Calgary, AB. (Oct 25, 2025) — The FIS Alpine Ski World Cup season opened today with the women’s giant slalom (GS) in the traditional first race of the season in Sölden (AUT). Valérie Grenier (St. Isidore, ON) took 11th place today with two solid runs to set the tone for the World Cup circuit in a season that includes the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games.
66 women took to the start gate today in the first of 11 GS races, and the first of 38 alpine World Cup races for the women this season. Starting 15th, Grenier was 10th after the first run and produced another strong run to finish 11th on the day. Gernier’s previous best result in Sölden is a pair of seventh place finishes in 2021 and ‘23. Grenier missed last season’s opener recovering from injury.
“Overall today’s result is OK, but not great, so I’m a little disappointed,” said Grenier. “Two mistakes in the first run this morning hurt my time but at least the first race is done and we have time between races to put in the work training and preparing for the next races. I want a lot more this season, and I know I can do better.”
Britt Richardson (Canmore, AB), racing in her 31st World Cup GS, was 17th in her first run and 22nd in the second run, resulting in a 20th place finish. This is Richardson’s career 10th top 20 and her third top 25 in four starts in Sölden.
Cassidy Gray (Panorama, BC) was 43rd in the first run and missed advancing to the second run, while Justine Lamontagne (St-Ferréol-les-Neiges, QC), in her ninth World Cup GS start, didn’t finish her first run today.
Next races: (link to FIS Calendar)
There is a men’s GS tomorrow, Sunday October 26 in Sölden (AUT)
Women and men race slalom in Levi (FIN) November 16 and 17
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Alpine Canada is the governing body for alpine, para-alpine, and ski cross racing in Canada, as well as for Canadian ski coaches, providing education, certification, insurance, and compliance with the coaching code of conduct. With the support of valued corporate partners and donors, along with the Government of Canada, Own the Podium, the Canadian Olympic Committee, and the Coaching Association of Canada, Alpine Canada develops Olympic, Paralympic, World Championship, and World Cup athletes to stimulate visibility, inspiration, and growth in the ski community.