On the final day of racing in Kitzbühel, Austria Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete Ben Ritchie was the lone U.S. finisher in 21st place. 

“I am not that happy with today. It was raining and in between soft and salt conditions,” said Ritchie. “I don’t know if I was 100% prepared, but I am happy to walk away with some points and it helps the journey to Sun Valley in March.” 

It was a day riddled with rain which made for a challenging day of slalom racing—quite the opposite from the downhill day just 24 hours earlier. The snow was hard with a touch of soft snow from the rain on top giving the track some bite. Despite the rain the Austrian fans came out in full force lining each side of the fencing - all awaiting the fate of their favorite slalom skiers. 

Ritchie, now in the top 30 for slalom, started the day for the U.S. men and skied solidly. He would make it into the top 30 for a second run with a nice second-run start position. Teammate Jett Seymour did not qualify for a second run and Luke Winters did not finish. 

On the second run Ritchie was pushing hard to find the right line on the variable conditions and just fell short of the leaderboard chair. In the end Ritchie snagged a few more slalom points that put him in better position for the next races. The men’s slalom team will now head straight to Schladming, Austria for the classic night slalom on Wednesday. 

“I need to figure some things out for Wednesday but I like that hill and I am looking forward to it,” said Ritchie. 

After a dramatic second run that brought down the final top two skiers the winner of the day was Frenchman Clement Noel, second place was Italian Alex Vinatzer with Brazil’s Lucas Pinheiro Braathen in third place. 

RESULTS
men's slalom

The women’s super-G in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, was a race to remember, especially for Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete Keely Cashman, who secured her career-best World Cup result in sixth. With seven American women on the start list—Lauren Macuga, Keely Cashman, Tricia Mangan, Lindsey Vonn, Jackie Wiles, Haley Cutler and Breezy Johnson—it was a strong showing despite challenging weather conditions.

The day started with a mix of rain and snow, making the Garmisch course even more demanding. Snow blanketed the higher sections of the track, while rain drenched the finish area. Despite the weather, the race got underway and the U.S. women gave it their all for the second race on the Garmisch track. 

Lauren Macuga, wearing bib nine, was the first American to take on the course, laying down a steady run. Following her was California native Cashman, who faced not just the challenging terrain but also some mental barriers from a crash a couple of years ago on the same course, which resulted in a season-ending injury. Since then, the track has been a mental hurdle for the speed athlete. 

"Yesterday was a really hard day. Just being in Garmisch and seeing a lot of crashes... it was hard," said Cashman. "This is also where I crashed four year ago, and I know that's a long time to get over it, but this is not something you can get over quickly. So yesterday was tough but today I started with a new mindset.

And to have my personal best in a place like Garmisch... that's really good!" 

But today was different. Now, with a solid result under her belt, Cashman is ready to keep this momentum going. 

"Confidence is huge and every race," she added. "I've been trying to chip away at the points and move up in the start list and so to do this today, it's huge for my confidence going into World Champs." 

With her parents waving the American flag in the finish area, Cashman attacked the course with confidence and composure. She carried speed through the top section, precisely hitting every line and staying in the green, or close to, on the timing splits. Building momentum with each gate, Cashman crossed the finish line in sixth place—a top 10 on the World Cup and a career-best result. 

As she crossed the line, Cashman threw her hands in the air. Her teammates cheered her on in the finish area and her parents were just feet away in the crowd. The run wasn’t just a personal victory but a powerful statement about perseverance and overcoming mental barriers.

Next was Vonn. Vonn, who has won on this track five times in the downhill, was ready for the super-G. So far this season, Vonn has put together strong races, considering her taking years away from the sport. She was back in the top 15, securing 13th place. Teammate Macuga was in 12th, stringing together another strong race and continuing to set the pace for her strong 2024-25 World Cup season. Breezy Johnson also punched it into the points, taking 20th place.

The day was ultimately won by Lara Gut-Behrami of Switzerland, with Kajsa Lie of Norway in second and Federica Brignone in third. Outside of the top 30, Jackie Wiles finished 32nd, Tricia Mangan 34th and Haley Cutler 38th. 

Now, the team will rest and reset before the World Championships in Saalbach, Austria. 

The Stifel U.S. Ski Team speed men posted three in the top 30 on the infamous downhill day. The team was led by Ryan Cochran-Siegle in 19th, Jared Goldberg in 25th and Bryce Bennett in 29th. 

