Marco Odermatt (SUI) carved through blizzard conditions in Soelden, Austria to claim victory in the inaugural men’s race of the 2025-26 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup season with a time of 1:56:03. It was his 46th career Cup win.

Marco Schwarz (+0.24) of Austria finished in second, much to the delight of his home country fans in attendance.

In third place was Atle Lie McGrath (+0.27) of Norway, his second-straight finish in that position in Soelden.

On a day with limited visibility, heavy snow and high winds, Odermatt showed why he’s the reigning king of Alpine skiing. He came into the 2025-26 campaign as the four-time defending giant slalom and overall World Cup champion. 

Odi began last season with a rare Did Not Finish (DNF) in Soelden, removing him from contention early. With his weather-defying performance this morning, the 28-year-old found redemption and in the process, officially became the second most successful male skier in Soelden with three wins. Only the legendary Ted Ligety has more (four).

The race was air tight after the first run, with the Swissblade leading by a miniscule 0.01 seconds. Conditions were difficult throughout the day, so much so that the second run was delayed by about an hour. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) considered postponing or even cancelling the remainder of the event, but ultimately the weather held up just enough to allow for the second run to take place.   

River Radamus, the top-ranked American giant slalom racer heading into the season, finished +1.89 off the leader, good for 21st place. Out of the six Americans who competed — which also included Ryder Sarchett, Isaiah Nelson, Bridger Gile, Cooper Puckett and Patrick Kenney — Radamus was the only one who qualified for the second run.

Lucas Pinheiro Braathen (BRA), who currently ranks fifth on the World Cup Start List in GS, did not finish his first run.

Alexander Steen Olsen (NOR), last year’s winner in Soelden, withdrew from the competition earlier this week due to jumper’s knee, an inflammation of the patellar tendon which connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia). In 2024, he led a Norwegian podium sweep alongside Henrik Kristoffersen and McGrath, who took seventh and third today, respectively.

The next World Cup event takes place Nov. 15 - 16 in Levi, Finland, with women’s slalom on Saturday and men’s slalom on Sunday. See below for more details on how to watch.

2025-26 Alpine Skiing World Cup Upcoming Broadcast Schedule

This post will be updated as more information becomes available.