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The focus on Mikaela Shiffrin this winter is rapidly shifting from the technical courses she has dominated to the high-speed thrill of the Super-G. Following an electric start to the 2025-2026 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup season, which included three decisive slalom victories, the American superstar has officially turned her attention toward the European leg of the tour, sparking a wave of speculation that has now been confirmed: Shiffrin is set to compete in the St. Moritz Super-G.
The decision marks a critical step in Shiffrin’s meticulous preparation for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, signaling her readiness to return to the speed disciplines—and setting the stage for one of the most anticipated showdowns in recent alpine skiing history.
The Social Media Spark
The drama was initially fueled by a cryptic social media post. After a successful run in North America, including solid results in the Giant Slalom in Tremblant, Shiffrin confirmed her travel plans via her podcast’s Instagram account. The caption simply stated: “🥶brrrr…it’s cold in here (here=@monttremblant) Next stop 🔜 Europe ⛷️.”
The immediate reaction from her dedicated fanbase centered on her schedule for the upcoming stop in St. Moritz, Switzerland, a venue where Shiffrin boasts an impressive history, including multiple Super-G podiums and a victory in 2022. One fan directly asked in the comments, “You did well Miki. So, St Moritz SG? I think you love that place, no?” Shiffrin’s short, noncommittal reply—”we’ll see!!”—was enough to send the ski racing world into a frenzy.
A Highly-Anticipated Speed Return
While Shiffrin’s technical prowess in slalom and Giant Slalom (GS) has been the cornerstone of her 104 World Cup victories—more than any other skier in history—her full capacity lies in her versatility across all five disciplines. Her decision to contest the Super-G in St. Moritz, her first speed race since December 2023, is a major signal that she is beginning to ramp up her full World Cup schedule ahead of the Winter Olympics.
The American star had publicly announced earlier this year that she would focus on the technical events at the beginning of the 2025-26 season to refine her form, particularly after challenges in GS during the prior campaign. Her return to the Super-G is the moment her season plan truly begins to branch out.
The Rivalry Rekindled
The sheer magnitude of the St. Moritz event is amplified by the presence of another alpine skiing legend: Lindsey Vonn. The four-time Overall World Cup champion is scheduled to make her long-awaited season debut in St. Moritz. With Vonn, who has amassed a World Cup record 28 Super-G victories, committing to all three speed races (two downhill and one Super-G), the stage is perfectly set for a potential showdown between two generations of American skiing greatness.
While Shiffrin has been consistently scoring high in the technical events, the speed weekend offers a crucial early-season test against some of the world’s best, including Italian star Sofia Goggia. The two downhills on Friday and Saturday, followed by the Super-G on Sunday, December 14, will be essential for Olympic seeding and building confidence in the high-stakes speed disciplines.
For Shiffrin, the St. Moritz Super-G is more than just a race; it’s a strategic checkpoint. Her success in a discipline that comes “most naturally” to her will dictate how aggressively she pursues the overall World Cup crystal globe and her multi-medal ambitions for the 2026 Games.