The 2026-27 Alpine skiing World Cup season officially gets underway tomorrow, October 24th, with the women’s giant slalom in Sölden, Austria. The men will follow on Sunday, October 25th, as some of the world’s best ski racers return to the Rettenbach Glacier for the traditional season-opening races.
U.S. viewers can watch the races live on Peacock and on YouTube, giving American ski fans an opportunity to catch the first major Alpine World Cup action of the winter.
Women Kick Off the Season Saturday
The women’s giant slalom will feature two runs on Saturday, with the first scheduled to begin at 10am local time and the second at 1pm. The Rettenbach Glacier course will provide the opening test of the season as racers begin their campaigns for World Cup points and the coveted crystal globes.
Following the racing, spectators in Sölden can enjoy a glacier party featuring ZWIRN. The festivities will continue into the evening at the Giggijoch cable car valley station, where the women’s award ceremony is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. The men’s bib draw will follow at 7 p.m.
Men Take Center Stage Sunday
The men’s giant slalom takes place Sunday, with the first run scheduled for 10am local time and the second run set for 1pm. The awards ceremony will follow the conclusion of the competition.
Like the women’s race, the men’s event will take place on the Rettenbach Glacier, which has become a familiar starting point for the Alpine World Cup season. The opening weekend will offer an early look at which racers could be contenders as the international circuit gets underway.
A Full Weekend of World Cup Festivities
The racing is only part of the action in Sölden. Friday evening features a World Cup party and the women’s bib draw, while Saturday brings a parade of fan clubs through town before the evening celebrations.