Braathen Sets Sights on Odermatt’s Title While Women’s Crystal Globe Becomes Wide‑Open in 2026‑27 Alpine Ski World Cup

Norwegian up‑and‑coming Lucas Pinheiro Braathen kicked off the 2026‑27 Alpine Ski World Cup weekend aiming squarely at Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt for the prized overall crown. The men’s battle for the Crystal Globe stays a close contest, but the women’s side has already turned into a much wider race following a spate of retirements and injury‑related absences that have altered the podium landscape.

Odermatt, the reigning champion who clinched his first overall victory last season, must now defend his lead across the classic mix of downhill, super‑G, giant slalom and slalom races. Braathen, who logged several top‑five results in the prior campaign, trusts that his all‑round ability and recent gains on speed courses give him a genuine chance to unseat the Swiss veteran. “I’m focused on consistency and taking advantage of every start,” Braathen said in a pre‑season interview, emphasizing his intent to stay within striking distance throughout the year.

On the women’s circuit, the exit of a number of veteran competitors and lingering injury issues for key athletes have opened a vacuum at the summit. Figures such as former champion Sofia Goggia and rising American Mikaela Shiffrin remain in contention, yet the overall prize is now viewed as truly up for grabs, with several skiers capable of contesting both speed and technical events.

This season’s expanded programme features 38 events at 21 venues, beginning with the opening runs in Sölden, Austria, and concluding at the finale in St. Moritz, Switzerland. Organisers have added a handful of new Alpine stops to boost regional interest and present fresh terrain for the racers. The updated schedule seeks to blend classic sites with emerging ski resorts, delivering fans a broader geographic spread of competition.

Spectators will be able to follow the World Cup via a mix of free live streams and traditional broadcast outlets. In Europe, races will stream live on the official FIS website and the Eurosport Player, both offering complimentary access for the first two weeks before a subscription becomes necessary. In North America, NBC Sports will air live coverage on its main network and the Peacock streaming platform, with a free tier that includes the opening weekend and select marquee events.

Asian and Oceanian broadcasters have secured rights through local partners, with live streams available on services such as SonyLIV in India and Kayo Sports in Australia. Moreover, the International Ski Federation has teamed up with YouTube to provide a global live feed for selected races, allowing fans without regional deals to watch key moments without a subscription.

Analysts argue that the sport’s accessibility via multiple free or low‑cost channels could expand its audience, especially among younger viewers accustomed to digital streaming. The blend of a compelling men’s title chase and an unpredictable women’s race is set to spark heightened interest, potentially translating into higher viewership across the board.

As the season progresses, the fight for the overall Crystal Globes will likely depend on consistency, injury management, and the capacity to deliver under pressure across varied conditions. With Braathen ready to test Odermatt’s dominance and the women’s leaderboard wide open, the 2026‑27 Alpine Ski World Cup promises a dramatic storyline for athletes and fans alike.