Mikaela Shiffrin and Marco Odermatt are set to pursue Olympic gold in alpine skiing at the 2026 Winter Games in Milan-Cortina, Italy. Lindsey Vonn, nursing a knee injury, adds intrigue to the American contingent. The events include downhill, super-G, giant slalom, and slalom for both men and women.
Alpine skiing has been a staple of the Winter Olympics since its debut in 1936 at the Games in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. The sport's individual competitions, such as downhill and slalom, have remained core fixtures despite modifications over the years. The upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy, will feature five events each for men and women: downhill, super-G, giant slalom, slalom, and combined.
American skier Mikaela Shiffrin enters the Games as a top contender, fresh off a first-place finish in a World Cup women's slalom race on November 30, 2025, in Copper Mountain. She also competed in the women's World Cup slalom in Courchevel, France, on December 16, 2025. Shiffrin aims to add to her Olympic medal tally in these technical and speed disciplines.
Switzerland's Marco Odermatt, a dominant force in giant slalom, raced in the men's World Cup giant slalom in Alta Badia, Italy, on December 21, 2025. He is favored to challenge for multiple golds, leveraging his recent form in the technical events.
Fellow American Lindsey Vonn, a veteran of the sport, is recovering from a crash during the women's World Cup downhill in Crans Montana, Switzerland, on January 30, 2026. Despite the knee injury, she recently secured third place in the women's World Cup super-G in Val d'Isere, France, on December 21, 2025. Her participation remains a key storyline for the U.S. team.
Italy's Sofia Goggia also impressed in the women's World Cup super-G in Val d'Isere on the same date. As the host nation prepares, these athletes' preparations highlight the blend of speed, precision, and endurance required in alpine skiing.
