Alpine Skiing Enters Critical Phase at Milano Cortina as Men Complete Third Downhill Training Session on Opening Day

Alpine skiing took center stage at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on Thursday, February 6, as athletes across both the men's and women's downhill competitions completed crucial training sessions ahead of their official races. At 10:30 local time, the slopes came alive with activity as competitors familiarized themselves with the challenging Olympic courses that will determine medal winners in the coming days. The men tackled their third official training run at the iconic Stelvio Ski Centre in Bormio, while the women completed their second practice session at the Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre in Cortina d'Ampezzo.

The Stelvio course in Bormio has long been regarded as one of the most demanding downhill tracks in the world, featuring dramatic elevation changes, technical turns, and high-speed sections that test even the most accomplished ski racers. Athletes used the third training session to perfect their racing lines, test equipment setups, and build confidence on a course that leaves little margin for error. The training runs provide essential preparation time, allowing skiers to study the ideal paths through each gate while assessing snow conditions and adjusting their approach for the official competition scheduled for February 7.

In Cortina d'Ampezzo, the women's contingent faced their own challenges on the Tofane course, which offers a different but equally demanding test of downhill skiing prowess. Italian star Federica Brignone has expressed uncertainty about competing in the downhill event after finishing 12th in an earlier training session, highlighting the difficulty athletes face when attempting to peak at exactly the right moment. The home-crowd favorite's struggles underscore the pressure facing all competitors as they balance aggression with caution during training while preserving energy for the races that matter most.

These timed training sessions serve multiple purposes beyond simple familiarization with the courses. Athletes and their coaching staffs analyze speed data, study video footage, and make crucial equipment decisions based on their performance in practice. Ski technicians work frantically between runs to adjust bindings, tune edges, and apply optimal wax patterns that will provide the perfect balance of speed and control. The training environment also allows racers to scout their competitors, observing different line choices and tactical approaches that might provide valuable information when the actual competition begins.

With the official downhill competitions set to begin on February 7, the intensity and focus displayed during Thursday's training sessions reflect the magnitude of what's at stake at these Olympic Games. Athletes have spent years preparing for this moment, and the training runs represent their final opportunities to eliminate doubts and solidify race plans before putting everything on the line for Olympic glory. The Stelvio and Tofane courses will soon reveal which skiers have prepared most effectively, separating medal contenders from those who fall just short of the podium in one of alpine skiing's most prestigious events.