Levi Prepares to Host Alpine Ski World Cup Slalom Events Amid Unusual Scenery
The International Ski Federation has cleared the course in Finland for competition despite a surrounding landscape lacking winter snow.
The 2026-2027 Alpine Ski World Cup season is set to continue with slalom events in Levi, Finland, following a successful snow control inspection by the International Ski Federation. The upcoming weekend competitions will feature the women's slalom on Saturday, November 14, and the men's slalom on Sunday, November 15.
While the racecourse is fully prepared for the events, the surrounding environment has drawn attention for its lack of winter weather. Images and footage shared by organizers prior to the federation's announcement revealed a striking contrast, showing a narrow ribbon of white snow cutting through a completely barren landscape where winter has not yet arrived.
The events in Levi mark the official debut for the slalom specialists following the season-opening prologue in Soelden. Competition schedules for both days follow a consistent timetable, with the first run starting at 10:00 AM and the second run beginning at 1:00 PM local time.
On the women's side, competitors return following a dominant season by Mikaela Shiffrin, who secured the specialty title early last year. The opening race of the current season was won by American skier Paula Moltzan, followed by Lara Colturi in second and Emma Aicher in third.
In the men's division, athletes resume competition following Atle Lie McGrath's specialty title win last year. The initial race of the season saw Lucas Pinheiro Braathen of Brazil take the victory, ahead of Swiss skiers Loic Meillard and Marco Odermatt.
Fans wishing to watch the competitions can access television and digital broadcasts across several platforms. In addition to live text coverage online, television broadcasts will air on channels such as Rai2 and Rai Sport HD, while streaming options include RaiPlay, Eurosport 1, DAZN, Discovery Plus, and HBO Max.