A new five-episode ESPN original series, "On the Edge: World Cup Ski Racing," delves into the lives of top skiers like Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin. The show premieres on January 30, following their journeys through the 2025-26 season toward the 2026 Olympics. Directed by Emmy winner Pat Dimon, it highlights the intense demands of the sport.
The series, available on the ESPN app and ESPN on Disney+, explores the personal and professional challenges faced by Olympic champions in ski racing. It features prominent athletes including Lindsey Vonn, Mikaela Shiffrin, Marco Odermatt, and Lucas Pinheiro Braathen as they compete on the Audi FIS Ski World Cup circuit across Europe and North America.
Directed by Pat Dimon, the production captures more than just races; it examines the toll of constant travel, injuries, and mental pressure required to excel at the elite level. Dimon noted the focus on "the grind of travel, the toll of injuries, the pressure, and the mindset it takes to be and stay at that level."
Sophie Goldschmidt, president and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard, emphasized the series' insight into the sport's intensity: "Our athletes operate on the edge of human performance every time they step into the start gate, and this series captures the speed and risk required to chase Olympic dreams."
The narrative extends beyond competitions to the culture of ski racing and the pursuit of Olympic gold ahead of the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games. Episodes cover themes from initial pressures to global stages.
Release schedule:
- Episode 1: "The Starting Gate" (January 30)
- Episode 2: "Under Pressure" (January 30)
- Episode 3: "Close to Home" (January 30)
- Episode 4: "Peaks and Valleys" (February 6)
- Episode 5: "The World’s Stage" (April 10)
This series aims to introduce viewers to rising stars like Odermatt and Braathen while revisiting legends, offering a comprehensive look at the sport's demands.
