Odermatt Continues Reign, Kilde Makes Triumphant Return at Copper Mountain

COPPER MOUNTAIN, USA – November 27, 2025 – Marco Odermatt reaffirmed his status as a dominant force in alpine skiing, claiming victory in the opening Super-G race of the World Cup season at Copper Mountain, Colorado. The Swiss star finished in a time of 1:07.70, besting a strong field and signaling his intent to defend his Super-G globe title.

Austria’s Vincent Kriechmayr finished a close second, just 0.08 seconds behind Odermatt, while compatriot Raphael Haaser rounded out the podium in third, trailing by 0.13 seconds. The race, held at Copper Mountain for the first time since 2001 – replacing the usual Killington venue currently undergoing renovations – proved to be a challenging test for the world’s best speed skiers.

A Moment for Kilde: Return From Injury

However, the day wasn’t solely about Odermatt’s brilliance. The atmosphere was charged with emotion as Norwegian racer Aleksander Aamodt Kilde made his long-awaited return to competition after 684 days sidelined by severe knee and shoulder injuries. Kilde finished 20th, 1.25 seconds off the pace, but his mere presence on the course was a victory in itself.

The scene in the finish area was particularly poignant, with Kilde embracing his partner, American skiing superstar Mikaela Shiffrin, in a heartfelt moment that resonated throughout the alpine community. Kilde’s return is a significant boost for the sport, and his presence adds another layer of intrigue to the upcoming season.

Swiss Strength in Numbers

Odermatt wasn’t the only Swiss skier to shine. Stefan Rogentin secured a commendable 7th place, finishing 0.58 seconds behind the leader, while Franjo Von Allmen claimed 9th, 0.75 seconds back. Alexis Monney (19th), Justin Murisier (29th), Arnaud Boisset (31st), and Loïc Meillard (33rd) also contributed to a strong showing for the Swiss team.

This victory marks Odermatt’s 47th career World Cup win and his 16th in Super-G. Having already secured a giant slalom win in Sölden earlier this season, the 28-year-old is building a formidable lead in the overall World Cup standings. He is scheduled to compete in the giant slalom at Copper Mountain tomorrow, aiming to further solidify his position at the top of the alpine skiing world.

Looking Ahead: The return of Kilde, coupled with Odermatt’s continued dominance, sets the stage for a thrilling World Cup season. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) anticipates increased viewership and engagement as these storylines unfold, highlighting the resilience and passion that define alpine skiing. The sport contributes an estimated $3.5 billion annually to winter tourism economies globally, and events like these are crucial for maintaining that economic impact.