As the first rays of alpine sunlight pierced the crisp Engadin Valley air, the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup roared to life in St. Moritz today, marking the electrifying season opener for women’s speed events. With a “Good morning” greeting echoing from the official @st.moritzskiworldcup account – complete with Swiss flags and a golden sunrise emoji – excitement is palpable as athletes prepare to tackle the legendary Corviglia course in the Women’s Downhill. It’s race day, and the powder is primed for history-making runs.
The action kicks off at 10:15 CET, promising heart-pounding descents down one of the sport’s most iconic and challenging tracks. Nestled at over 1,800 meters above sea level, the St. Moritz downhill – known for its high-speed straights, technical jumps, and unforgiving ice patches – has been a staple of the World Cup calendar since 1987. This year’s edition, part of the 2025-26 Audi FIS Ski World Cup season, features a double-header of downhill races today and tomorrow, followed by a Super-G finale on Sunday, December 14. Organizers expect over 80 top-tier athletes from more than 20 nations to compete, with live coverage available worldwide via FIS TV, Eurosport, and local broadcasters like CBC Sports in Canada.
Vonn’s Triumphant Return Steals the Spotlight
All eyes are on American legend Lindsey Vonn, the four-time Olympic medalist and eight-time World Cup downhill champion, who is making her highly anticipated comeback after a two-year hiatus. At 41, Vonn – the oldest woman ever to win a World Cup downhill – set the fastest time during Wednesday’s training session, clocking an unofficial pace that left rivals in awe. “The course feels perfect, and I’m ready to race,” Vonn said post-training, her signature confidence undimmed. Her return adds a layer of drama to an already stacked field, where she’ll face stiff competition from Italy’s Sofia Goggia, a two-time Olympic medalist and perennial podium threat; Austria’s Cornelia Hütter, the reigning super-G world champion; Norway’s rising star Kajsa Vickhoff Lie; and Vonn’s U.S. teammate Breezy Johnson, fresh off her 2025 World downhill title.
“It’s not just about speed; it’s about precision on this beast of a hill,” noted FIS technical director Markus Waldner. Training runs this week have been flawless, with clear skies and firm snow conditions favoring aggressive lines. However, the event hasn’t been without its setbacks: Swiss favorite Corinne Suter suffered a muscle tear and minor fractures in her lower leg during early training last week, sidelining her for up to a month. “We’re gutted for Corinne, but the depth in women’s speed skiing is incredible,” Waldner added.
A Storied Venue and Global Stage
St. Moritz, host to the 1948 Winter Olympics and a fixture in alpine lore, transforms into a global ski mecca each December. The Engadin Valley’s natural amphitheater offers spectators – some 20,000 strong expected today – unobstructed views from the starting gate at Piz Nair down to the finish line near the frozen lake. Beyond the races, the weekend doubles as a showcase for Swiss hospitality, with après-ski festivities, VIP chalets, and cultural nods to the resort’s glamorous heritage.
This opener sets the tone for a marathon season spanning 74 races across Europe, North America, and Asia, culminating in the World Cup Finals in Lillehammer, Norway, come March. For fans tuning in, the stakes couldn’t be higher: early points here could crown season-long leaders in the high-octane downhill and super-G disciplines.
As the starting horn blares at 10:15, St. Moritz isn’t just racing the clock – it’s reigniting the fire of alpine excellence. Who will etch their name in the snow first? Stay tuned; the mountain never lies.
