Why US Ski Team the New Queens of the Alps

The American Ski Takeover

If you’ve been watching the slopes of St. Moritz and Courchevel this month, you’ve noticed a theme: the podiums are looking very Red, White, and Blue. While the European fans are as passionate as ever, the American women are currently putting on a masterclass in speed, technique, and—most importantly—resilience.

Here is your “Daily Edit” on the women redefining what it means to be a powerhouse in the snow.

1. The Queen’s Return: Lindsey Vonn’s Historic Second Act

The biggest headline in the world of sports right now is Lindsey Vonn. At 41, five years after “retiring,” Vonn isn’t just back—she’s winning.

• The Big Win: Just weeks ago in St. Moritz, Vonn stunned the world by winning the opening Downhill of the season. It was her 83rd World Cup victory, making her the oldest woman ever to win a World Cup race.
• The Comeback: After a partial knee replacement in 2024, Vonn has officially qualified for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics.
• The Vibe: She’s skiing with a “nothing to lose” attitude that is inspiring a whole new generation of women to ignore the “expiration date” society puts on female athletes.

2. 105 and Counting: The Mikaela Shiffrin Era

While Vonn handles the speed, Mikaela Shiffrin is perfecting the art of the technical turn.

• The Milestone: Shiffrin just tallied her 105th World Cup victory in Courchevel, France. To put that in perspective: she has won more than any other skier in history, and she’s still in peak form.
• The Stats: She currently leads the overall World Cup standings by a massive margin. Last night in Semmering, she put on a clinic in the Slalom, proving that even a “chaotic” first run can’t shake the GOAT.

3. The New Guard: Moltzan, Macuga, and the “Sisterhood”

What makes this season special for Womanedit readers isn’t just the legends; it’s the depth of the team.

• Paula Moltzan: The Minnesota native is having a career year, consistently hitting the top 5 and securing a massive 2nd place in Sölden.
• Lauren Macuga: At just 22, “Cougs” grabbed her first World Cup win in St. Anton earlier this year. She represents the “boisterous” and fearless future of the speed team.
• The Camaraderie: In a sport that is often seen as “every woman for herself,” the U.S. team is famous for cheering each other on at the starting gate. Shiffrin recently noted that her greatest joy this season is watching her teammates’ success.

The “Womanedit” Lifestyle Hook

Skiing isn’t just about the finish line; it’s about the Apres-Ski lifestyle. If you’re following the tour, keep an eye on the fashion in Cortina d’Ampezzo (where the 2026 Games will be). Vonn has already said she wouldn’t have come back if the Olympics weren’t in Cortina—it’s the intersection of high fashion and high stakes.

Outlook: The Road to Milan-Cortina 2026

With Vonn officially on the roster and Shiffrin chasing every record in existence, the 2026 Winter Games are shaping up to be a historic moment for American women.

What to watch next: The World Cup tour moves to Kranjska Gora next week. Can Shiffrin hit win #106? Can Vonn grab another podium? We’ll be watching.