It’s nothing new that before the World Cup season opener in Sölden, the charming alpine town fills with journalists, photographers, content creators, and team members from around the globe. Every October, the stunning Ötztal valley comes alive as hotels and conference rooms buzz with press events hosted by brands, teams, and athletes.
Last year, Norway owned the men’s giant slalom podium. Alexander Steen Olsen won ahead of teammates Henrik Kristoffersen and Atle Lie McGrath, completing a rare national sweep. During the team’s press conference at Hotel Bergland on Thursday, October 23, they reflected on that historic day, shared their goals for the Olympic season that ends in Lillehammer, and introduced their new Helly Hansen team apparel while also discussing lineup updates and comebacks.
Injuries and Comebacks
Last year’s Sölden winner, Steen Olsen, skipped the press conference. The team’s coach said his knee remains unfit for racing this weekend. Olsen continues medical treatment and will miss the season opener.
All eyes turned to Aleksander Aamodt Kilde. After a serious injury, complications, and a long recovery, Kilde spent last season mentoring his teammates. Now, he returns to the start gate alongside Adrian Sejersted and Frederik Moeller.
“I feel really good,” Kilde said. “I had great training days in Chile and I’m taking it step by step. It’s incredible to be back with the boys. Looking back at the past few seasons and now forward to what’s ahead—it feels amazing. I can’t wait to be back in the start gate. My mind is ready, and I trust my body will follow.”
Olympic Goals and Early Season Expectations
Kajsa Vickhoff Lie, who delivered several strong GS performances last season, laughed when asked if giant slalom would be her main focus. “I do like it—but it’s my first time racing in Sölden, and it’s seriously steep! I haven’t trained much on that kind of slope, so we’ll see.”
When the conversation shifted to speed events, her ambitions became clear. “Cortina means a lot to me,” she said. “It’s incredible to race at the Olympics on the same course I compete on every year. I hope we start the season strong and save enough energy for the Games.”
Atle Lie McGrath took a more measured approach to expectations. “Expectations are tricky—sometimes when I’ve had huge ones, I’ve skied terribly; other times with none, things went great. So I just want to have fun and ski fast,” he said.
The Next Generation
Henrik Kristoffersen praised the depth of talent on the Norwegian team. “We’ve got an unbelievable team,” he said. “In the past, it wasn’t as tough to fight for wins in slalom within our own team as it is today. Now, there are always three or four guys capable of winning.”
He joked that having a new coach, Tobias—who is nine years younger—keeps him feeling young too. Meanwhile, youngster Madeleine Sylvester Davik prepared for her first Sölden start and called the hill “really tough.” Oscar Sandvik, the team’s newest and most upbeat member, credited Atle Lie McGrath for mentoring him. “Probably Atle—he’s taught me when to sleep and when to catch a flight,” he laughed, referencing McGrath’s missed flight last year after his podium finish and doping control.
Sandvik added, “I feel privileged to be part of this amazing team with the world’s best skiers. My goal is to make it to the season finals in Hafjell—it’s a hill that really suits me.”
Fans Love the Norwegians
Norwegian fans show unmatched enthusiasm. Timon Haugan said he even has a fan club in Germany—and his own line of fan merch. Atle Lie McGrath remembered his surprise in 2020 when he learned that fans had started a club for him. “I was amazed by their creativity,” he said, adding that he thanked them with scarves and hats he sent from Norway. His fan club now stands out at races, easy to spot by their signature pink ski goggles—a playful symbol that has become part of the show.
Mina Fürst Holtmann and Thea Louise Stjernesund laughed as they described discovering their own fan pages on social media. Both try to acknowledge their supporters with comments and hearts.
“One of the most powerful fan moments for me came in Jasna, Slovakia,” Stjernesund said. “People were so hyped—thousands were already at the finish before course inspection. The energy was incredible, even though Petra [Vlhova] suffered a serious injury that day.”
Team Apparel
Thea Louise Stjernesund also helped design the new Helly Hansen team collection. “It’s great that HH really listens to what we need on the hill,” she said. “They care about every small detail that makes our job easier—materials, fit, functionality. It all matters.”
Helly Hansen’s marketing manager joined the press conference, where mannequins displayed the latest team gear.
Home Finals
Henrik Kristoffersen hopes the overall crystal globe fights end before the season finale in Norway. Still, the team can’t wait to race on home snow in front of friends, family, and fans.
One thing stands clear: the Norwegians enter the Olympic season with energy, confidence, and purpose. Their journey promises fierce battles, emotional comebacks, and unforgettable moments—and ski fans everywhere are ready to watch it unfold.
About the Author: Darka Sefcik Starnova
