Marco Odermatt / Val d’lsere 2024 / GEPA picture
VAL D’ISÈRE, France — The men’s Alpine World Cup returns to Europe on Saturday with the Val d’Isère giant slalom, the fourth GS of the 2025–26 season and the first giant slalom held in Europe this winter. With the Olympic season underway, early discipline points already matter, and Bellevarde provides a demanding stage for the next test.
The Stade Olympique de Bellevarde rewards commitment from the opening gate. The slope demands power, balance, and strong timing throughout, with little margin for hesitation. Firm December conditions and sustained pitch ensure that 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) |
Marco Odermatt arrives in Val d’Isère with two victories from the first three giant slaloms, establishing early control in the discipline. Henrik Kristoffersen has matched that podium consistency, while Stefan Brennsteiner and Alex Vinatzer have already shown they can convert speed into results when conditions demand commitment.
Top Seven — First Run Start List
- Bib 1 — Thomas Tumler (SUI, 1989) — Stöckli
- Bib 2 — Lucas Pinheiro Braathen (BRA, 2000) — Atomic
- Bib 3 — Marco Odermatt (SUI, 1997) — Stöckli
- Bib 4 — Žan Kranjec (SLO, 1992)
- Bib 5 — Stefan Brennsteiner (AUT, 1991)
- Bib 6 — Loïc Meillard (SUI, 1996)
- Bib 7 — Henrik Kristoffersen (NOR, 1994)
With Bellevarde’s sustained pressure, the opening start group will need to ski decisively from the first turn. Early mistakes tend to grow as the terrain steepens.
North Americans — USA & CAN
United States — Stifel U.S. Ski Team
- Bib 12 — River Radamus (USA, 1998)
- Bib 45 — Bridger Gile (USA, 1999) — HEAD
- Bib 52 — Ryder Sarchett (USA, 2003)
- Bib 59 — George Steffey (USA, 1997) — Völkl
Radamus leads the U.S. group from a favorable starting position, while Gile, Sarchett, and Steffey look to capitalize on a venue that rewards confidence and sustained pressure.
Canada
- Bib 48 — Erik Read (CAN, 1991) — Atomic
Read brings proven experience to Bellevarde. He recorded a top-10 giant slalom finish on this slope in 2016, a reminder that the Canadian has shown his ability to manage the terrain when conditions demand patience and strength.
Great Britain (GBR)
- Bib 60 — Freddy Carrick-Smith (GBR, 2007)
Carrick-Smith represents Great Britain in Saturday’s race, continuing his rookie season on one of the World Cup’s most demanding GS venues.
Course setters — First run: Helmut KRUG Second run: Mickael PILARSKI GER
Men’s GS Race
The men’s giant slalom is set for Saturday, Dec. 13. Run one begins at 3:30 a.m. ET / 12:30 a.m. PT, followed by run two at 7:00 a.m. ET / 4:00 a.m. PT. Fans in Great Britain can tune in at 8:30 for the first run and 12:00 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
