FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Men Soelden 2025-2026

Season 25.10.2025 – 25.03.2026

Source: https://www.fis-ski.com/

The men’s FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Giant Slalom in Sölden, Austria, holds a significant place in the skiing calendar as the traditional opening race of the season.

Here is a summary of its history:

• First Race: The men’s Giant Slalom on the Rettenbach glacier course debuted in the World Cup circuit in 1993.
• The First Winner: The inaugural men’s Giant Slalom in Sölden in 1993 was won by Franck Piccard of France.
• Established as the Opener: From the 2000/2001 season onward, the Sölden Giant Slalom for both men and women became the permanent and traditional season-opening event of the World Cup calendar. Prior to 2000, Sölden often alternated with venues like Tignes, France, as the early-season race.
• The Course: The race is held on the demanding Rettenbach glacier, one of the highest venues on the World Cup circuit, with the start line at an elevation of approximately 3,040 meters (9,974 ft). The steep pitch, often referred to as the “Eisfall” (Icefall), and the early-season snow conditions make it one of the most challenging Giant Slaloms of the year.
• Dominant Racers: American Ted Ligety is the record holder for the most men’s Giant Slalom victories in Sölden, with four wins. Swiss star Marco Odermatt has also been highly dominant in recent years, with multiple victories at the venue.
• Notable Moments:
  • In the 2012 race, following new FIS material regulations (larger turn radius skis), Ted Ligety famously dominated the field, winning by a massive margin of 2.75 seconds, showcasing his mastery of the new equipment.
  • The race has occasionally been cancelled or rescheduled due to strong winds or heavy snow, demonstrating the challenging, high-alpine environment.

Source: https://www.instagram.com/fisalpine/ and https://firstskisport.com/alpine/calendar.php

Calendar Source: https://www.snow-online.com/

🏆 List of Overall Winners