Petra Vlhová Targets Full World Cup Return as Slovakian Star Completes First Healthy Summer Camp in Two Years

For the first time in more than two years, Slovakian alpine skiing star Petra Vlhová is navigating a summer offseason without the looming shadow of medical rehabilitation. Training at full intensity on the Stelvio and Mölltaler glaciers in Italy and Austria, the 31-year-old is officially building toward a complete return to the FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup for the 2026-27 season.[1]

The milestone marks the end of a grueling physical and mental ordeal for the Beijing 2022 Olympic slalom champion. After enduring two complex knee surgeries and a prolonged absence from the sport's highest level, Vlhová's current summer camp represents a definitive shift from merely surviving physical therapy to actively refining her world-class technique.[1][3]

The journey back to health began in the darkest moment of her career. In January 2024, while competing in a giant slalom at her home resort of Jasná, Slovakia, Vlhová suffered a devastating crash. She skidded out mid-run and was launched into the safety netting, tearing both the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) in her right knee.[3][4]

At the time of the injury, Vlhová was at the peak of her powers. She had already collected three World Cup victories that season and sat just 25 points behind her longtime rival, Mikaela Shiffrin, in the slalom standings. The crash abruptly halted one of the most compelling rivalries in modern alpine skiing and forced Vlhová into an agonizingly slow recovery process.[1][4]

What was initially projected as a standard one-season rehabilitation stretched into a two-year battle. After returning to snow in late 2024, Vlhová suffered a severe setback that required a second surgery to address underlying cartilage damage. The complications made even everyday activities a struggle, leaving her future in the sport deeply uncertain.[1][5]

The turning point arrived in January 2026, when Vlhová finally received medical clearance for full-intensity skiing. In an emotional video message, she announced a late, ambitious bid to compete at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, declaring her intention to fight for a chance to represent Slovakia despite the extraordinarily tight timeline.[3][4]

Her Olympic cameo in February was brief but deeply symbolic. Competing in the women's team combined, Vlhová straddled a gate just 25 seconds into her slalom run. Yet, the result was secondary to the achievement of simply standing in the start gate. "I'm happy that I could start from the gate after two years because it's been a long time without racing," she remarked, expressing immense pride in her resilience.[2]

The ski racing community rallied around her return. Fellow competitors greeted her warmly in Italy, reflecting a widespread sentiment that the women's technical circuit had distinctly missed her presence. Shiffrin herself had previously noted the void left by Vlhová, admitting that she missed the fierce battles that pushed both athletes to their absolute limits.[1][2]

With the emotional Olympic milestone behind her, Vlhová's camp has spent the spring and summer of 2026 strategically rebuilding for a sustained World Cup campaign. In May, she announced the hiring of renowned Austrian coach Mario Rafetzeder to lead her team. Richard Galovič, manager of Ski Team Slovakia, noted that the hire completes the structural foundation needed for a successful 2026-27 season.[3]

Rafetzeder brings a refined training methodology to the Slovakian's camp, aiming to build upon the positive experiences of her previous coaching staff. The partnership, initially set for one season but with long-term aspirations, signals that Vlhová is not just looking to participate—she intends to compete for podiums once again.[3]

Recent updates from her summer training camps paint a picture of an athlete who has reclaimed her joy for the sport. Celebrating her 31st birthday on the glacier, Vlhová posted photos to social media with the caption, "Back in my office." The grueling days in the gym have given way to high-repetition gate training, allowing her to rebuild the crucial snow-feel that only comes with time.[1]

Vlhová's grueling recovery highlights a broader narrative of resilience within women's alpine skiing. The sport has seen several of its brightest stars, including Italy's Sofia Goggia, battle back from devastating leg fractures and ligament tears in recent seasons. As awareness grows regarding the frequency of these injuries, athletes are increasingly prioritizing long-term health over rushed comebacks.[6][7]

The implications for the upcoming World Cup season are significant. While a new generation of technical skiers has emerged during her absence, none have managed to consistently challenge Shiffrin's dominance in the way Vlhová did. A healthy, fully prepared Vlhová injects a much-needed layer of elite competition back into the women's slalom and giant slalom disciplines.[1][3]

As the autumn approaches, Vlhová will continue to monitor her knee's response to the increasing training loads. However, the narrative has firmly shifted from a question of "if" she will return to "how fast" she will be when the start wand opens. For the first time in 30 months, the ski racing world can genuinely anticipate the return of its Slovakian queen.[1][4]