Introduction to Alpine Skiing at Milano Cortina 2026
Alpine skiing is where gravity meets guts, and at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, that thrill is turned up to eleven. Today, Monday, February 9, 2026, fans around the world are glued to their screens as the Men’s Team Combined Final makes its historic Olympic debut. If you love speed, razor-sharp turns, and heart-stopping finishes, this is your moment.
| Event | Time (ET) | Channel / Stream |
| Men’s Team Combined (Downhill) | 4:30 AM ET | Replay available on Discovery+ |
| Men’s Team Combined (Slalom) | 8:00 AM ET | TNT Sports 2 / Discovery+ |
| Olympic Today (Highlights) | 2:00 PM | TNT Sports 2 |
Why Alpine Skiing Is a Winter Olympics Fan Favorite
There’s something primal about alpine skiing. One athlete, one mountain, no safety net. Blink and you miss a medal. From blistering downhill runs to chess-like slalom tactics, alpine skiing delivers drama that feels more like a blockbuster than a sport.
What Makes Milano Cortina 2026 Special
Milano Cortina isn’t just another Winter Games. It’s a celebration of tradition and innovation. Iconic Italian slopes, roaring crowds, and a brand-new event format make these Games feel fresh, bold, and unforgettable.
Men’s Team Combined – A Historic Olympic Debut
This is the first time the Men’s Team Combined has appeared at the Winter Olympics, and honestly, it couldn’t have picked a better stage.
What Is the Team Combined Event
Instead of one skier doing everything, this event splits the challenge between two specialists from the same country. One attacks the Downhill, the other dances through the Slalom. Their combined times decide the medals.
1. Downhill: The “Speed” Specialist
The Downhill is the most prestigious and dangerous event in alpine skiing. It’s all about finding the most aerodynamic line down the mountain while surviving jumps and icy turns.
- The Goal: Get from top to bottom as fast as humanly possible.
- The Speed: Athletes regularly hit speeds of 130–150 km/h (80–95 mph). On the Stelvio course today, they are effectively falling down a mountain with slats on their feet.
- The Course: Features the largest “vertical drop” (the elevation change from start to finish) and the fewest gates. The gates are set far apart to allow for maximum velocity.
- The Gear: * Skis: Long and heavy (around 218cm) for stability at high speeds.
- Poles: Curved to wrap around the body in a “tuck” position to reduce wind resistance.
- The Vibe: High-stakes, high-adrenaline. One mistake at these speeds usually ends the race instantly.
2. Slalom: The “Technical” Specialist
If Downhill is a drag race, Slalom is an obstacle course. It requires lightning-fast reflexes and incredible agility.
- The Goal: Navigate through a “forest” of gates (poles) using the tightest possible line.
- The Speed: Much slower than downhill, usually peaking around 40–50 km/h (25–31 mph), but it feels faster because the turns happen every second.
- The Course: Features the most gates (typically 50–75) placed very close together. The gates aren’t just flags; they are single plastic poles that the skiers actually “punch” or “block” out of their way.
- The Gear: * Skis: Much shorter (around 165cm) for quick, snappy turning.
- Armor: Skiers wear chin guards on their helmets and “pole guards” on their hands because they hit the gates head-on.
- The Vibe: Rhythmic and intense. It’s a game of inches where clipping a pole the wrong way can lead to a “straddle” and disqualification.
Men’s Team Combined Final – What’s Happening Today
The Men’s Team Combined Final is either currently in progress or freshly completed, depending on where you’re watching from. Timing matters because the event unfolds in two distinct acts.
Event Date and Competition Status
Today’s showdown features the Downhill run first, followed by Slalom. Miss one, and you miss half the story.
How the Two Runs Decide the Final Rankings
Times from both runs are added together. No do-overs. No excuses. One shaky landing or one missed gate can erase years of preparation.
Alpine Skiing Schedule at Milano Cortina 2026
Alpine skiing at these Games runs from February 7 to February 18, 2026, packing ten events into less than two weeks of nonstop action.