“Not what I was looking for today. There was an unfortunate mistake, and it's tough; I tried everything I could to reset and refocus, but once you blow the top, you are skiing unfocused,” said Bennett. “I really felt like I figured out some stuff with equipment but it's all good we are skiing well. It's just building momentum to finish off strong and head to World Champs in a good place.”  

The sold-out downhill day brought out 40-thousand loud Austrian fans for what ended up being a picture-perfect downhill day with the sun shining and warm spring-like conditions. The day began with red bull skydivers flying overhead into the packed finish. Then there were cameos by famous Europeans including the famous Austrian Arnold Schwarzenegger, a consistent viewer of the Hahnenkamm. Finally it is race time. 

The race had its viewers on the edge of their seats. But ultimately it was a day for our friends up North (Canada). Cameron Alexander first threw down an incredible run going into second but it was ultimately his teammate James Crawford who absolutely annihilated the course claiming the win and earning the green light. In second place it was Swiss skier Alexis Monney. 

Our U.S. men did not have the day they were hoping with strong skiing but a few too many mistakes to make big moves. Bryce Bennett was locked in but had a major mistake that cost him. Bennett did his best to make up time - shown in his splits after the mistake - but ultimately ended up just inside the top 30. Cochran-Siegle skied solidly but was not able to find that Kitzbühel magic. Finally Jared Goldberg landed in 25th. 

“I got a bit low at the top which was not the way I wanted to start my run - I was trying to fight all the way down and find good energy,” said Cochran-Siegle. 

GettyImages-2195079835Despite not posting the results they wanted Saturday the men are still feeling confident heading into Garmisch and then World Championships early February. 

RESULTS
men's downhill

On the first day of racing in Garmisch, Germany, the Stifel U.S. Ski Team, women’s alpine speed team, had quite a day, led by Breezy Johnson in fourth place, just .06 seconds off the podium. Johnson was joined by Lauren Macuga and Jackie Wiles in the top 11, with Macuga in sixth and Wiles in 11th. 

Garmisch, known for its low altitude, steep, dark, and icy course, welcomed back the fastest women in the world. With American fans and flags taking over the finish area, the American spirit was present for the 49 athletes on the start list. 

Off the start, Wiles ran bib one. Down the course, she put together a strong run and had her chance to sit in the leader's chair. Then came the Italians, led by Sofia Goggia and Federica Brignone. Macuga, Johnson, Allison Mollin (A-Mo), Keely Cashman, Lindsey Vonn, Bella Wright and Tricia Mangan were up next for the U.S. 

Down the course, it was anyone’s game. When it was Johnson’s turn, all eyes were on her. “This is one of my favorite courses,” said Johnson before the race. She’s been racing for over 10 years at the venue and today was another race to add to her resume. 

Johnson was putting together a strong race and was in the green most of the way down the course. The crowd was getting wild; her teammates held their breath as she crossed the line - .25 off from the lead, securing a top-five and fourth, her best result of the season. 

"I feel good! I had a plan and I executed it well. I was able to execute the main things and next time, the small things will come. Honestly, to be that close to the leaders and the podium is great and i'm excited for that. My goals for tomorrow is to stay excited and get a really good start!" 

Next was Macuga. Coming off her career-first win in St. Anton just a weekend ago, Macuga has become a crowd favorite. Only .38 seconds off from first, it was another solid day for the Park City, Utah native. Dawning her red, white and blue outfit in the finish, “Cougs” was all smiles, knowing she just secured another career top-10 and is going into her premier event tomorrow, the super-G. 

To round out the top 11 was Jackie Wiles. Wiles, whose best result of the season this year was outside the top 30, made a statement today in Garmisch. Running bib one is not easy - you’re setting the tone for the day for all the other athletes. Yet, she strung together a run she was proud of and ended the day in 11th place, her top result of the season. 

Vonn, Mangan and Wright did not finish their runs but are okay and focused on getting back out there. The ultimate winners of the day were given to the Italians, with Brignone and Goggia going head-to-head for first and second place. With only. 01 seconds between the two (the smallest margin possible in the sport), Brignone came out on top, with Goggia in second and Switzerland’s Corinne Suter in third. U.S. athletes, including Mollin, were 33rd, just out of the points, Cutler 35th, and Cashman 39th. 

