Alpine skiing season begins in Sölden with Kranjec and Bucik Jogan updates

The FIS Alpine Ski World Cup season is set to commence with the traditional giant slalom on the Rettenbach glacier in Sölden, Austria.

Slovenian skier Žan Kranjec expressed high motivation ahead of the season opener, noting that he has tested new equipment and feels more confident following recent training sessions. While he aims for podium finishes, Kranjec emphasized that his primary goal is to demonstrate he can compete at the highest level, stating, “Motivation is high, the desire for results and top positions remains high.”

In contrast, the season marks a transition for Slovenian skiing following the retirement of Ana Bucik Jogan. After a 12-season career, the 33-year-old slalom specialist concluded her competitive career last season. Bucik Jogan, who competed in Sölden ten times, shared that she feels she has given everything to the sport and is now focusing on new challenges, including completing her education to become a mathematics and physics teacher and working as an ambassador for the Vitranc Cup.