Men’s Alpine Skiing Events Timeline
- February 7: Men’s Downhill – Gold: Franjo von Allmen (SUI)
- February 9: Men’s Team Combined – Final
- February 11: Men’s Super-G
- February 14–18: Giant Slalom & Slalom
Women’s Alpine Skiing Events Timeline
- February 8: Women’s Downhill
- February 10: Women’s Team Combined
- February 12: Women’s Super-G
- February 14–18: Technical Events
Venues and Race Locations
Italy brought out its heavy hitters for these Games.
Stelvio Ski Centre, Bormio (Men’s Events)
Bormio’s Stelvio track is legendary—and brutal. With a maximum gradient of 63%, it’s a slope that punishes hesitation and rewards bravery.
Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre, Cortina d’Ampezzo (Women’s Events)
The Olympia delle Tofane course is iconic, scenic, and deceptively technical. Beauty meets danger here.
Recent Results and Medal Highlights
The medals are already telling stories.
Men’s Downhill – Gold Medal Recap
Swiss skier Franjo von Allmen claimed gold on February 7, setting the tone for a fiercely competitive men’s field.
Women’s Downhill – Full Podium Breakdown
- Gold: Breezy Johnson (USA)
- Silver: Emma Aicher (GER)
- Bronze: Sofia Goggia (ITA)
Key Storylines Shaping the 2026 Games
Breezy Johnson’s Breakthrough
Johnson’s gold marked Team USA’s first alpine skiing medal of the Games—and it was a statement win.
Lindsey Vonn’s Dramatic Comeback Attempt
At 41, Vonn’s return captivated the world. Her crash on February 8 was a sobering reminder of how unforgiving this sport can be.
Emma Aicher’s Historic Silver
Aicher ended Germany’s 28-year drought in women’s downhill medals. That’s not just a podium—it’s history.
Mikaela Shiffrin’s Road Ahead
After her DNF in 2022, all eyes are on Shiffrin as she prepares for the technical events. Redemption is in the air.
How to Watch Alpine Skiing LIVE from Anywhere
You don’t need to be in Italy to feel the rush.
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Streaming Options for Global Viewers
Official Olympic broadcasters and licensed streaming platforms are showing every run live and on demand.
Watching on Mobile, Smart TV, or Desktop
Whether you’re on a couch, a commute, or a coffee break, alpine skiing is just a screen away.
Tips for Avoiding Geo-Restrictions
Using region-appropriate services ensures smooth, uninterrupted viewing—no spoilers, no buffering.
Why the Men’s Team Combined Is a Must-Watch
Strategy, Speed, and Team Chemistry
This event isn’t just fast—it’s smart. Teams must choose the perfect pairing, balancing raw speed with technical mastery.
Why This Event Is the Future of Alpine Skiing
Team Combined adds depth, drama, and tactical intrigue. It’s alpine skiing evolving in real time.
What’s Next After the Men’s Team Combined
Upcoming Super-G Events
Super-G blends speed and technique, offering a perfect bridge between downhill and slalom.
Technical Events to Watch (Giant Slalom & Slalom)
These races often produce surprise medals and emotional finishes. Don’t blink.
The Men’s Team Combined Final at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics isn’t just another event—it’s a turning point for alpine skiing. With iconic venues, emotional storylines, and a fresh team-based format, today’s race captures everything we love about the Olympics. Whether you’re watching live or catching highlights, this is winter sports at its absolute best.
FAQs
Is the Men’s Team Combined new to the Olympics?
Yes, Milano Cortina 2026 marks its first-ever Olympic appearance.
Where is the Men’s Team Combined held?
At the Stelvio Ski Centre in Bormio, Italy.
How does scoring work in Team Combined?
The downhill and slalom times from two teammates are added together.
Who won the men’s downhill at Milano Cortina 2026?
Franjo von Allmen of Switzerland took gold.
Which events should I watch next in alpine skiing?
Super-G, Giant Slalom, and Slalom are all coming up soon.
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