The 2025/26 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup season began with fireworks in Sölden, Austria, where local favorite Julia Scheib thrilled home fans by claiming her first-ever World Cup victory in the women’s giant slalom — a triumphant start to the Winter Olympic alpine skiing season. Under blue skies and roaring cheers, the 26-year-old Austrian produced two masterful runs to hold off Norway’s Thea Louise Stjernesund and Switzerland’s Lara Gut-Behrami, who rounded out the podium in a thrilling showcase of early-season Winter Olympic alpine skiing excellence.
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For Scheib, the victory was more than just a personal milestone — it was a moment of redemption in her Winter Olympic alpine skiing journey. Once seen as one of Austria’s brightest prospects, her early career was marred by injuries and inconsistency. But on Saturday, she delivered the race of her life, combining sharp precision with fearless attack on the Rettenbach Glacier’s steep, icy terrain. It’s unbelievable, Scheib said afterward, her voice trembling with emotion. To win here, in front of my family and the Austrian fans, feels like a dream. I’ve worked so hard for this — through so many setbacks — and today it all came together.
Austria Celebrates Return to Glory in Women’s Winter Olympic Alpine Skiing
Austria, a nation where Winter Olympic alpine skiing borders on religion, couldn’t have asked for a better start to the World Cup season. Scheib’s triumph brought the crowd to its feet as she crossed the finish line 0.12 seconds ahead of Stjernesund. Her aggressive skiing through the middle section, where most racers lost time, proved decisive.
This means so much for the team, said Austrian head coach Roland Assinger. Julia has shown incredible determination over the past two seasons. She’s proof that patience and belief pay off.
Scheib’s victory also ended a drought for the Austrian women’s team, who had not won the Sölden giant slalom since Anna Veith’s triumph in 2014. The result signals a potential resurgence for Austrian women’s Winter Olympic alpine skiing, which has struggled in recent years to keep pace with powerhouses like the U.S. and Switzerland. You Can Read Cyprien Sarrazin Eyes OlympicAlpine Skiing Return After Winter Olympic2026
Shiffrin Eyes Long Game Ahead of Winter Olympic Alpine Skiing Season
Meanwhile, Mikaela Shiffrin, the five-time overall World Cup champion, had to settle for fourth place — just 0.28 seconds off the podium. Despite a strong start, the American superstar lost precious time in the final sector of her second run. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a solid start, Shiffrin said. The snow was tricky — it required full commitment — and I just hesitated a little in the lower part. But overall, I feel really good about where my skiing is.
Shiffrin’s focus this season extends beyond the crystal globe. With the Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026 approaching, every race serves as preparation for what could be one of the defining moments of her career. I’m not chasing records right now, she said. I’m chasing good skiing. The results will follow. As the Winter Olympic alpine skiing season unfolds, Shiffrin’s consistency and drive remain as sharp as ever — a reminder that even off the podium, she continues to shape the narrative of modern ski racing.
Gut-Behrami and Stjernesund Impress
Lara Gut-Behrami, last season’s overall giant slalom champion, looked poised to continue her dominance after a near-perfect first run. But a small mistake in the lower gates cost her valuable time, and she had to settle for third.
It’s early in the season, Gut-Behrami said with a smile. I’m happy with my form and with how I’m feeling on the skis. Julia was simply amazing today. Norway’s Thea Louise Stjernesund also impressed with her best-ever World Cup finish in second place. Her controlled yet dynamic skiing highlighted her growing confidence after several strong performances last season. It feels great to be up here, she said. I knew if I stayed focused and clean, I could fight for the podium.
A New Face Among the Giants
Scheib’s win marks her arrival among the sport’s elite. Once overshadowed by Austria’s more established names, she has steadily built her form over the past two seasons. Her ability to handle pressure and maintain technical precision through challenging course sets now makes her a legitimate contender for future podiums.
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Her path, however, hasn’t been easy. A serious knee injury in 2020 sidelined her for almost an entire season, followed by several years of rebuilding confidence. There were days I didn’t believe I could come back, she said. But my coaches, my teammates, and my family never gave up on me. With this victory, Scheib not only secures her first career win but also reignites Austria’s hopes heading into the heart of the World Cup season.
Shiffrin Eyes the Bigger Picture
For Mikaela Shiffrin, finishing just off the podium is hardly a setback. The 30-year-old American is taking a measured approach to the new season, focusing on balancing recovery and refinement after minor back issues earlier in the year. I’m just trying to build gradually, she said. It’s a long season, and the Olympics are coming soon. You can’t peak in October.
Shiffrin’s consistency remains unmatched — she has now finished in the top five in 11 of her last 12 World Cup giant slalom races. That reliability keeps her firmly in contention for another overall title.
New Generation Rises in Women’s Winter Olympic Alpine Skiing
The World Cup opener also provided a glimpse into the shifting dynamics of women’s Winter Olympic alpine skiing. With veterans like Lara Gut-Behrami, Mikaela Shiffrin, and Marta Bassino fine-tuning their form for Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026, younger talents such as Julia Scheib and Thea Louise Stjernesund are beginning to challenge the established hierarchy.
Every season brings new stories, said Eurosport commentator Tina Maze. Julia’s win shows that the next generation is ready to take risks and that’s what keeps this sport alive.
Italy’s Federica Brignone, meanwhile, had a challenging start, finishing seventh after a costly mistake in her first run. Still, the Olympic medalist remains upbeat. It’s just the beginning, Brignone said. The goal is to build rhythm and confidence. There’s a lot of skiing left before Cortina.
Scheib’s Triumph Marks a New Chapter in Austrian Winter Olympic Alpine Skiing
The women’s alpine skiing tour now moves to Levi, Finland, for the season’s first slalom events, where Mikaela Shiffrin will once again be the favorite. But for now, all eyes in Austria are on Julia Scheib — the hometown hero who turned Sölden into a celebration of resilience and renewal.
As the crowd chanted her name and waved Austrian flags from the grandstands, Scheib smiled through tears. This is why we ski, she said. For moments like this. In a sport where the margins are razor-thin and glory fleeting, Julia Scheib’s victory stands as a reminder that perseverance like the mountain itself — always rewards those who keep climbing. Her story is not just a personal comeback, but a powerful statement for Winter Olympic alpine skiing proof that heart and hard work can still conquer even the most unforgiving slopes.
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