Signs set for spectacular men’s Slalom season as kick-off approaches in Levi

From a defending champion with a riveting back story, to a best-friend-challenger, via a host of icons hungry for more and a chunk of new names determined to build on break-out results, the 2026/27 Audi FIS men’s World Cup Slalom season appears to have it all.

Consider this, while the reigning Olympic and world champion Loic Meillard (SUI/Rossignol) will be eying up a third major Slalom gold medal in a row when the 2027 World Championships take place in Crans-Montana 1-14 February, the quality of World Cup competition was so high last season that the Swiss man did not even make it in to the top five of the Crystal Globe standings.

Add on the fact that there were seven different winners in 11 races during 2025/26, plus eight different nationalities represented on the podium, and it is clear fireworks are expected from the moment the gun goes in Levi, Finland on Sunday 15 November.

Nöel dreaming of golden times

If all that is not enough to underline the sporting treat in store , here is 2022 Olympic Slalom champion Clément Noël (FRA/Dynastar) explaining why he cannot wait to attack his 10^th season on tour.

The Frenchman continued on the theme: “There are obviously races like the ones in France, in Val d’Isère and Chamonix, that we (French racers) look forward to in a special way, because we’ll have our home crowd behind us.

“Then there’s obviously the World Championships in Crans-Montana, which is an event I’m particularly looking forward to, because I’ve come very close to medals at the World Championships at nearly every edition in recent years, and I’ve never managed to bring one home.

“Then there are plenty of other races too; the January classics. They make me dream, they’ve always made me dream: Kitzbühel, Schladming, Wengen. Those are the races that make every slalom skier dream.”

With 15 career wins from 33 visits to a World Cup podium (including victories in each of those dreamy classics) Nöel knows better than most how to capitalise when he is at his best. But with no world championship medals yet – he was leading after run one in 2025 before straddling in run two – and no Crystal Globe, it’s clear what the priorities are.

“We were all pretty close, but I think Atle had the better season overall,” Nöel said. “Even though I’ve never won a Globe, that’s exactly what keeps me motivated to chase those results in every race.”

McGrath & Pinheiro Braathen resume rivalry

It was the bumpiest of rides for Atle Lie McGrath (NOR/Head) enroute to his debut World Cup title in 2025/26. Two early wins and three podiums placed the Norwegian as a favourite for Olympic gold in Milano Cortina. But after the heart-breaking loss of his grandfather on the eve of action, and a second-run straddle when leading, the season seemed to be crumbling before McGrath’s eyes. Somehow, however, the 26-year-old recovered in spectacular style.

He certainly did. Admitting he was struggling to eat and sleep post-Milano Cortina, McGrath managed to convert a first run lead in Kranjska Gora into a deliriously celebrated win. That left him needing to just stay ahead of close friend Lucas Pinheiro Braathen (BRA/Atomic) in the final Slalom of the season.

“Really happy with how I improved my skiing and skied well all year, but mostly proud of the growth I had as a person,” McGrath said. “Sometimes it still doesn’t feel real, but then I have a look at my nightstand where the Globe is and remember how cool it is.”

Cool indeed, with Pinheiro Braathen – who skied out in that closing Slalom run – happy to see his mate finally rewarded. Giant Slalom Olympic gold was just reward for the Brazilian’s own great season, and he undoubtedly starts as one of McGrath’s biggest threats this time out.

Winner in Levi 12 months ago – not to mention starting this season with victory in the GS in Sölden – a second Slalom Globe, and a first in Brazilian colours, looks firmly on the horizon.

Rest of the best ready to challenge

Not that Pinheiro Braathen, McGrath and Nöel will be short of challengers.

Three second places in the World Cup last season, shows how close Meillard is to converting his championship form into Globe-winning performances.

While the great Henrik Kristoffersen (NOR/Head) was arguably not quite at his best in 2025/26, he still won in Schladming and had four other podium finishes. A fifth Slalom Globe for the Norwegian would be a surprise to no one. He will also be targeting a third world championship gold, just 12 months after he took Olympic Slalom bronze.

Last season also saw another generation emerge. In the early race in Gurgl, 27-year-old Paco Rassat (FRA/Head) and Belgium’s Armand Marchant (Head) finished one-two. Not a bad way for both to claim podium places for the first time.

Rassat went on to win again, in Adelboden no less, and grab third in Madonna di Campiglio. He is one to watch again.

 As, undoubtedly is two-time men’s Longines Rising Star, Eduard Hallberg (FIN/Fischer). The 23-year-old landed on the Slalom podium three times last season, including in front of home fans.

Only four DNFs stopped the Finn from finishing far higher than eighth in the rankings. A strong effort in the GS in Sölden just a few weeks ago, suggests even better is ahead for the youngster.

“To kick off the season with a 16th place in GS was awesome,” Hallberg added. “To get a race start before the slalom season kicks off in Levi is also nice. It maybe takes away the pressure a little bit, because you get to feel the emotions and get used to them a little bit.”

The countdown is on for a season to remember. Do not miss kick-off at 10:00 CET on Sunday.