2026 Winter Olympics Alpine Skiing: Your Complete UK Fan Guide to the Milano Cortina Slopes
The wait is nearly over for the main event. While the speed demons have already tamed the icy beasts of Bormio and Cortina, for UK fans, the real Olympics starts now.
We are deep into the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, and the atmosphere in Italy is electric. Federica Brignone has just delivered a masterclass to take her second gold on home soil, and Brazil’s Lucas Pinheiro Braathen has rewritten history with a stunning Giant Slalom victory.
But for Team GB supporters, all eyes are fixed on tomorrow morning. The spotlight shifts to the Stelvio Ski Centre, where a 39-year-old from Lancashire is preparing for one final, historic charge.
Here is your essential, Verified Guide to the remaining 2026 Alpine Skiing action, the “Rocket’s” farewell, and how to watch history unfold from the UK.
The “Rocket” Finale: Can Dave Ryding Deliver Team GB Gold?
This is it. After five Winter Olympics, seven World Cup podiums, and that legendary Kitzbühel victory, Dave Ryding will kick out of the start gate for the final time at an Olympic Games tomorrow.
Dave Ryding’s 16 February Slalom Schedule (GMT)
The Men’s Slalom is the blue-ribbon event for British fans. Set your alarms, Bormio is one hour ahead of the UK, so the timings are perfect for a morning of drama.
From Plastic Slopes to Olympic History: The Ryding Legacy
Ryding’s journey is the ultimate underdog story. He didn’t grow up in the Alps; he learned his craft on the dry slopes of Pendle Ski Club. To put this in perspective, he is competing against athletes who were skiing on glaciers before they could walk.
At 39, he is defying the aging curve of modern slalom. Speaking to Olympics.com earlier this week, Ryding confirmed this is the end of the road: “I know there is a finish line at the end of this season… I want to be a father, a husband… now is the time to go all in one last time.”
He isn’t alone. He is flanked by teammates Billy Major and Laurie Taylor, making this one of the strongest technical squads Team GB has ever fielded.
Milano Cortina 2026 Alpine Skiing Schedule: UK Viewing Times
The speed events might be done, but the technical finals are often the most dramatic. Here is what remains of the Alpine programme.
Remaining Finals & Medal Events
- BBC: Live coverage is available on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. The BBC usually focuses heavily on Team GB events, so expect full analysis of Ryding’s runs.
- Discovery+ / Eurosport: For uninterrupted coverage of every single skier (not just the leaders), Discovery+ is the broadcaster of record.
Venue Spotlight: Taming the Stelvio and Tofane
The 2026 Games are unique because they are split across two legendary distinct clusters.
Bormio’s Stelvio: Why it’s the Men’s Ultimate Test
The Men’s Slalom tomorrow takes place on the Stelvio, arguably the most punishing course on the circuit.
- The “Darkness”: Bormio is famous for being in the shade. The lighting is flat, making the ice look like a single sheet of glass. It requires immense trust in your edges.
- The San Pietro Jump: While more relevant for the downhillers, the steep gradient (up to 63%) trickles down to the slalom finish pitch, which is leg-burningly steep right before the line.
Cortina’s Tofane: The Women’s Speed Paradise
The women have been competing at the Olimpia delle Tofane in Cortina d’Ampezzo. It is a stunning, sun-drenched venue framed by Dolomites granite, contrasting sharply with the grim determination of Bormio.
Current Medal Table & Results (As of 15 February 2026)
It has been a Games of shocks and confirmed dynasties. If you are just catching up, here are the headlines defining Milano Cortina 2026.
Men’s Giant Slalom: Lucas Pinheiro Braathen’s Historic Gold
In one of the biggest stories of the Games, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, representing Brazil, stormed to victory in the Giant Slalom on Saturday.
- Gold: Lucas Pinheiro Braathen (BRA)
- Silver: Marco Odermatt (SUI)
- Bronze: Loic Meillard (SUI)
Women’s Giant Slalom: Brignone’s Resilient Masterclass
Just hours ago, Italian veteran Federica Brignone sent the home crowd into raptures by securing Gold in the GS, adding to her Super-G title from earlier in the week. She mastered the deteriorating rutted course where others failed.
