Sölden Giant Slaloms – Holiday, "Hirscher Effect": World Cup as a Box Office Hit

Sölden will host the opening races of the Alpine Ski World Cup for the 20th time this year. Once again, tens of thousands of spectators are expected to flock to the Rettenbach Glacier for the two giant slaloms. The races will be held on 22nd and 23rd October.

Austrian ski legend Marcel Hirscher ended his career in 2019. The eight-time overall World Cup winner also celebrated six of his seven giant slalom victories in Sölden. Hirscher's successes continue to have an impact. "The 'Hirscher effect' is still noticeable. The interest in Sölden is unbroken," says Kathrin Gabl.

Sölden's World Cup races traditionally mark the start of the ski season. This year, the races will be held on a holiday in Austria, which is expected to boost attendance. The race organizers are hoping for up to 30,000 spectators over the two days.

The men's giant slalom on Saturday will see Alexis Pinturault of France start as the favorite. The 31-year-old won the giant slalom standings last season and also triumphed in Sölden in 2021. Marco Odermatt of Switzerland, the reigning overall World Cup winner, will also be among the contenders.

In the women's giant slalom on Sunday, Mikaela Shiffrin of the United States will be the one to beat. The 27-year-old has won the giant slalom standings in the last three seasons. Petra Vlhová of Slovakia and Marta Bassino of Italy will also be among the favorites.

The races in Sölden will be broadcast live on Eurosport and streamed on discovery+. Tickets for the races are still available and can be purchased online or at the box office in Sölden.