Lucas Pinheiro Braathen / GEPA pictures
The final men’s giant slalom of the 2025–26 World Cup season is set for Hafjell, Norway. How and when to watch. In this article you will find the full start list, field analysis, season standings, and key contenders most likely to challenge for the podium.
With the crystal globe still mathematically in play for two skiers and a compact, elite field, this race will be decided at the limit — where strength, timing, and execution separate the best from the rest.
Current World Cup Giant Slalom Standings (Top 5)
- 1st 🇨🇭 Marco Odermatt (SUI, 1997, Stöckli) — 495 pts
- 2nd 🇧🇷 Lucas Pinheiro Braathen (BRA, 2000, Atomic, Oakley) — −48
- 3rd 🇨🇭 Loïc Meillard (SUI, 1996) — −89
- 4th 🇦🇹 Stefan Brennsteiner (AUT, 1991) — −114
- 5th 🇳🇴 Henrik Kristoffersen (NOR, 1994) — −177
Only two skiers remain in realistic contention for the crystal globe. Odermatt holds a 48 -point lead over Pinheiro Braathen and controls the title race heading into the final event. The Brazilian has surged late in the season, but with only one race remaining, it is difficult to see Odermatt giving up the advantage.
Top 7 WCSL GS (Start Order – Bib 1–7)
- Bib 1 🇨🇭 Marco Odermatt (SUI, 1997, Stöckli) — WCSL GS Rank 1
- Bib 2 🇦🇹 Stefan Brennsteiner (AUT, 1991) — WCSL GS Rank 4
- Bib 3 🇳🇴 Henrik Kristoffersen (NOR, 1994) — WCSL GS Rank 5
- Bib 4 🇧🇷 Lucas Pinheiro Braathen (BRA, 2000, Atomic, Oakley) — WCSL GS Rank 2
- Bib 5 🇳🇴 Atle Lie McGrath (NOR, 2000, Head) — WCSL GS Rank 7
- Bib 6 🇦🇹 Marco Schwarz (AUT, 1995, Atomic) — WCSL GS Rank 6
- Bib 7 🇨🇭 Loïc Meillard (SUI, 1996) — WCSL GS Rank 3
This group defines the race. With a clean early track and the fastest skiers starting first, the podium will almost certainly come from within these seven.
Men’s World Cup Giant Slalom Podiums — 2025–26 Season
| Venue | 1st | 2nd | 3rd |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sölden | 🇨🇭 Marco Odermatt (SUI) | 🇦🇹 Marco Schwarz (AUT) | 🇳🇴 Atle Lie McGrath (NOR) |
| 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) |
| Alta Badia | 🇦🇹 Marco Schwarz (AUT) | 🇧🇷 Lucas Pinheiro Braathen (BRA) | 🇦🇹 Stefan Brennsteiner (AUT) |
| Adelboden | 🇨🇭 Marco Odermatt (SUI) | 🇧🇷 Lucas Pinheiro Braathen (BRA) | 🇫🇷 Léo Anguenot (FRA) |
| Schladming | 🇨🇭 Loïc Meillard (SUI) | 🇧🇷 Lucas Pinheiro Braathen (BRA) | 🇫🇷 Alban Elezi Cannaferina (FRA) |
| Olympic Bormio* | 🥇 🇧🇷 Lucas Pinheiro Braathen (BRA) | 🥈 🇨🇭 Marco Odermatt (SUI) | 🥉 🇨🇭 Loïc Meillard (SUI) |
| Kranjska Gora | 🇧🇷 Lucas Pinheiro Braathen (BRA) | 🇨🇭 Loïc Meillard (SUI) | 🇦🇹 Stefan Brennsteiner (AUT) |
*Olympics included for reference only — do not count toward World Cup standings.
Who is dominating the GS podium?
Four different winners have emerged this season, but the race has been controlled by a small group. Odermatt leads with three wins, while Meillard has two. Schwarz, Brennsteiner, and Pinheiro Braathen each have one World Cup victory, with the Brazilian arriving with the strongest late-season momentum.
Switzerland leads all nations with depth and consistency, while Austria and Brazil follow closely, driven by Schwarz, Brennsteiner, and Pinheiro Braathen.
Stifel U.S. Ski Team
- Bib 14 🇺🇸 River Radamus (USA, 1998)
Radamus is the lone representative for the Stifel U.S. Ski Team. Starting mid-pack, he will need a powerful first run to stay within reach of a podium challenge. A top-15 result would still carry weight, helping solidify his standing heading into next season.
Junior World Champion joins the field
- Bib 26 🇳🇴 Rasmus Bakkevig (NOR, 2005, Atomic)
Junior World Champion Rasmus Bakkevig earns his start at Finals and steps into the best GS field of the season. Only the top 15 finishers score points, making the challenge immediate: break into the top 15 against the world’s best.
What to expect in Hafjell
This race will be decided early. The top seven fastest skiers start on the cleanest surface, and with the title still in play, every turn matters. Odermatt controls the standings, but Pinheiro Braathen has the momentum. Meillard and Brennsteiner remain dangerous, while Kristoffersen and Lie McGrath will look to convert consistency into a victory.
At the World Cup Finals, the margin is simple: top 15 score, everyone else leaves empty-handed.
Course setters — First run: Martin KROISLEITNER (AUT) Second run: Rok SALEJ (SLO)
What to watch
The men’s giant slalom is set for Saturday, March 7th. Run one begins at 4:30 a.m. EDT / 1:30 a.m. PDT, followed by run two at 7:30 a.m. EDT / 4:30 a.m. PDT. Fans in Great Britain can tune in at 8:30 for the first run and 11:30 for the second.
How to Watch
- 🇺🇸 United States: Live and replay coverage on Ski and Snowboard Live
- 🇨🇦 Canada: Live streaming on CBC Sports.
- 🇬🇧 Great Britain: Both races air live on Discovery+
Daily Program
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First Run Starlist
About the Author: Peter Lange