The women are back at it tomorrow, with the super-G to wrap up a week in Garmisch. Watch LIVE and on-demand on skiandsnowboard.live at 5:00 a.m. ET. 

RESULTS
Women

On Friday’s super-G in Kitzbühel, Austria, Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete Bryce Bennett led the way in 19th place. It was his best super-G result at this venue. Jared Goldberg was 22nd and Wiley Maple rounded out the points for the U.S. in 29th. 

“I have been skiing good super-G and it was alright, but it was more about trying to figure out the edges,” said Bennett. “It was almost like another training run for me. I’ve been struggling with ice and we tried a new solution today. We are really close and I feel confident to be dialed in for tomorrow.”

After rain overnight in the valley, the surface firmed up nicely for the top of the race. However the sun came in and out throughout the race day, making for a crash-ridden day. The first bib did not finish, which meant Ryan Cochran-Siegle, running bib 2, was the first man to make it down the course. Cochran-Siegle skied a bit conservatively, coupled with a costly mistake which left him out of the top 30. 

With multiple crashes and helicopter evacuations causing course holds throughout the day, it was a long race. The French team was particularly victimized, with former World Cup overall champion Alexis Pinturault suffering a fracture, bone bruise and knee injury. Almost all of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team men were stuck in the start gate for a while while the course was fixed. 

“I felt like I pushed through a lot of boundaries mentally with Pinturault being helicoptered away right before I went,” said Goldberg. “I watched a lot of guys go before me lose skis so I knew from inspection that it was going to be pretty gnarly and I was hoping that I would be able to step on the ski and just plow through that stuff.” 

Goldberg's strong performance in 22nd place will give him confidence into Saturday's downhill, a race where he had his best downhill result two years prior.

But the day belonged to Bennett, who stole the show for the U.S., popping in one of his best super-G results and the best super-G finish at Kitzbühel.

The winner of the race was none other than Swiss skier Marco Odermatt for his first win at the venue. In second was Austrian Raphael Haaser and Swiss skier Stefan Rogentin was third. Cochran-Siegle, River Radamus and Kyle Negomir also raced and landed in 32nd, 34th and 39th. Sam Morse did not finish but is OK.

It was clear however that the true Hahnenkamm day is on Saturday for the downhill. The downhill has already sold out of tickets and will surely bring in the lively and electric atmosphere that makes the race iconic. 

“I’ve been enjoying the classic World Cup downhill schedule so you can put all of your eggs in one basket and focus," said Bennett. "Connecting all the sections here top to bottom and carrying speed onto the road is so important. The easy things are key here.”

The race will be live and on-demand on Peacock, and on tape delay on NBC.

RESULTS
Men's super-G

HOW TO WATCH

Saturday, Jan. 25
5:30 a.m. ET - men’s downhill, Kitzbühel, AUT - LIVE on Peacock 
12:30 p.m. ET - men’s downhill, Kitzbühel, AUT - TAPE DELAY on NBC

Paula Moltzan skied to her first career giant slalom podium in Kronplatz, Italy, taking third place. The Stifel U.S. Ski Team women followed her up with stellar results: Nina O’Brien in 10th place, AJ Hurt in 13th and Katie Hensien 21st.

"I am not sure how it's possible but I told myself second run that I wanted to ski strong and I gave it my all," said Moltzan. "I made some mistakes but recovered well and I am so happy." 

It was a bright and sunny day in the Dolomites, with just one day of giant slalom for the women. Moltzan punched it into 10th place in a solid first run amongst a packed field of talent, but she knew she still had a chance for a top result. She then threw down a blazing second run to turn in the second fastest second run of the day to sit in podium position.

Though Moltzan had a podium-potential run, Federica Brignone of Italy and Sara Hector of Sweden sat in first and second after first run—an expected outcome by the two giant slalom powerhouses. But New Zealand’s Alice Robinson, who was sitting in fifth place after first run, delivered an outstanding second run to move from fifth place to first by more than a half second. With bated breath, the crowd watched both Hector and Brignone, running second to last and last, DNF in front of the crowd—propelling Robinson to first, Lara Gut-Behrami of Switzerland to second and Moltzan to third.

Making the podium even sweeter, Moltzan’s family was in the crowd in Kronplatz, waving flags and cheering while wearing USA-branded hockey jerseys.

