Vonn, Shiffrin may be in for robust rivalry this season (The Associated Press)

Over hot chocolate, Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin recently had their first real heart-to-heart chat. Among the topics discussed in a New Zealand coffee shop were family, friends, ”girl stuff” – as Shiffrin put it – and, of course, ski racing. It’s exciting to find out,” said the 20-year-old Shiffrin, who will be a big favorite in a World Cup giant slalom race Friday on home snow, along with two slalom events over the weekend.