Quick Read
- Paula Moltzan finished eighth in the women’s slalom on February 18, her final event at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
- Moltzan previously won a bronze medal on February 10 in the women’s team combined alpine skiing event with Jackie Wiles.
- A Vermont brewery, Lawson’s Finest Liquids, hosted a community event on February 15 to celebrate Moltzan and re-released a special IPA called “Paula’s World.”
- Moltzan is a Minnesota native who lives in Vermont and participated in her second Olympic Games.
MILAN CORTINA (Azat TV) – U.S. alpine skier Paula Moltzan concluded her 2026 Winter Olympic Games campaign on Wednesday, February 18, with an eighth-place finish in the women’s slalom, capping an Olympics that also saw her secure a bronze medal. The Minnesota native, who resides in Vermont, garnered widespread local support throughout her competitive run, highlighting a unique connection between athlete and community.
Moltzan’s Olympic journey was marked by a significant achievement early in the Games when she and teammate Jackie Wiles earned a bronze medal on February 10 in the women’s team combined alpine skiing event. This medal marked a pivotal moment for Moltzan, who was making her second Olympic appearance, having previously competed in the 2022 Beijing Games.
Vermont Community Rallies for Moltzan
Beyond her on-snow performance, Moltzan’s presence at the Olympics ignited a wave of community enthusiasm in Vermont’s Mad River Valley, her adopted home. Lawson’s Finest Liquids, a local brewery, organized a special ‘Paula Moltzan Winter Games Pancake Breakfast’ on February 15. Fans gathered at the brewery’s taproom to watch Moltzan compete in the giant slalom, with local fire departments serving pancakes as a fundraiser.
The brewery also reintroduced its limited-edition IPA, ‘Paula’s World,’ a beer initially crafted last year to celebrate Moltzan. Kelly Putnam of Lawson’s Finest Liquids expressed the community’s pride, stating, “We love to celebrate her wins. We love to have a party and there’s been a lot to celebrate lately.” Moltzan herself, in a November 2025 interview with NBC5 News, conveyed deep gratitude for the support from Vermonters, acknowledging the special connection created by initiatives like ‘Paula’s World.’ The beer was also available at Burke Mountain Resort, with expectations for a quick sell-out.
Moltzan’s Final Alpine Skiing Events
Following her bronze medal in the team combined event, Moltzan continued her individual pursuits. While the specific result of her giant slalom race on February 15 was not immediately detailed in all reports, the community gathering underscored the high level of engagement surrounding her participation. Her final event, the women’s slalom, took place on February 18, where she rallied to secure an eighth-place finish, a strong showing to close out her Milan Cortina Games.
Moltzan’s performance in Milan Cortina, combining a bronze medal with a top-ten finish in her final event, underscores her consistent competitive spirit. Her journey was amplified by the fervent support from her Vermont community, illustrating how athletic achievement can forge powerful local bonds and create a broader narrative of shared celebration and pride.