The long-awaited start of the 2025/26 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup season brought thousands of fans to the Rettenbach Glacier in Sölden, Austria—and Marco Odermatt delivered exactly what they came to see. The Swiss superstar, reigning Olympic and World Cup champion, opened his new campaign with a commanding victory in the men’s giant slalom, leaving no doubt that he remains the man to beat as the road to Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026 begins.
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With familiar confidence and control, Odermatt stormed down the demanding course to post a two-run combined time that left his rivals trailing. Despite challenging snow conditions and heavy wind gusts near the top section, the 28-year-old handled the steep pitch and transitions with the same seamless precision that has defined his dominance in recent seasons. It’s always special to start the season like this, Odermatt said after his win. Sölden is never easy—the slope changes a lot from top to bottom—but I felt good on my skis from the first gate. It’s a great feeling to start with a victory again.
Winter Olympic Alpine Skiing: Odermatt Extends Sölden Streak with Commanding Giant Slalom Victory
Odermatt’s triumph marks his fourth consecutive victory in Sölden, extending his remarkable run of success on the Austrian glacier. His consistency on this early-season course has become symbolic of his broader command of the men’s giant slalom field—a discipline in which he has set a new standard since his breakthrough in 2021.
From the moment he pushed out of the start gate, Odermatt appeared in mid-season form. His skiing was clean, confident, and fluid, particularly in the middle section where the course transitioned from the icy upper face to softer snow. His ability to maintain edge pressure while carrying speed through difficult turns once again separated him from the rest of the field.
Finishing over six-tenths of a second ahead of Norway’s Henrik Kristoffersen, Odermatt demonstrated why he continues to be regarded as the gold standard of modern Winter Olympic alpine skiing. France’s Alexis Pinturault rounded out the podium, showing glimpses of his old form after an injury-plagued year. You Can Read Winter Olympic 2026 Julia Scheib Wins Giant Slalom Opener at Home as Shiffrin Finishes Fourth
Building Toward Another Historic Season
For Odermatt, this win was about more than just another trophy. It set the tone for a season in which he is aiming to defend his overall World Cup title and refine his preparation ahead of the Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026.
Last season, he captured his third straight overall crystal globe and dominated both the giant slalom and super-G standings, cementing his place among the sport’s all-time greats. Yet his hunger remains undiminished.
I always try to improve—there are small things in every run, he explained. Even when I win, I look at the details. I want to be faster, cleaner, better. That’s what keeps me motivated. His approach to perfection has been a hallmark of his success. Unlike many skiers who specialize in one discipline, Odermatt continues to balance excellence across the technical and speed events, a versatility reminiscent of legends like Hermann Maier and Aksel Lund Svindal. As the new season unfolds, he’s expected to once again challenge for wins in super-G and downhill, adding depth to his overall points campaign.
Winter Olympic Alpine Skiing: Rivals Show Promise as Odermatt’s Dominance Faces New Challenges
While Odermatt remains the dominant figure, the chasing pack is far from complacent. Kristoffersen’s performance in Sölden showed renewed sharpness after a summer of testing new equipment and adjusting his training under Norwegian coach Klaus Rystad. The 2023 world champion in slalom continues to push for consistency in giant slalom—a key factor if he hopes to close the gap to Odermatt.
Pinturault’s return to the podium was another major talking point. The Frenchman, once Odermatt’s fiercest rival, endured a difficult 2024/25 campaign marked by injuries and inconsistent results. His smooth skiing and tactical precision in Sölden suggested that he may once again contend for top finishes, particularly on more technical courses.
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Meanwhile, Italy’s Filippo Della Vite and Austria’s Manuel Feller showed flashes of brilliance that hinted at a competitive season ahead. With several young athletes emerging on the circuit, including Switzerland’s own Thomas Tumler and Norway’s Atle Lie McGrath, the depth of talent in men’s Winter Olympic alpine skiing continues to grow.
Olympic Alpine Skiing: Sölden Opener Thrills Fans Ahead of Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026
Sölden’s season opener has long been a showcase for the world’s best technical skiers and a celebration of the sport’s enduring popularity. Perched high above the Ötztal Valley, the Rettenbach Glacier offers a dramatic backdrop for the first race of the year—complete with panoramic mountain views and roaring crowds waving national flags.
This year’s edition carried extra excitement, marking the final pre-Olympic season before Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026. Fans from across Europe packed the stands to witness Odermatt and his rivals kick off the campaign under bright autumn sunshine. The atmosphere here is always amazing, said Odermatt. You feel the passion of the fans—they wait all summer for this race. It gives you extra energy.
Race organizers praised the smooth running of the event despite weather challenges earlier in the week. Temperatures hovered around freezing, but the snow remained firm enough to hold up through the final runs, ensuring fair conditions for all competitors.
Eyes on Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026
As the countdown to the Winter Olympic 2026 continues, every race carries added significance. Odermatt, who won gold in the giant slalom at Beijing 2022, is expected to enter Milano Cortina as one of Switzerland’s leading medal hopes. His performances on the World Cup circuit not only reflect his dominance but also serve as preparation for the pressures of the Olympic stage.
Former Olympic champion and Eurosport commentator Bode Miller noted, What makes Marco special is his composure. He doesn’t just ski to win—he skis to express himself. When you combine that with his technical base, it’s a nearly unbeatable formula.
For Odermatt, the Olympic dream remains intertwined with his pursuit of excellence on the World Cup tour. Each race, each turn, is part of a larger journey toward perfection. We all think about the Olympics, of course, he admitted. But the best way to prepare is to focus on every race like it’s the most important one. If you do that, everything else takes care of itself.
The Benchmark of Modern Winter Olympic Alpine Skiing
Odermatt’s blend of consistency, control, and artistry continues to redefine what’s possible in giant slalom. His line choice, balance, and ability to adapt to changing conditions set him apart from his peers.
What’s perhaps most impressive is his mindset. While his rivals chase points and podiums, Odermatt seems more interested in the process itself—the pursuit of skiing’s purest form. It’s this philosophy that has allowed him to thrive under pressure and maintain his dominance year after year. His start in Sölden reaffirmed what many already knew when Marco Odermatt is at his best, the rest of the field is skiing for second place.
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