Road to the Finals, Soelden sets the stage

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The 2025/26 FIS Alpine World Cup season kicked off in Soelden with all the drama, emotion, and excitement that defines the sport. Challenging weather on the Rettenbacher glacier couldn’t stop the world’s best from putting on a show. and giving a first glimpse of the road that leads to the World Cup Finals in Norway next March.

Austria’s Julia Scheib claimed her first-ever World Cup win, closing an eleven-year gap for Austria in Soelden and setting a powerful tone for the winter ahead. For Scheib, the win was more than a breakthrough — it was a comeback after years of injuries and setbacks. “It’s quite emotional for me,” she said after the race. “This is what I’ve been working for. It gives me confidence for what’s coming.”

In the men’s race, Marco Odermatt once again reminded the world why he’s the man to beat. Battling fog and heavy snow, the Swiss superstar charged to his 27th World Cup giant slalom victory, his third in Soelden. With that win, he is tied with the legendary Marc Girardelli on the all-time list. “Still here!” he shouted at the finish line. Odermatt now looks ahead to Bormio, to set the stage for the 2026 Finals.

There was plenty of Norwegian fire in Soelden too. Atle Lie McGrath raced to an impressive third place, while Henrik Kristoffersen finished just behind the top group. Kajsa Vickhoff Lie opened her season with a strong 16th, her best GS result in months as she builds toward her home snow at Kvitfjell, where she made history in 2023 as Norway’s first-ever female downhill winner.

For the Norwegian team, Soelden was a solid start — a sign that the momentum is building toward the big moment on home ground. The World Cup Finals in Hafjell and Kvitfjell will mark the ultimate highlight of the season: a celebration of sport, community, and world-class skiing, right here in Norway.

The road to the Finals has begun.
Next stop: Levi.

Be there for the Finals. See you in Norway.

Written by Patrick Lang