Mikaela Shiffrin exploded out of the gates in the 2026/27 Audi FIS Ski World Cup season opener, claiming the fastest first-run time in the women’s giant slalom on the Rettenbach glacier in Sölden, Austria. The American star clocked 1:07.27, seizing a slim but significant 0.14-second advantage over Sweden’s Sara Hector and a 0.37-second cushion on Switzerland’s Camille Rast.
The result instantly sets up a dramatic second run at 13:30 CET, with Shiffrin in prime position to open the season with a win in a discipline she’s openly prioritizing this year. The 31-year-old has called 2026/27 an “exploration season,” dialing back her usual heavy slalom schedule to focus more on giant slalom and super-G after years of dominance (and a pair of serious crashes). Her last GS World Cup victory came in December 2023, yet she still holds the women’s record with 22 career wins in the event and a staggering 110 overall.
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The field was shaken early when Austrian home favorite and defending GS World Cup champion Julia Scheib spectacularly crashed out on the steep section, tumbling hard after posting a strong intermediate time. Scheib was unhurt, but her exit cleared the path for the international contenders. Shiffrin later admitted she was “a bit surprised” by her speed after a cautious start, telling reporters she felt good but noted that good feelings don’t always equal fast times. She added she was satisfied with the run and planned to review video for improvements before the decisive second leg.
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Hector, the Olympic GS silver medalist, looked sharp and immediately put herself in the fight, while Rast put the Swiss on the provisional podium. Other notables included Americans Paula Moltzan (around 5th) and solid Swedish depth with Estelle Alphand also advancing strongly.
With Shiffrin’s historic résumé, Hector’s consistency, and Rast’s podium charge, plus the chaos of Scheib’s exit, the second run promises high drama on the glacier. The season is officially underway — and Shiffrin has already sent a clear message that she’s ready to explore (and win) beyond her usual slalom kingdom.
