Aerni, / Meillard, / Odermatt / Val d’Isère podium / GEPA picture
Alta Badia Men’s Giant Slalom Start List: When and How to Watch Sunday on Gran Risa
Gran Risa | Sunday, December 21
The men’s World Cup giant slalom continues Sunday in Alta Badia, where the iconic Gran Risa demands full commitment from the opening gate. With the Olympic season underway, early discipline points already matter, and Gran Risa provides an unforgiving stage for the next test.
Gran Risa rewards power, balance, and great timing throughout. The steep pitch and relentless rhythm leave little margin for hesitation, while the punishing lower section exposes any loss of intensity. Skiers must stay aggressive from top to bottom to remain competitive across both runs.
Men’s Giant Slalom Podiums — 2026 Season
| Race | 1st Place | 2nd Place | 3rd Place |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sölden | Marco Odermatt (SUI) | Marco Schwarz (AUT) | Atle Lie McGrath (NOR) |
| Stifel Copper Cup – Copper Mountain | Stefan Brennsteiner (AUT) | Henrik Kristoffersen (NOR) | Filip Zubčić (CRO) |
| Beaver Creek | Marco Odermatt (SUI) | Alex Vinatzer (ITA) | Henrik Kristoffersen (NOR) |
| Val d’Isère | Loïc Meillard (SUI) | Luca Aerni (SUI) | Marco Odermatt (SUI) |
Marco Odermatt arrives in Alta Badia with two victories from the first four giant slaloms, setting the early benchmark in the discipline. Henrik Kristoffersen has delivered steady podium-level form, while Loïc Meillard’s Val d’Isère win highlighted Switzerland’s technical depth. Stefan Brennsteiner and Alex Vinatzer have also shown they can convert speed into results when conditions demand total commitment.
Top Seven — First Run Start List
- Bib 1 — Marco Schwarz (AUT, 1995) — Atomic
- Bib 2 — Henrik Kristoffersen (NOR, 1994)
- Bib 3 — Stefan Brennsteiner (AUT, 1991)
- Bib 4 — Lucas Pinheiro Braathen (BRA, 2000) — Atomic, Oakley
- Bib 5 — Thomas Tumler (SUI, 1989) — Stöckli
- Bib 6 — Loïc Meillard (SUI, 1996)
- Bib 7 — Marco Odermatt (SUI, 1997) — Stöckli, Oakley
With Gran Risa’s sustained pressure, the opening start group must ski decisively from the first turn. Early mistakes tend to compound quickly as the terrain steepens and the ruts develop.
North Americans — USA & CAN
United States — Stifel U.S. Ski Team
- Bib 9 — River Radamus (USA, 1998)
- Bib 31 — Ryder Sarchett (USA, 2003)
- Bib 45 — Bridger Gile (USA, 1999) — HEAD
- Bib 51 — Isaiah Nelson (USA, 2001)
- Bib 61 — George Steffey (USA, 1997) — Völkl
- Bib 64 — Patrick Kenney (USA, 1997) — Völkl
- Bib 69 — Nolan Sweeney (USA, 2004) — World Cup rookie
Radamus leads the U.S. group from a favorable starting position on a hill that rewards aggressive timing and dynamic balance. Sunday’s first run will be set by a Stifel U.S. Ski Team coach who works directly with Radamus, adding an important layer of familiarity as the American looks to convert speed into a strong result on one of the World Cup’s most demanding GS courses.
For Sweeney, the race marks a milestone moment, as the 20-year-old makes his World Cup debut on Gran Risa, gaining valuable experience in an Olympic season where every start matters.
Canada
- Bib 48 — Erik Read (CAN, 1991) — Atomic
Read brings experience to Gran Risa and has previously shown the strength and patience required to manage demanding GS terrain when conditions demand total commitment.
Gran Risa has a long history of reshaping seasons. In an Olympic winter, Sunday’s race carries extra weight, with early discipline points already influencing momentum and confidence. From the first starter to the last, nothing will be settled until the final skier crosses the line.
Course setters — First run: Nathan BRYANT, USA Second run: Wolfgang AUDERER, AUT
Men’s GS Race
The men’s giant slalom is set for Sunday, Dec. 21. Run one begins at 4:oo a.m. ET / 1:oo a.m. PT, followed by run two at 7:30 a.m. ET / 4:30 a.m. PT. Fans in Great Britain can tune in at 9:00 for the first run and 12:30 for the second.
How to Watch
United States: Live and replay coverage on Ski and Snowboard Live.
Canada: Stream on CBC Sports.
Great Britain: Both races air live on Discovery+
Daily Program
Click on the image to download
First Run Starlist Men’s GS
About the Author: Peter Lange