"My family is here and so it is so special. I think it is a great place to build off for World Championships," said Moltzan. "I think sitting in 10th after first run it is a tough place to move up from so when I had the green light at the end I am very proud of the skiing I did today." 

This achievement adds to Moltzan’s previous World Cup podiums in both parallel and slalom. Her best GS finishes prior were two fifth places at the Stifel Killington Cup and in Semmering, Austria earlier this season. With this result, she also moves into the top seven in the GS rankings, positioning herself as a strong medal contender for the upcoming World Championships in Saalbach, Austria.

The Stifel U.S. Ski Team was proud of another strong overall showing: It was O’Brien’s third top 10 this season; Hurt continued to show her power with another top 15; and Hensien has been fast and consistent throughout her comeback season, scoring points in every GS she’s started this season.

"I am happy with another top 10 and another solid giant slalom result. I was totally shocked when I came into the green second run because I had some huge mistakes so I am happy and I think it is an amazing day for our team," said O'Brien. 

Elisabeth Bocock, Mary Bocock and Liv Moritz did not make a second run. Mary Bocock was skiing fast and did not finish. It was 20-year-old Moritz’s first World Cup start of her young career.

"I was probably the most nervous I've ever been," said Moritz. "My legs were a bit numb in the start but it was fun and an awesome experience." 

The women’s World Cup season continues this weekend with downhill and super-G events in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. The tech team will race again in Courchevel next Thursday before the World Champs begin.

RESULTS
Women’s giant slalom

On Sunday’s slalom in Wengen, Switzerland Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete Ben Ritchie posted another strong finish in 18th. 

“I was really happy with my first run, thought I skied very solid and fast from my bib,” said Ritchie

Ritchie has scored slalom points this season in almost all of the World Cups building on his slalom career. He started the season with bib 46 and now has found himself currently sitting 19th in the slalom World Cup rankings. A big improvement for the slalom specialist.

It was tough conditions in Wengen for the slalom skiers but Ritchie prevailed on first run. He shot up to eighth place from bib 28 - a jump no one else made in the field. By the second run, however, the conditions became more challenging. It was difficult for the top group to keep their groove. Ritchie was in a top ten position - something he had not yet experienced on run one, so nerves ran high. Despite the added pressure, Ritchie was able to make it down solidify and claim 18th place. 

“Second run I was feeling great I just skied the bottom too safely and in a tight race like today that ended up moving me back quite a bit,” said Ricthie. “Overall it’s still a step in the right direction for me. I started the season at bib 46 and now I’m making my way into the top 30.”

Stifel U.S. Ski Team members Jett Seymour, River Radamus and Luke Winters also raced but did not make a second run. The race was a Norwegian sweep with Atle Lie Mcgrath in first, Timon Haugan in second and Henrik Kristoffersen in third. 

The slalom men will race at the famed Kitzbuhel track again in a week. 

RESULTS
men's slalom

On Sunday’s super-G in Cortina, Italy, Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete Lauren Macuga paved the way for the team with a 13th place finish. Teammates Keely Cashman, Tricia Mangan and Breezy Johnson also landed in the points in 23rd, 24th and 25th. 

“I feel like it was some great skiing,” said Macuga. “There were a few too many mistakes but I am happy I was able to get another shot on this hill. Today the conditions were fantastic. The snow is so amazing and it was such a fair race.” 

The weather was a touch warmer with the sun in and out, making the light more of a challenge for the super-G racers. The Cortina surface was still solid underfoot, which created the possibility for any racer to punch it in there amongst the top women. Coming off her win in St. Anton the week earlier, Macuga held her composure with a new amount of pressure on her shoulders. While there were a few mistakes down the middle of the course, she still managed to carry speed and go into the top 15. 

Lindsey Vonn was next for the women and was on fire right out of the gate. With splits on par with a top-five or podium result, Vonn leaned in and fell. However, she is OK and skied through the finish smiling and waving to the fans. Vonn plans to keep the momentum going into Garmisch next weekend. 

Wearing higher bib numbers, Cashman, Mangan and Johnson all came down flying and punched it into the points. 

“I feel good about today. Every race I have been focused on chipping away at the points and it seems like a really good step forward,” said Cashman. “It has been so fun watching Lauren have so much success we have a great team culture and it's awesome.” 

Johnson notably went from bib 51 to 25th place to earn the Stifel Bibbo Award for her great race - on her 29th birthday no less. 

