LOC and FIS officials inspecting the race course on the Rettenbach Glacier in Sölden. | Image: Sölden
Sölden, Austria, has passed its official snow control, confirming the 2026–27 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup season opener will go ahead as scheduled on October 24–25. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) gave the green light to the Rettenbach Glacier racecourse on Thursday, October 15, clearing the way for the traditional opening giant slalom races.
“Green light for the Ski World Cup Opener in Sölden!” the event page announced on social media, celebrating the successful inspection and confirmation of the upcoming race weekend. The women’s giant slalom is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, followed by the men’s race on Sunday, October 25. Both races feature two runs, with the first starting at 10 a.m. local time and the second at 1 p.m.
What Is the FIS Snow Control?
The snow control is an official inspection conducted ahead of the opening races to determine whether a resort has sufficient snow and can prepare a course suitable for safe, fair competition. It is a key checkpoint on the early-season World Cup calendar, when fall temperatures and changing weather can make race preparation challenging.
Sölden’s inspection confirmed that the Rettenbach Glacier course is ready for the event, although work will continue before the racers reach the starting gate. FIS race director Janez Hladnik praised the work of course chief Isidor Grüner and his team, while noting that preparations were not yet complete.
The glacier has already been open for public skiing and team training since the beginning of October. Recent precipitation has helped organizers prepare the race piste, while teams from several nations have been using the glacier for their final training sessions before the season begins.
LOC and FIS officials inspecting the race course on the Rettenbach Glacier in Sölden. | Image: Sölden
Odermatt, Braathen, Shiffrin and Scheib Among the Stars
The opening weekend will bring many of alpine skiing’s biggest names back to competition. Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt, American Mikaela Shiffrin, Brazil’s Lucas Pinheiro Braathen and Austrian Julia Scheib are among the top stars expected to shine on the glacier.
Odermatt will be one of the leading contenders in the men’s giant slalom. Scheib returns as the defending women’s race winner after taking victory in Sölden last year, while Shiffrin will be among the major attractions if she takes the start. Her participation should be confirmed against the final start list, as reports published this week indicated she had not yet officially confirmed her entry.
Two major Italian names will be missing from the women’s field. Sofia Goggia is set to miss the opener while recovering from viral infections that disrupted her preparation, while Federica Brignone remains sidelined as she continues her recovery from a serious leg injury. Italy will nevertheless have Marta Bassino back in action. The former giant slalom world champion is returning after missing the entire previous season because of injury.
A Demanding Start to the Season
Sölden’s Rettenbach Glacier is a fitting early-season test. The giant slalom course features gradients of up to 68% and a vertical drop of approximately 370 meters (1,214 feet), demanding precision and confidence from racers who have spent the offseason preparing for the new campaign. Additional waves in the flatter finish section add another technical challenge.
The racing begins Saturday, October 24, with the women’s giant slalom, followed by the men’s event on Sunday. Fans arriving early can also attend the opening celebrations, including the women’s bib draw and World Cup party on Friday evening, followed by the traditional fan club parade through Sölden on Saturday.
With the snow control passed, the countdown to the first races of the new World Cup season is officially on.
Thumbs up from the LOC and FIS officials for the snow control in Sölden. | Image: Sölden