Vreni Schneider of Switzerland collected her 53rd World Cup career victory - in her first race ever under the lights - in a women's slalom race Sunday night.
The 30-year-old skier, the defending World Cup champion, had a combined time of 1 minute, 38.55 seconds for two runs down the demanding Kandahar course. She beat Pernilla Wiberg of Sweden by .87 seconds.France's Beatrice Fillol capitalized on a fast second run to finish third, in 1:39.74.
Schneider, a three-time Olympic and world champion, was the fastest in the first run, clocking 47.68 seconds. Her time in the second heat was 50.87.
Schneider, competing in her 11th World Cup season after overcoming several back and leg injuries, said she enjoyed the night event.
"My experience did not count tonight, as it was a first for all of us," she said. "My slalom form is impressive. What counts most for me is to stay in good health."
"I hope that a lot of snow comes soon, Schneider said. "This would be the best Christmas gift for me."