With only a limited number of races completed and Olympic selection looming, the World Cup super-G entered the Christmas break under mounting pressure. From breakout performances and emotional podiums to depleted fields and tightening calendars, both the women’s and men’s disciplines are already taking shape in an Olympic season.
The World Cup giant slalom season hits the Christmas break with momentum building on both sides. On the women’s side, Alice Robinson and Julia Scheib are locked in a rising rivalry. On the men’s side, Stefan Brennsteiner leads while Marco Odermatt remains the standard as Olympic pressure intensifies.
With the holiday break underway, the World Cup downhill standings are already taking shape in an Olympic season. Preseason injuries, Swiss dominance, and a front-loaded schedule are defining the women’s and men’s races as the road to Cortina d’Ampezzo and Bormio begins to narrow.
Atle Lie McGrath pushed the second run to the limit to win a wildly dramatic Alta Badia slalom on Gran Risa, where eight lead changes reshaped the race and Clément Noël settled for second.
Marco Schwarz claimed victory at Alta Badia’s Gran Risa giant slalom, with Lucas Braathen and Stefan Brennsteiner completing the podium. The race highlighted precision, composure, and tactical skiing, while Fabian Gratz’s impressive climb and North American efforts added excitement to a challenging second run.
Sofia Goggia claimed her eighth World Cup super-G victory in Val d’Isère as Lindsey Vonn returned to the podium in third. Alice Robinson finished second and retained the season discipline lead.
Franjo von Allmen edged Marco Odermatt to win the Saslong Classic downhill as Switzerland swept the top two spots again and Italy earned its third podium in three days on home snow.
Cornelia Huetter of Austria dominated the Val d’Isère downhill, taking the win with a near two-second advantage. Kira Weidle Winkelmann and Lindsey Vonn completed the podium while North Americans showed depth with strong top 30 performances, including Breezy Johnson in seventh and Valérie Grenier 23rd.
Jan Zabystran shocked the alpine world with a historic super-G victory in Val Gardena, earning the first men’s World Cup win for the Czech Republic and denying Marco Odermatt late on the Saslong.
Marco Odermatt claimed his 50th career World Cup victory and fifth win of the season in Thursday’s Val Gardena sprint downhill. Switzerland went 1–2, while Italy thrilled the home crowd by placing four skiers inside the top 10 amid fog delays, dramatic crashes, and standout high-bib performances.
Mikaela Shiffrin crushed the field in the Courchevel night slalom, extending her slalom winning streak as dramatic lead changes and big second-run moves defined the night.
Mikaela Shiffrin delivered a commanding first run in the Courchevel night slalom, separating herself from the field as warm conditions and a demanding course led to a high number of DNFs among 67 starters.
Timon Haugan pushed his limits while staying within his ability to win Sunday’s men’s World Cup slalom in Val d’Isère. Norway placed four skiers in the top six as the race demanded tactical skiing and nerve from start to finish.
Alice Robinson claimed her first-ever Super-G World Cup victory in St. Moritz with a fearless, attacking run, holding off Romane Miradoli and Sofia Goggia in a tight battle. The day also saw strong performances from the U.S. team, including first Super-G points for Haley Cutler and Mary Bocock. A thrilling race on a challenging course rewarded bravery, precision, and speed.
Loïc Meillard delivered under pressure to win the Val d’Isère men’s giant slalom, powering a Swiss sweep on the demanding Bellevarde. Luca Aerni claimed the first World Cup GS podium of his career, Marco Odermatt seized sole possession of the season standings lead, and River Radamus stormed from deep in the field to sixth with the fastest second run.
Lindsey Vonn returned to the podium in St. Moritz, finishing second in the women’s World Cup downhill, while Germany’s Emma Aicher stole the spotlight with a breakout performance. The U.S. team showed depth and momentum, and with key names absent, tomorrow’s Super-G promises more high-speed excitement.
Lindsey Vonn opened the 2026 Olympic World Cup season with a historic downhill victory in St. Moritz, delivering a dominant performance that rewrote the record books and showcased the depth of the U.S. women’s speed team.
Lindsey Vonn World Cup Victory 83 / GEPA pictures What a sensational start to the
Marco Odermatt claims victory as the Stifel Birds of Prey GS concludes! Italy's Alex Vinatzer achieves his first career podium, Henrik Kristoffersen earns third, and the U.S. men make significant moves in the final standings.
Mikaela Shiffrin powered to her fourth straight World Cup slalom win in Copper Mountain, leading a landmark 100th U.S. women’s SL victory on a dramatic second run.
Mikaela Shiffrin charged to the lead in the Copper Mountain slalom, setting up a high-pressure second run. Six North Americans advanced, and nine high-bib athletes skied into the top 30 on a demanding course.
Austria’s Stephan Brennsteiner delivered the best skiing of his career to win the Copper Mountain giant slalom — his first World Cup victory — after a dramatic second run that reshuffled the standings and pushed the world’s best to their limits.
Mikaela Shiffrin closed the Gurgl slalom with a masterclass, while Paula Moltzan and Laurence ST-Germain delivered major second-run moves. Click for the full race report.
Shiffrin controlled the first run in Gurgl on a cold morning filled with DNFs, big gaps, and high-bib surprises. Click for the full report.
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