From the Piste: Why did Brignone win? In warm conditions, “soft snow” management is key. Brignone’s smooth, round technique maintained momentum, whereas aggressive skiers like Shiffrin got bogged down in the ruts.
The Swiss Dominance
We must acknowledge the Swiss Team. Franjo von Allmen has been the breakout star, taking Gold in both the Downhill and Super-G, and leading the Swiss to victory in the inaugural Team Combined.
New for 2026: The Team Combined Explained
You might have noticed the “Alpine Combined” missing from your schedule. It has been replaced by the Team Combined.
Format Changes: Pairs vs. Individuals
- Old Format: One skier does one Downhill run and one Slalom run.
- New 2026 Format: It is now a Pairs Event. One specialist skis the Downhill, and their teammate skis the Slalom. Their times are added together.
- Why it matters: This allows specialists to shine without risking injury in disciplines they don’t train for. It paid off for Switzerland (Von Allmen & Nef) on 9 February, who took the inaugural Gold.
Summary: The Final Countdown
We are in the endgame of the 2026 Winter Olympics. The speed events gave us the rise of Franjo von Allmen and the samba flair of Braathen, but for the UK, the emotion is reserved for Monday morning.
Dave Ryding has changed the face of British skiing. Whether he leaves Bormio with a medal or just a wave to the crowd, his legacy is secure. But knowing the “Rocket,” he isn’t there for a wave, he’s there for the podium.
Action Plan:
- Tonight: Check the start list on the official Olympics app to see Ryding’s bib number.
- Tomorrow (09:00 GMT): Tune into BBC iPlayer for Run 1.
- Tomorrow (12:30 GMT): Watch the finale of a British sporting career.
FAQs
When is Dave Ryding racing in the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Dave Ryding’s final Olympic race, the Men’s Slalom, takes place on Monday, 16 February 2026. The first run starts at 09:00 GMT and the second (medal) run begins at 12:30 GMT. This is widely expected to be the 39-year-old’s retirement race from Olympic competition.
How can I watch the 2026 Winter Olympics in the UK?
The primary rights holder for the UK is Discovery+ (via Eurosport), which shows every minute of every sport live. However, the BBC (BBC Two and iPlayer) has free-to-air rights and provides extensive live coverage, specifically focusing on Team GB events like the Alpine Skiing and Curling.
Where are the 2026 Alpine Skiing events being held?
The events are split by gender to ensure better course conditions. The Men’s events are held on the icy, shaded Stelvio slope in Bormio (Lombardy region). The Women’s events are held on the sunnier, scenic Olimpia delle Tofane in Cortina d’Ampezzo (Veneto region).
What happened to the Alpine Combined event?
For 2026, the traditional individual Alpine Combined was replaced by the Team Combined. In this new pairs format, one specialist skis a Downhill run, and their teammate skis a Slalom run. Their aggregate time determines the winner. This change was made by the FIS and IOC to encourage higher participation from specialists.
Who won the Men’s Giant Slalom at the 2026 Olympics?
In a historic upset, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen won Gold for Brazil on 14 February 2026. The Silver went to Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt, and Bronze to Loic Meillard (Switzerland).
Has Team GB ever won an Alpine Skiing Olympic medal?
No. Despite having world-class skiers like Dave Ryding (who has won World Cup Gold) and Alain Baxter (who had his 2002 bronze controversially rescinded), Great Britain has never officially won an Olympic medal in Alpine Skiing. Ryding’s race on 16 February is the best chance to change that history.
Why is the Stelvio course considered so difficult?
The Stelvio in Bormio is feared for its “darkness” and ice. Because it faces north and is set in a deep valley, the sun rarely hits the piste in winter, making the surface nearly bulletproof ice. Combined with the San Pietro jump (which has a 63% gradient), it is physically exhausting and technically unforgiving.
Is Mikaela Shiffrin competing in 2026?
Yes, Mikaela Shiffrin is competing in her fourth Olympics. While she skipped the Downhill to focus on technical events, she remains a favourite for the Women’s Slalom on 18 February at Cortina.
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