2026 Olympic Alpine Skiing Men's Slalom Preview & Prediction
Updated February 15, 2026
Updated February 15, 2026
The men's slalom at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan‑Cortina is scheduled for Monday, February 16, at the Stelvio Ski Centre in Bormio. This technically demanding race crowns the final men’s alpine champion and closes out the men’s alpine skiing program at these games. The slalom course at Bormio presents unique challenges this year, with an unusually flat start that could level the field and give riders with exceptional acceleration a chance to upset traditional favorites. Before the action begins on the slopes, continue reading for my men's slalom race predictions.
Below are recent betting odds for the men’s slalom gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Odds are subject to change as the event approaches:
One of the biggest stories heading into the men’s slalom is the unusual course profile at Bormio. Unlike most World Cup venues, the slope for this Olympic slalom is relatively flat and demands a different approach from racers more accustomed to traditional steep pitches. Athletes, including Atle Lie McGrath of Norway and U.S. skier River Radamus, have commented on the technical challenge of generating and maintaining speed on the gentler terrain, which could open the door for surprises if racers misjudge their rhythm and transitions down the course.
Another key storyline is the recent World Cup form for these athletes. McGrath has been a standout in slalom this season, with multiple podium finishes and domestic momentum. French veteran Clement Noël also arrives in strong shape. He’s the reigning Olympic champion from the previous Games and brings a mix of experience and tactical bravery that could pay dividends in tricky conditions. Norway’s Henrik Kristoffersen has rediscovered winning form recently, scoring a major slalom victory in Schladming against tough competition, which bodes well for his Olympic prospects.
Frenchman Paco Rassat has quietly emerged as a dark horse this season with a dramatic World Cup win in Adelboden, showing both pace and adaptability. Meanwhile, consistency among the top skiers has been variable, with race attrition high in recent slaloms as athletes push harder to lock in Olympic starts and prestige. All of this sets up a venue where tactical discipline and split‑second decision making can yield a medal.
Then there is Brazil's Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, who earned gold in the giant slalom event earlier in these games. That was the first Winter Olympic medal for a South American athlete, and he has a great chance to add to his collection here.
Pick: Atle Lie McGrath ATS PRO
Confidence: 2 out of 5
The men’s slalom at the 2026 Winter Olympics is one of the most open and dynamic events on the alpine program. With unusual course conditions, a mix of world‑class talent, and momentum shifting among the leaders, there are any number of ways this can go. McGrath’s consistency makes him a strong gold medal pick, but the volatility of slalom means that those willing to take calculated risks on racers like Braathen or Noël could reap significant rewards. I'll go with McGrath, though I'll be cheering for the Brazilian to win a second gold for South America.