Now the women will make their way to Garmisch, Germany for the next World Cup speed series before the World Championships early February. The giant slalom women race in Kronplatz, Italy on Tuesday.

RESULTS
Women's super-G

On Saturday’s downhill in Wengen on the classic Lauberhornrennen, Bryce Bennett led the way for the Stifel U.S. Ski Team men with a sixth-place finish. Ryan Cochran-Siegle was not far behind in 11th, with Sam Morse in 15th and Jared Goldberg in 16th. 

“Sixth is good,” said Bennett. “At this point in my career, I want to win this downhill so badly and I thought today was a good position but it's tough because you make one little mistake in the ‘s’ turn and it’s hard to get it back.”

The men were firing today after an unusual start to the day. The inspection was pushed back to a mere 30-minute window as winds caused massive delays at the top of what ended up being a very long day of men’s downhill. Despite the weather, the race was able to start from the top, making it the longest men’s downhill of the season. 

Ryan Cochran-Siegle ran a few bibs before Bennett and was looking to capture the speed he found in training run two. Despite his best effort, Cochran-Siegle fell short in a few sections, settling for another 11th place. Bennett ran bib 14 just after Swiss phenom Marco Odermatt skied to what would be his winning run. 

However, Bennett gave him something to worry about. On the top half of the course, Bennett was in the green up until the middle but made one little mistake that would end up costing him more. In the end, he skied to sixth place - a strong result for the veteran. 

“Overall there are a lot of good things and good skiing in there moving forward," said Bennett. "I have not really been racing my best yet so I'm finding that rhythm still. I am building more and more confidence. There were a few times where I was not anticipating the speed to be that high but I managed it alright I thought." 

Sam Morse also had a great day and landed in 15th place. Jared Goldberg showed his speed coming up from bib 34 to 16th place as well. The U.S. men showed their speed, making a statement before they head to the famed Hahnenkammrennen in Kitzbuhel next weekend. They're hungry for so much more. 

“It’s good but it's not enough, especially with this talent right now. I am excited to move forward to the next races,” said Bennett. 

Odermatt took the win, while second place went to Swiss youngster Franjo Von Allmen with Slovenian Miha Rhobat in third. 

RESULTS
Men's downhill

On Saturday’s Cortina World Cup downhill, Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete Jackie Wiles showed her talent on the hill again placing seventh - a season high for the downhiller.

It was another sunny and gorgeous day in the Italian Dolomites, and the women’s downhill field came in ready to compete. The surface could not have been more perfect with not even a dent in the snow after two training runs.

The track is famed for its steep sections, rollers and terrain elements, making it a true test of speed and technicality. Wiles ran with bib one and had a solid game plan to execute her day. She pushed hard over the terrain and every jump to find herself in the top 10. 

“It felt like a solid run. I really needed a solid result this season so I am really happy with the run that I put down,” said Wiles. “It is typical amazing Cortina with the surface great and a lot of terrain that flows super well. This is such a classic track we love it here and it is so nice to be here before the Olympics.” 

Numerous Stifel U.S. Ski Team women also landed in the points. St. Anton’s super-G winner Lauren Macuga had a solid day in 16th. Lindsey Vonn was skiing well but had a mistake at the end of her run and landed in 20th. Breezy Johnson was also skiing extremely fast but unfortunately got low in a few places and ended up 22nd. Finally Keely Cashman landed 28th place. She also claimed the Stifel Bibbo Award for her jump from bib 44. 

“It was really fun. It is so nice to be back here and it is probably the most fun downhill,” said Vonn. “I am a little bit disappointed with my mistake today. I think I was poised for another top five result but you know that’s what happens in ski racing. I don't have a ton of time in downhill gates and there has been a lot going on so I am trying to get into a good rhythm.” 

The Italian fans sure had something to cheer about as Sofia Goggia dominated the field, taking the win in Cortina by 0.42 seconds. She was joined by fellow Italian racehorse Federica Brignone in third place. Second place was snagged by Norwegian Kajsa Lie. 

The women will now set their sights on super-G. It is going to be an exciting race as the weather and surface are expected to once again be in top tier condition. 

RESULTS
Women's downhill
 

HOW TO WATCH 
5:00 a.m. ET - women's super-G, Cortina, ITA - skiandsnowboard.live