The men’s Giant Slalom (GS) season wrapped up in familiar fashion, with Swiss skiers taking center stage.
Marco Odermatt (SUI/Stöckli) was officially awarded the GS Crystal Globe, a title he had already secured before the final race. He earned the honor after a strong second-place finish in the warm conditions at Sun Valley.
While the season belonged to Odermatt, the day itself was all about Loic Meillard (SUI/Rossignol). The 28-year-old showcased his exceptional technical skills, dominating the competition on a challenging rutted slope to claim victory by a significant margin.
Meillard’s win solidified his position in the GS rankings, earning him third place for the season, while Alexander Steen Olsen (NOR/Rossignol) failed to finish, allowing Meillard to surpass him. Henrik Kristoffersen (NOR/Van Deer) finished in third place for the day and second overall in the GS standings, marking his 95th career podium.
Meillard Masters the Warm Conditions
Meillard’s strong season, which included a GS win in Hafjell and double gold at the World Championships (in Slalom and Team Combined), continued in Sun Valley. He carried a substantial lead into the second run, which would prove essential after Odermatt made a powerful charge from sixth place to briefly take the lead.
Meillard rose to the challenge, skiing confidently and turning difficult conditions into an advantage. His time of +0.95 ahead of Odermatt and +1.14 ahead of Kristoffersen secured his victory.
“It’s never easy,” said Meillard after the race. “You have to find the rhythm and handle the tough spots. I managed to do that well today.”
Reflecting on his performance, he added, “It was a bit tight in places, but I kept pushing. When I saw Marco’s run, I knew he was fast, so I kept going. It paid off.”
When asked about the second run, he said, “It was definitely easier to ski. I can’t say if that helped or hurt me, but I performed well in both runs. It was all about finding the right rhythm and approach, and I did that well.”
Looking ahead to the next challenge, Meillard expressed excitement for Thursday’s Slalom. “Henrik’s in good form, and he’s feeling great on this snow. It’s going to be a fun battle.”
Meillard’s victory is a statement for the future, proving he can challenge Odermatt for the GS Globe next season. With a strong finish and a fight ahead in Slalom, the Swiss skier is certainly one to watch.