As the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics approach, Team USA’s alpine skiing squad is shaping up to be one of the strongest in years, blending legendary experience with emerging talent. Headlined by all-time greats Mikaela Shiffrin and the comeback sensation Lindsey Vonn, the American team is poised for multiple podium finishes on the iconic slopes of Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy—returning to the Olympics for the first time in 70 years.
With nearly 30 athletes nominated across disciplines, U.S. Ski & Snowboard has assembled a deep roster. Here are five of the most promising medal contenders:
5. Paula Moltzan – Alpine Skiing
The 31-year-old technical specialist continues to shine, highlighted by her recent bronze in giant slalom at the World Championships. Moltzan’s consistency and recent World Cup podiums make her a strong bet for a top-three finish in slalom or GS.
4. Alex Hall – Freestyle Skiing
Fresh off defending his slopestyle gold from Beijing 2022, the 27-year-old is in peak form. Hall’s innovative tricks and big-air prowess position him as a favorite to repeat or add another medal in Milan-Cortina.
3. Ryan Cochran-Siegle – Alpine Skiing
Hailing from Vermont’s famed Cochran skiing family, the 33-year-old speed specialist earned silver in super-G at Beijing. With proven Olympic pedigree, Cochran-Siegle is primed for another podium in downhill or super-G events.
2. Lindsey Vonn – Alpine Skiing
At 41, Vonn’s stunning comeback from retirement has already secured her a spot on the team—her record fifth Olympics. The three-time Olympic medalist (including downhill gold in 2010) dominated early-season speed races, proving she remains a force. Racing in Cortina, where she holds 12 World Cup wins, Vonn aims to cap her legendary career with one final medal.
1. Mikaela Shiffrin – Alpine Skiing
The undisputed queen of the sport, Shiffrin is hungry to bounce back from a medal-less Beijing 2022. The 30-year-old has dominated the 2025/26 season, sweeping all slalom races so far and building momentum in giant slalom. With two Olympic golds already and over 100 World Cup victories, Shiffrin is the top favorite across technical events and a prime candidate for multiple medals.
Team USA’s depth extends beyond these stars, with rising talents ready to surprise. As the Games kick off in February, expect the Americans to make a major impact on the medal table.
