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

Norwegian up‑and‑coming skier Lucas Pinheiro Braathen kicked off the opening weekend of the 2026‑27 Alpine Ski World Cup with a single aim: to contest Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt for the prized overall title. Although the men’s battle for the Crystal Globe remains a close‑fought duel, the women’s race has already turned into a much broader contest after a spate of retirements and injury woes reshaped the podium landscape.

Odermatt, the reigning champion who captured his first overall win last season, must now defend his lead across the classic mix of downhill, super‑G, giant slalom and slalom events. Braathen, who logged several top‑five results in the prior campaign, feels 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 side, the exit of a number of long‑standing rivals and the lingering impact of injuries to key competitors 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 title is now viewed as wide open, with several athletes capable of challenging in both speed and technical disciplines.

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

For spectators, the World Cup will be reachable via a mix of free live streams and conventional broadcast channels. In Europe, races will be streamed live on the official FIS website and the Eurosport Player, both providing 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.

Broadcasters across Asia and Oceania have secured rights through local partners, offering live streams on services such as SonyLIV in India and Kayo Sports in Australia. Moreover, the International Ski Federation has teamed up with YouTube to deliver a global live feed for select races, enabling fans without regional deals to watch key moments without a subscription.

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

As the season progresses, the fight for the overall Crystal Globes will likely rest on consistency, injury management, and the capacity to perform 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.