Mikaela Shiffrin, the double Olympic champion, is gearing up to open her 16th FIS Alpine Ski World Cup season at the traditional giant slalom (GS) event in Soelden, Austria, on Saturday, October 25, 2025. The race on the Rettenbach course marks her first step toward the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina, now just under four months away.
Shiffrin, a two-time winner in Soelden with her most recent victory in 2021, has a strong history at the venue, securing four additional podium finishes. However, her 2024/25 season was challenging. After a fifth-place finish in last year’s Soelden opener, a dramatic crash in the second run of the Killington GS in November caused a severe abdominal injury. This setback, combined with struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), impacted her GS performances, resulting in two DNFs, a DNQ, and a 25th-place finish across her four GS starts. She also failed to qualify for the GS at the 2024 World Cup Finals.
This season, Shiffrin will start with a higher bib number, reflecting her focus on rebuilding her GS form. To prepare, the 30-year-old from Colorado trained extensively, simulating the tough conditions of racing from deeper in the field. “I’ve been training with my teammates and other teams, working on courses with chatter, ruts, and tracks,” Shiffrin shared during her pre-season press conference. After dedicating her summer to GS training, she expressed confidence in her progress: “I’ve made significant strides and feel good about my skiing, though I know there’s still work to do.”
Fans can catch Shiffrin’s season opener live on the Rettenbach course, with broadcast details available through the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup schedule or local sports networks covering the event.
How to Watch:
Event: Women’s Giant Slalom, Soelden, Austria
Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Where to Watch: Check the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup official website or broadcasters like NBC Sports, Peacock, or Eurosport for live streaming and TV coverage (availability may vary by region).
Schedule: The first run typically starts in the morning, followed by the second run in the early afternoon (local time). Confirm exact times via the FIS website or local listings.
Shiffrin’s return to Soelden is a critical moment as she aims to reclaim her dominance in GS and build momentum for the 2026 Olympics.
