2026 Winter Olympics: Alpine skiing schedule and Shiffrin's giant slalom comeback in Milan Cortina
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina enter a pivotal stretch for alpine skiing as the women's giant slalom headlines the schedule early Sunday. The race — staged at 4: 00 a. m. ET — doubles as a high-stakes comeback test for Mikaela Shiffrin, who returns to the discipline she won at the 2018 Games after suffering a severe crash in 2024.
Sunday spotlight: women's giant slalom (4: 00 a. m. ET)
The women's giant slalom will be the marquee alpine event on this day, starting at 4: 00 a. m. ET. Interest in the run centers on Shiffrin, whose Olympic résumé includes a gold medal in the giant slalom from 2018. The 2026 edition marks her second shot at that Olympic giant slalom crown and a significant step in a broader comeback.
Shiffrin returns not only from physical injury — a 2024 crash that caused a puncture wound — but also from the psychological aftermath. She has spoken publicly about dealing with post-traumatic stress in the wake of the accident, and this race will be watched closely for what it reveals about her readiness and resilience on one of the sport's biggest stages. Expect intense media attention and heightened expectations from fans and teammates alike.
What the schedule means for athletes and fans
Placement of the giant slalom so early in the day creates unique dynamics for competitors and viewers. Athletes must adjust pre-race routines to contend with an early start time, while broadcasters and international audiences will stagger coverage. For skiers, early starts can mean firmer snow and potentially faster conditions on freshly prepared courses, but they also demand careful mental and physical preparation.
From a competitive perspective, the giant slalom is typically a deep field where experience and precision matter. Even for a decorated skier like Shiffrin, navigating two fast, technically demanding runs will require focus and risk management. The result could influence momentum across the remainder of the alpine program and set the narrative for whether she remains a favorite for additional medals during these Games.
Broader context — alpine storylines to watch
While the giant slalom is the immediate focal point, the alpine program is always shaped by multiple overlapping storylines: veteran comebacks, rising stars, weather and snow conditions, and equipment choices. Any shifts in the standings from the giant slalom may rearrange the perceived pecking order heading into slalom, super-G and downhill events later in the Games.
For fans planning to follow the alpine schedule, note that high-profile races can produce quick swings in momentum. Athletes who post strong runs early can turn an Olympic morning into a defining career moment, while favorites who struggle may need to regroup quickly for subsequent events. Expect coaches to balance aggression with caution as they decide how much to push in an event that carries both physical and emotional weight for competitors.
Sunday's giant slalom will provide an early indicator of who has adapted best to the Milan Cortina slopes and who might carry form forward through the rest of the alpine slate. For now, the scene is set for an intense morning of technical skiing and a headline-grabbing test of resolve for one of the sport's most prominent figures.
