Sölden plans to expand Alpine Ski World Cup opening events

Sölden is planning to expand its role as the traditional opening venue for the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup. Currently hosting two giant slalom races in late October, the location aims to introduce Super-G events for both men and women starting in the 2027/28 season.

Jakob Falkner, managing director of the Sölden mountain railways, expressed ambitions to transform the season opener into a full week-long World Cup event. This expansion is intended to increase the event's significance and provide a major emotional kickoff to the winter season. Discussions regarding these changes are reportedly underway with the Austrian Ski Federation (ÖSV) and the International Ski Federation (FIS).

Preparations for the upcoming season's races on October 24 and 25 are already in progress, including the creation of snow depots on the Rettenbachferner glacier to combat fluctuating temperatures.