Photo – Alice Robinson at 2024 Alpine National Champs credit Snow Sports NZ
Alice Robinson (Queenstown, 23) has kicked off 2025 in style, claiming the thirteenth World Cup podium of her career with a third-place finish at the FIS Giant Slalom World Cup in Slovenia overnight (NZT).
“I’m really happy with another podium—it’s great,” Robinson said. “I knew I could have done better on the first run; I skied solid but was too conservative. For my second run, I just didn’t want to overthink it. I wanted to attack and go for it, and I think I found a good balance between pushing hard and being smart with my tactics.”
Robinson’s coach, Tim Cafe, set the first-run course on an incredibly firm and icy piste, tailoring it to Robinson’s strengths. She capitalized on the opportunity, delivering a solid first run that placed her in fourth.
Determined to improve, Robinson powered out of the start gate on her second run, attacking the course with her trademark aggressive and dynamic style. She pushed hard through the opening turns and skied top-to-bottom with precision, taking the leader’s seat with just three competitors left.
The challenging snow conditions, a mix of firm and grippy, caused trouble for some but suited Robinson perfectly. “The slope was amazing,” she remarked. “The surface was unbelievable—icy but not too slick. It was super nice, just great.”
Norway’s Thea Louise Stjernesund, sitting in third after the first run, couldn’t dethrone Robinson, guaranteeing the Kiwi a podium finish.
The day’s victory went to 2022 Olympic Champion Sara Hector of Sweden, who delivered two stunning runs to win by an impressive +1.42 margin. Eighteen-year-old Lara Colturi of Albania claimed second place, with Robinson finishing just 0.10 seconds behind.
Robinson has now secured three podiums in four Giant Slalom races this season, placing her in a strong position—second equal—in the Giant Slalom World Cup standings.
Next up, Robinson will shift her focus to the speed races in St. Anton, Switzerland, next weekend.
