Bridger Gile Returns to World Cup GS in Sölden After Injury Recovery

Bridger Gile Hochgurgl Austria, GEPA pictures

SÖLDEN, Austria — Stifel US Ski Team’s Bridger Gile is set to return to the World Cup giant slalom circuit after battling injuries. Gile, 24, will race on the challenging Sölden course on Oct. 27. Last season, he earned a World Cup start position for this season and aims to make a strong comeback.

Gile missed most of the 2022-23 season due to back problems but raced two World Cups in Schladming and Bansko last year. Now, he’s ready to go all in.

“I had a whole year to think about what I needed to do to get back to the top level,” Gile said. “Once I got back on skis, it felt like I was starting over—just getting balanced and comfortable again.”

The Road to Recovery

Gile’s back issues forced him to step away from competition, but it gave him time to reflect on his World Cup experience after winning the NorAm title in 2020. Gile admits he wasn’t fully ready then.

“I wasn’t ready,” Gile said. “I was young and not strong enough to compete with the best in the world. I’d lose 10 pounds every season. But now I can keep the weight on and maintain strength.”

He focused on rebuilding strength and stability, especially in his back. Gile spent months working through drills inside and outside gates to regain balance on his skis.

On-Snow Preparation

Gile credits his recent on-snow preparation, especially a successful training camp in New Zealand, with getting him back in racing shape. For weeks, Gile and his team enjoyed ideal weather and World Cup-level conditions, which sharpened his skills.

“We were super lucky with the weather,” Gile said. “Our coaches did a great job preparing the hills, and we had about three and a half weeks of legit World Cup conditions.”

For Gile, the camp marked a return to form.

“I hadn’t skied since Pano [Panorama], and when I got back, it felt like I picked up right where I left off,” Gile said. “I was hungry to get back on skis.”

New Season, New Coaching Staff

This season brings new opportunities and a fresh approach to Gile’s training. The new coaching staff focuses less on video analysis and more on data from the course itself. They determine the average speed in specific course sectors by measuring the distance between gates and calculating the offset.

“We know the speed we’re training at, which helps,” Gile said. “The biggest thing they’re pushing is keeping it simple. They don’t worry so much about technique; it’s more about tactics. For example, they’ll give us one thing to focus on, like getting pressure earlier in the turn, and then we have the entire session to figure it out.”

This straightforward, tactic-driven approach complements the comprehensive performance analysis Gile previously experienced, giving him a fresh perspective that helps him improve his performance.

Team Camaraderie

The camaraderie within the Stifel Men’s World Cup GS team has played a significant role in Gile’s journey. His teammates push each other to perform better and keep things fun.

“Our team has a great bond,” Gile said. “We push each other to improve, but we also have fun. The energy is positive, and it’s motivating to train and race alongside guys who have your back.”

With the strong team dynamic and guidance from the new coaching staff, Gile feels confident heading into the season.

Physical Conditioning and Managing Back Issues

Gile has also focused on physical conditioning, significantly strengthening his back. Last summer was all about managing his back issues, but he gradually built up his strength this year.

“Last summer, it was 100 percent about mitigating back issues,” Gile said. “This year, I was able to add more load and gradually build up my strength. By September, I was front-squatting 225 pounds.”

He also credits Pilates with stabilizing his core and strengthening key muscles to manage his back.

“Pilates has been my saving grace,” Gile said. “It strengthens all the little muscles in the core and pelvic floor, which has helped tremendously.”

Gile stresses the importance of easing into exercises, gradually adding weight, and building up over time.

Back in Action at Sölden

Gile understands the challenges ahead but feels ready for the World Cup circuit. Ranked 72nd in the world in men’s giant slalom, he will have a later start number at Sölden. However, with 17 World Cup starts, he understands the intensity of top-level competition.

This race will mark Gile’s third time on the Rettenbach Glacier course, and he knows what it takes to succeed.

“The key to skiing fast on that course is balance,” Gile said. “You must stay centered and confident, especially on the steep and technical sections.”

From Slip Crew to World Cup Racer at Beaver Creek

After Sölden, Gile will have a month to prepare for his next race at Beaver Creek. For Gile, the Birds of Prey holds special meaning. He grew up watching the races and spent years working on the slip crew, helping prepare the course for World Cup athletes.

Now, he will race down the same hill where he once worked.

“Returning to Birds of Prey is always special,” Gile said. “I grew up watching races there, and then spent years working on the slip crew. Now, racing in a World Cup event on that hill is a dream come true. The crowd support there is incredible, and it’s great to race at home.”

Personal Time and Off-season Activities

When Gile isn’t focused on skiing, he unwinds with activities that take him away from the mountains. This summer, he attended a MotoGP race in Texas with friends and surfed in Hawaii and Nicaragua with fellow skiers River Radamus and Jimmy Krupka.

“Surfing is something I enjoy,” Gile said. “It’s a completely different world, and taking that break from skiing is nice.”

He also picked up golf, which he now enjoys in Park City and Salt Lake City, even though it wasn’t accessible growing up in Aspen.

Looking Ahead to Beaver Creek

Gile feels solid and ready to compete with the season opener fast approaching. His return to the World Cup has been long and challenging, but this season offers a fresh start.

“I feel stronger and more prepared than ever,” Gile said. “I’m excited to get back out there and show what I can do.”