With temperatures reaching double digits below zero, the slalom aces in Levi are fighting for their first World Cup points. It is Lena Dürr’s terrain.
“Those were my first two podiums there in the slalom many years ago,” the 34-year-old from SV Germering recalls to BR24Sport about her favorite World Cup venue. “The button has been opened since then. I always enjoy coming back there.”
After World Cup opener with the giant slalom in Sölden it’s only the second race of the winter. But a very special event for the best German slalom skier. In 2021, the special relationship between Lena Dürr and Levi began with two third places. And this should continue if possible.
Lena Dürr about Levi: “My record isn’t that bad”
The slope in Levi just suits the Bavarian. “Why? I have no idea,” she says. She simply takes it with her: “My record in Levi hasn’t been that bad in recent years, that’s of course in the back of my mind. And it gives me significantly more security than it would put me under any stress or pressure,” Dürr continued. “It’s nice to be able to come back to places like this. I know what I have to do.”
Maybe it’s due to the isolation in Lapland and the darkness, as there is only five hours of daylight per day at this time of year. “There’s not a lot of trappings. You concentrate fully on skiing, it’s something special,” says Dürr, who doesn’t put too much pressure on herself: “Of course you always want a good start so that you can then go into the next race more relaxed. But if it doesn’t go well, it won’t be a downfall for me either.”
Emma Aicher: No thoughts about the Olympics yet
Emma Aicher approaches the race on Saturday in a similarly calm manner. “The preparation was good, I’m happy. First of all, I just want to ski well and have fun,” said the 21-year-old.
The fact that it is the start of an Olympic season is not yet a big issue for either of the top German riders. The Olympic races that will be held in Cortina d’ Ampezzo in February are too far away. Furthermore, says Aicher: “I have to qualify first. I won’t get to the Olympics if I don’t focus on my skiing first.”
For Romy Ertl, being there is everything
Very few people doubt that Aicher will achieve the criteria (a placement in the top 8 or two in the top 15). This is likely to be much more difficult for Jessica Hilzinger (SC Oberstdorf) and Romy Ertl (SC Lenggries).
“Levi is a cool slope, flat at the top with the waves and then the steep slope – so everything is there, and I hope that I can use my performance and attack fully,” said Hilzinger. Romy Ertl, daughter of DSV legend Martina Ertl, is just happy to be there: “I’m really looking forward to being able to compete in my first World Cup race in Levi. It’s a really big childhood dream coming true for me to be at the start with athletes like Lena Dürr and Mikaela Shiffrin.”
The DSV squad for Levi
League leadership and relegation battle, current fixtures, results and live ticker, top scorer lists, mileage and tackle statistics and much more: Football in the BR24Sport results center.
Source: BR24Sport on the radio November 15, 2025 – 2:55 p.m
