Slovak skier Petra Vlhová returned to the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup on Saturday, October 24, 2026, finishing the first run of the giant slalom in Sölden, Austria, in 11th place with a time gap of 1.31 seconds behind leading American Mikaela Shiffrin.

Fresh Snowfall Delays Start on Rettenbach Glacier

Organizers delayed the start of the opening run by 30 minutes due to over 15 centimeters of fresh snow that accumulated overnight on the Rettenbach glacier. Vlhová took to the course with starting number 18, delivering a smooth and measured descent that secured her qualification for the afternoon session, according to Sportnet.

Defending Giant Slalom Champion Crashes Out Early

While Vlhová navigated the tricky alpine conditions successfully, the defending giant slalom champion Julia Scheib suffered an early exit. The 28-year-old Austrian started second behind New Zealand’s Alice Robinson and built a near-second lead through the second split time before clipping a gate that hurled her violently to the snow.

Veronika Zuzulová Assesses the Comeback Run

Former Slovak alpine skier Veronika Valette Zuzulová offered a positive assessment of Vlhová’s performance in her first competitive race since January 2024. It’s not bad at all, the gap is not large. The first three racers have pulled away, but behind them, the skiers are very close to each other, Zuzulová told broadcast media. Clearly, this is a different Petra than at the Olympics, but I think she can ski even better. In the second run, she will loosen up even more and we will see a completely different Petra than in the first. Hats off, an excellent run, she added.

Vlhová Expresses Relief After Crossing the Finish Line

Speaking to the television broadcaster Šport STVR after completing her initial descent, Vlhová acknowledged the emotional weight of her return to elite competition following a two-and-a-half-year absence. I am very happy. I had a super feeling and just waited for the moment when I crossed the finish line. I tried to ski what I do in training, what I have in me, and I am very happy with this result, Vlhová said. It is always possible to ski better, there were mistakes, but given how I am skiing right now, I am very satisfied. We know what I have behind me and I am happy. It is nice to be back, she noted.

World Cup Standings After the First Run in Sölden

1. Mikaela Shiffrin (USA) – 1:07.27
2. Sara Hector (SWE) – +0.14
3. Camille Rast (SUI) – +0.37
4. Britt Richardson (CAN) – +0.53
5. Paula Moltzan (USA) – +0.59
6. Lara Colturi (ALB) – +0.78
7. Estelle Alphand (SWE) – +1.01
8. Mina Fürst Holtmann (NOR) – +1.17
9. Emma Aicher (GER) – +1.25
10. Thea Louise Stjernesund (NOR) – +1.26
11. Petra Vlhová (SVK) – +1.31

Women's Giant Slalom Second Run Begins at 13:30

The second run of the women’s giant slalom in Sölden is scheduled to begin at 13:30 local time (11:30 UTC), with live broadcasts available via regional sports channels including Šport STVR.