The Alpine skiing world championships, commonly referred to as the “skiing worlds,” are the most prestigious skiing event outside of the Olympics. Held every other year at different Alpine resorts, this year’s 13-day competition is taking place in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria, from February 6 to 19. Here’s everything you need to know about the championships, including the schedule, competitors, and how to watch.
What to Expect from the Championships
The Alpine skiing world championships feature 11 medal events, including the traditional disciplines of super-G, downhill, giant slalom, and slalom for both men and women. Additionally, there are team parallel and team combined events, which make their debut this year. The top three finishers in each event will receive gold, silver, and bronze medals, respectively.
This year’s championships hold special significance, as they take place exactly a year before the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics. The event will provide a valuable opportunity for skiers to test their skills and prepare for the Olympics.
Big Names Competing in the Championships
The Alpine skiing world championships have attracted a star-studded field, featuring some of the biggest names in the sport. Lindsey Vonn, the legendary American skier, has made a remarkable comeback after nearly six years of retirement. Vonn, who has undergone a partial knee replacement, will compete in the super-G and downhill events on February 9 and 11, respectively.
Mikaela Shiffrin, another American skiing sensation, has also returned to competition after recovering from a severe puncture wound sustained in a crash in late November. Shiffrin will compete in the giant slalom and slalom events on February 13 and 15, respectively. Vonn and Shiffrin may also team up in the new team combined event on February 11.
On the men’s side, Swiss standout Marco Odermatt is the top contender. Odermatt is expected to compete in all events except the slalom.
How to Watch the Alpine Skiing World Championships
Skiing fans can catch all the action from the Alpine skiing world championships on various platforms. In the United States, races can be streamed live and on demand on skiandsnowboard.live. Weekend events will also be broadcast on tape delay on NBC.
In Canada, races are streamed live on CBC, while in Europe, they are shown live on Eurosport and various national broadcasters. A full schedule of events and broadcast times is available online.
Conclusion
The Alpine skiing world championships are a must-watch event for skiing enthusiasts. With a talented field of competitors, including Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin, the championships promise to deliver exciting action and drama on the slopes. Whether you’re watching online or on television, don’t miss the opportunity to witness the world’s best skiers in action.
