Female alpine skier in red and pink racing suit navigating a slalom course during a World Cup event in Sölden, Austria. — A female skier in a red and pink racing suit speeds through a slalom course at the Sölden World Cup, demonstrating skill and agility in winter sports.

Challengers chase Julia Scheib as World Cup season begins in Sölden

Keith Marshall Last Updated: 23/10/2026

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The FIS Alpine Ski World Cup opens its 2026/27 campaign in Sölden, Austria, where the leading giant slalom racers return to the Rettenbach glacier.

Julia Scheib returns as the reigning giant slalom Crystal Globe winner after a remarkable breakthrough season. A year ago she arrived at Sölden with no World Cup victories; she won the opening race on home snow and went on to add four more victories.

In the men’s competition, Marco Odermatt faces challenges from Lucas Pinheiro Braathen and Loïc Meillard. The wider Alpine season also brings fresh storylines involving Mikaela Shiffrin, Lara Gut-Behrami and Emma Aicher.

Read the official FIS preview.

Keith Marshall Last Updated: 23/10/2026

0 74 Less than a minute