Petra Vlhova is about to return to the snow. © APA/afp / VESA MOILANEN

Vlhova works on her comeback at the Stelvio Pass

Petra Vlhova hasn't competed in a World Cup race since her serious crash in January 2024. Now the Slovakian engineer is facing an "incredible milestone," which she's tackling at the Stelvio Pass.

12 October 2025

From: never

The 2022 Olympic Slalom Champion is on the verge of her imminent return to the slopes. As her team manager, Richard Galovic, explained in a media briefing, Vlhova will soon complete a seven-day training camp on the Stelvio Pass. However, the 2020/21 overall World Cup winner is still a long way from a World Cup comeback. "She will need at least 50 days of high-quality training on snow before we can think about race comparisons or start lists," Galovic noted.

After recovering from a torn medial and cruciate ligament, as well as undergoing surgery due to persistent cartilage problems, the joy of this step could hardly be greater. "Nevertheless, it's an incredible milestone to shift training from the gym, track, bike, and pool back to skiing," Galovic continued. "This is a very significant step for us."

The 2026 Olympics remains the big goal

This means that the season opener in Sölden (October 25-26) will take place without Vlhova. However, the big goal remains the 2026 Olympic Games in Cortina d'Ampezzo, where the 30-year-old would compete as defending champion in the slalom.