender in multiple disciplines. Yet, Italy, Switzerland, and Austria can and shall not be underestimated. The race to the podium is wide open, and with historic performances and new challenges ahead, the best is yet to come.
As a skier who learned to love the slopes of Hinterglemm during my early days on the mountain, it’s a privilege to witness this historic moment unfold on these very slopes. Though I’m miles away here in New Jersey, my connection to the sport and this iconic place feels as strong as ever, and I can’t wait to see how the next few days unfold.
