Sara Hector / Reigning Olympic GS Champion / GEPA pictures
The Women’s Olympic Giant Slalom in Cortina d’Ampezzo is set — and it is global.
A total of 44 nations have an entry in the race, with 76 athletes scheduled to start. The first 15 bibs feature World Cup winners, the reigning Olympic champion, last season’s globe winner, and the most successful GS skier in history.
This is not a one-skier race. It is layered, deep, and volatile.
The official Women’s Olympic Giant Slalom start list for Milano Cortina 2026 is now confirmed. In this article, you’ll find the complete Run 1 start order, bib numbers for every top contender, including Mikaela Shiffrin, a breakdown of the favorites, season podium trends, key tactical elements like course setters, and exactly when and how to watch the race live.
Women’s World Cup Giant Slalom Podiums 2025–26
| Venue | 1st | 2nd | 3rd |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sölden (AUT) | 🇦🇹 Julia Scheib (AUT) | 🇺🇸 Paula Moltzan (USA) | 🇨🇭 Lara Gut-Behrami (SUI) |
| Copper Mountain (USA) | 🇳🇿 Alice Robinson (NZL) | 🇦🇹 Julia Scheib (AUT) | 🇳🇴 Thea Louise Stjernesund (NOR) |
| Tremblant GS1 (CAN) | 🇳🇿 Alice Robinson (NZL) | 🇭🇷 Zrinka Ljutić (CRO) | 🇨🇦 Valérie Grenier (CAN) |
| Tremblant GS2 (CAN) | 🇦🇹 Julia Scheib (AUT) | 🇸🇪 Sara Hector (SWE) | 🇳🇿 Alice Robinson (NZL) |
| Semmering (AUT) | 🇦🇹 Julia Scheib (AUT) | 🇨🇭 Camille Rast (SUI) | 🇸🇪 Sara Hector (SWE) |
| Kranjska Gora (SLO) | 🇨🇭 Camille Rast (SUI) | 🇦🇹 Julia Scheib (AUT) | 🇺🇸 Paula Moltzan (USA) |
| Kronplatz (ITA) | 🇦🇹 Julia Scheib (AUT) | 🇨🇭 Camille Rast (SUI) | 🇸🇪 Sara Hector (SWE) |
| Špindlerův Mlýn (CZE) | 🇸🇪 Sara Hector (SWE) | 🇺🇸 Paula Moltzan (USA) | 🇺🇸 Mikaela Shiffrin (USA) |
What the Podium Table Shows
- Four countries have won GS races this season: Austria, New Zealand, Switzerland, and Sweden.
- Austria has controlled much of the winter through Julia Scheib’s dominance.
- Eight nations have appeared on GS podiums — the depth is global.
The Olympic podium will likely emerge from this ecosystem.
TOP FIVE — World Cup GS Standings
- 🇦🇹 Julia Scheib (AUT, 1998) — 631 pts
- 🇸🇪 Sara Hector (SWE, 1992) — −69
- 🇨🇭 Camille Rast (SUI, 1999) — −87
- 🇳🇿 Alice Robinson (NZL, 2001) — −155
- 🇺🇸 Paula Moltzan (USA, 1994) — −225
The Favorites
Julia Scheib (Bib 7) enters as the pre-race favorite. Three victories and six podiums this season make her the most consistent GS skier in the world. Austrian expectations are immense — but she has carried that weight all winter.
Sara Hector (Bib 2) is the reigning Olympic champion and just won in Špindlerův Mlýn. She knows how to win under Olympic pressure.
Camille Rast (Bib 4) is peaking after her Kranjska Gora victory and has been among the most aggressive skiers on tour.
Alice Robinson (Bib 6) has two wins this season. A medal for New Zealand would be historic. A gold would be monumental.
Mikaela Shiffrin (Bib 3) is absolutely a favorite. The most successful women’s giant slalom skier of all time has returned to the podium after battling back from her 2024 injury. Her experience, skill and championship composure make her a constant threat. You never count out the greatest ever.
Paula Moltzan (Bib 5) has been second twice this season and has firmly established herself as a true medal contender.
The X-Factor
Federica Brignone (Bib 14), last season’s GS globe winner, has only raced four races this season but has already claimed Olympic super G gold in Cortina. A second gold would be remarkable — but she is clearly dangerous.
USA: Four-Woman Team
🇺🇸 USA — Women’s Giant Slalom
- Bib 3 — 🇺🇸 Mikaela Shiffrin (USA, 1995) — Ski & Snowboard Club Vail / Burke Mountain Academy
- Bib 5 — 🇺🇸 Paula Moltzan (USA, 1994) — Buck Hill / Ski & Snowboard Club Vail / Vail Ski & Snowboard Academy
- Bib 11 — 🇺🇸 Nina O’Brien (USA, 1997) — Burke Mountain Academy
- Bib 23 — 🇺🇸 A.J. Hurt (USA, 2000) — Team Palisades Tahoe
The Americans have two genuine podium threats and depth behind them.
Canada: Four-Woman Squad
🇨🇦 Canada — Women’s Giant Slalom
- Bib 9 — 🇨🇦 Valérie Grenier (CAN, 1996)
- Bib 15 — 🇨🇦 Britt Richardson (CAN, 2003)
- Bib 34 — 🇨🇦 Cassidy Gray (CAN, 2001)
- Bib 42 — 🇨🇦 Justine Lamontagne (CAN, 2002)
Grenier leads the Canadian effort with consistent top-10 form.
Tactical Element
The first run will be set by Nils Coberger (NZL), Alice Robinson’s coach. The second run will be set by Karin Harjo (USA), Mikaela Shiffrin’s coach. On the demanding Olimpia delle Tofane, subtle rhythm differences can matter.
With 44 nations represented, four winning countries this season, and multiple Olympic champions in the field, Cortina is set for a giant slalom worthy of the Games.
The margins will be razor thin.
Course setters — First run: Nils Coberger (NZL) Second run: Karin Harjo (USA)
Women’s GS Race
The women’s Olympic giant slalom is set for Sunday, February 15th. Run one begins at 4:00 a.m. ET / 1:00 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 PeacockTV / NBC.sports live
- 🇨🇦 Canada: Live stream on CBC Sports
- 🇬🇧 Great Britain: Live coverage on Discovery+,
Daily Program
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First Run Starlist
About the Author: Peter Lange
