Mikaela Shiffrin Leads First Giant Slalom Run in Sölden
The American star set the pace on the Rettenbach glacier course to open the new Alpine ski racing season.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Skiing
Live Poll
Do you support professional athletes focusing on fewer disciplines to improve performance and avoid injuries?
Mikaela Shiffrin finished the opening run of the season-starting giant slalom in 1 minute, 7.27 seconds. Sara Hector and Camille Rast currently sit in second and third place behind the six-time overall World Cup champion.
Why it matters
Shiffrin is entering this season with a strategic focus on giant slalom and super-G races. The performance marks a significant return to form following recent crashes in Cortina and Killington.
Shiffrin holds the all-time record with 110 career World Cup victories, including 22 in giant slalom and 73 in slalom. She is seeking to build on her career tally of six World Cup overall titles.
The players
Mikaela Shiffrin
She is an American alpine ski racer who has achieved 110 career World Cup victories and six overall titles.
Sara Hector
She is a professional alpine skier who secured second place in the opening run of the Sölden giant slalom.
Camille Rast
She is a competitive alpine skier who finished the first run of the event in third position.
The details
Competitors are navigating the demanding Rettenbach glacier course in Sölden during two runs held on the same day. This event serves as the official start of the international Alpine ski racing circuit.
Timeline
The first run of the giant slalom took place on October 24, 2026.
Shiffrin earned her last giant slalom victory in December 2023.
A crash occurred in Cortina during early 2024.
The second run of the giant slalom is scheduled for later Saturday.
Season Trajectory
This performance sets the tone for the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup season as athletes compete for overall standing. It provides an early indicator of how top contenders will navigate the transition toward giant slalom and super-G events.
Shiffrin’s lead in the first run positions her as the favorite to claim early season points in the overall standings. Her success in this discipline directly impacts the leaderboard trajectory for the start of the international campaign.
The takeaway
Shiffrin's strong opening performance demonstrates her continued dominance despite previous setbacks on the circuit. Fans should watch the second run to see if she can convert this early lead into a season-opening victory.
What happens next
The final results of the giant slalom will be determined following the second run scheduled for later Saturday.
Further reading
For more on the current international competition calendar, visit Skiing.
Live Poll
Do you support professional athletes focusing on fewer disciplines to improve performance and avoid injuries?
