Overview
- The 2026–27 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup begins this weekend in Sölden with the women's giant scheduled for Saturday and the men's giant on Sunday.
- Organizers reported about 20 centimetres of fresh snow on the Rettenbach glacier and used snowfarming with stored snow to guarantee a raceable piste.
- Mikaela Shiffrin has shifted part of her program away from slalom toward giant and super‑G in what she called a 'season of exploration,' and she will start the campaign at Sölden.
- Marco Odermatt remains the pre-race favorite as he pursues a sixth straight overall title despite a summer hip issue, while Lucas Pinheiro Braathen is reported to be in strong form.
- The opening comes under new FIS president Alexander Ospelt after recent staff cuts and the October resignation of long-time World Cup director Markus Waldner, changes that could affect season operations and rule enforcement.