Women’s World Cup and Olympic downhill skiers typically hit about 70–85 mph (113–137 km/h) on the fastest sections, with absolute peak runs approaching around 90 mph in rare cases.

Typical race speeds

In modern women’s World Cup and Olympic downhill races, speed traps on the steepest, straightest parts of the course often record top speeds in the 70–80 mph range (roughly 110–130 km/h). For example, recent elite downhill events have reported leading women clocking around 81 mph and even 86 mph on particularly fast, icy tracks.

These speeds are not sustained for the entire run; average speed over the full course is lower because of turns, terrain changes, and control for safety. But on the big gliding sections, racers are essentially moving at highway speeds on ice, with only edges and body position to keep them in control.

How that compares to other skiing

Recreational skiers usually cruise at about 10–20 mph, and strong advanced skiers might reach 30–40 mph in short bursts on open slopes. That means top women’s downhill racers often ski at roughly double the speed of a confident expert tourist and many times faster than beginners.

There is also a separate discipline called speed skiing, where athletes wear ultra‑aerodynamic suits and race straight down very steep, prepared tracks just to go as fast as possible. In that niche event, the women’s world record is over 240 km/h (about 150 mph), far beyond what is allowed or safe on normal downhill race courses.

TL;DR: In regular women’s World Cup/Olympic downhill, expect peak speeds around 70–85 mph, with only short stretches anywhere near 90 mph on the very fastest tracks.