Petra Vlhová plans World Cup return in Sölden on October 24

On October 9, Petra Vlhová announced that she intends to return to the World Cup at the opening race of the 2026/27 season. After a long break, she plans to compete in the giant slalom in Sölden. She has not yet set any result targets, as her further schedule will be adjusted according to how her operated knee responds.

Unless there is a health-related or scheduling change, Petra Vlhová will compete in the women's giant slalom in Sölden on Saturday, October 24, 2026. The first run is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. and the second for 1:00 p.m. local time. The schedule on the Rettenbach Glacier may still change because of the weather.

Sölden will be her first World Cup start in 1,008 days

Vlhová last competed in the World Cup on January 20, 2024, in Jasná. She crashed in the first run of the giant slalom and injured her knee. The injury ended her season and was followed by lengthy treatment. According to STVR, she underwent two knee surgeries in total.

She returned to skiing after the first procedure on August 21, 2024. A total of 1,008 days will have passed between her crash in Jasná and her planned start in Sölden.

The October race will therefore mark her return to the regular World Cup circuit. Vlhová has confirmed her plan to compete, but her final participation still depends on her health and any changes to the schedule.

She wants to race both slalom and giant slalom

Vlhová wants to focus on the two technical disciplines in which she has enjoyed her greatest success: slalom and giant slalom. She would like to complete their full schedule, but it is not set in stone. Her further starts will also depend on how her knee handles training, travel and the demands of racing.

Before the start of the season, she said that her knee no longer hurts or swells. At times, however, it feels tired or uncomfortable. This is her own assessment of her health, not an independent medical opinion.

She currently feels more confident in giant slalom. In slalom, she still needs to work on the quick movements required by the discipline. That is also why she will begin with the giant slalom in Sölden, which traditionally opens the World Cup season.

She will also begin the new season with a new head coach. Her team is led by Austrian Mario Rafetzeder.

What to expect from her first race

Ahead of her return, Vlhová stressed that her primary goal in Sölden is not the result. After such a long absence, she needs racing mileage and time to adapt again to the pace of the World Cup.

The available information therefore does not allow for a prediction of a specific placing or a challenge for the podium. Her first race will primarily show her current speed compared with the competition and how her operated knee handles a full workload. The result will also be influenced by her start number, course conditions and the course of the first run.

Her return will not be judged solely by one finish time. For the rest of the season, it will be important whether Vlhová can get through the race without significant issues and continue with her planned slalom and giant slalom schedule. She herself speaks of patience and gradual improvement in performance.

Sources

1. STVR – Vlhová ahead of her World Cup return: I am a completely different person. I am no longer chasing results alone: https://spravy.stvr.sk/2026/10/vlhova-sa-vracia-na-sutazne-svahy/
2. Sölden – Ski World Cup Opening programme: https://www.soelden.com/en/events-leisure-tips/events/audi-fis-ski-world-cup-opening/program
3. International Ski and Snowboard Federation – Petra Vlhová, athlete profile and race results: https://www.fis-ski.com/DB/general/athlete-biography.html?competitorid=168809&sector=AL&type=st-WC
4. International Ski and Snowboard Federation – Petra Vlhová back on skis for the first time since surgery: https://www.fis-ski.com/alpine-skiing/news/2024-25/petra-vlhova-back-on-skis-for-the-first-time-since-surgery