Swiss alpine skiing powerhouse Marco Odermatt electrified the World Cup opener in Sölden, securing his third consecutive giant slalom victory on the Rettenbach glacier and claiming his 46th career World Cup win. The performance drew high praise from American skiing icon Mikaela Shiffrin, who celebrated the men’s field for their thrilling start to the 2025-2026 season, spotlighting Odermatt’s triumph with an enthusiastic social media post: “MARCOOO ODERMATTTT!!! 🇨🇭💥 Wow! Third win in Soelden and 46th World Cup victory! 🏆🔥”
Odermatt, 28, delivered a commanding performance, navigating the steep, icy course with precision to outpace a stacked field. His blistering second run cemented a lead established in the morning, showcasing the technical mastery and speed that have made him a three-time defending giant slalom Crystal Globe winner. “Sölden always brings out something special,” Odermatt said post-race, surrounded by cheering Swiss fans. “The energy here pushes me to ski my best.” His victory reinforces his dominance on this iconic slope and sets a formidable tone for his pursuit of another overall World Cup title.
The podium was rounded out by Austria’s Marco Schwarz, who claimed silver (+0.24 seconds), and Norway’s Atle Lie McGrath, who earned bronze (+0.27). Schwarz’s consistent runs underscored his growing prowess, while McGrath’s result signaled a breakout moment for the young Norwegian, who attributed his success to rigorous offseason preparation. The tight margins—less than three-tenths of a second separating the top three—highlighted the intensity of the competition on Sölden’s demanding 80-gate course.
Shiffrin, whose own fourth-place finish in the women’s giant slalom the previous day sparked excitement for her season, took to X to salute the men’s field. “What a way to start the season!” she wrote, lauding the “impressive start” by Odermatt and his rivals. Her words, amplified by her status as a six-time overall World Cup champion, added to the buzz surrounding the opener, echoing sentiments from retired legend Lindsey Vonn, who earlier praised the U.S. Ski Team’s efforts.
The Sölden event, set against the Tyrolean Alps’ crisp autumn backdrop, drew thousands of spectators and marked the traditional launch of the alpine skiing calendar. Despite variable winds challenging early starters, the race unfolded smoothly, allowing athletes to showcase their skill on the glacier’s punishing terrain. Odermatt’s third straight Sölden win places him among skiing’s elite, with his 46 career victories drawing him closer to historic benchmarks set by legends like Ingemar Stenmark (86) and Marcel Hirscher (67).
Swiss team officials hailed Odermatt’s performance as a launchpad for the season, with head coach Reto Wenk noting, “Marco’s focus and execution were flawless, but the depth in this field promises an exciting winter.” Austrian and Norwegian coaches similarly expressed optimism, with Schwarz calling the podium “a confidence boost” and McGrath eyeing further breakthroughs.
As the World Cup moves to Levi, Finland, for next month’s slalom events, Odermatt’s Sölden masterclass has set a high bar. With Shiffrin and Vonn among the sport’s luminaries cheering the action, the alpine community is united in anticipation of a season that could redefine rivalries and records. Odermatt, already looking ahead to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Beijing, remains grounded: “This is just the start. There’s a long road to ski.”
