Marco Odermatt Triumphs in Beaver Creek Downhill Season Opener

On December 4, 2025, Marco Odermatt of Switzerland secured victory in the men’s downhill season opener at the FIS World Cup in Beaver Creek, Colorado. He clocked a time of 1 minute, 29.84 seconds, finishing 0.30 seconds ahead of American Ryan Cochran-Siegle, who recorded a time of 1:30.14. Norway’s Adrian Smiseth Sejersted completed the podium in third place with a time of 1:30.53. The race was held on a modified Birds of Prey course, with the finish line moved up due to insufficient snow for safety netting.

Marco Odermatt Wins Beaver Creek Downhill as Ryan Cochran-Siegle Soars to First U.S. Podium in 11 Years at Birds of Prey, Beaver Creek, CO

This race marked Odermatt's first downhill victory at Beaver Creek, having previously finished second in both 2022 and 2024. His win at this event adds to an impressive record, as he has not finished outside the top seven in a World Cup downhill race since 2023. This victory is his 48th overall in the World Cup and his fifth in downhill.

UsNews and World Report

• Marco Odermatt: Swiss alpine skier, reigning champion with multiple World Cup titles.

Downhill in Beaver Creek Odermatt triumphs on the Birds of Prey - von Allmen narrowly misses the podium

• Ryan Cochran-Siegle: American skier, silver medalist in super-G at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, marking his first U.S. podium finish at Beaver Creek since 2014.

Marco Odermatt Wins Beaver Creek Downhill as Ryan Cochran-Siegle Soars to First U.S. Podium in 11 Years at Birds of Prey, Beaver Creek, CO

• Adrian Smiseth Sejersted: Norwegian skier, achieving his first World Cup podium in downhill.

Downhill in Beaver Creek Odermatt triumphs on the Birds of Prey - von Allmen narrowly misses the podium

After the race, Odermatt expressed satisfaction with his performance, stating, “For me, a perfect race.” He acknowledged the challenges faced during training but credited favorable weather conditions for his successful run. Cochran-Siegle reflected on his achievement, saying, “It’s cool to stand among those legends,” referring to the history of American success at Beaver Creek.

The Guardian

The race was not without incidents; Slovenian skier Rok Aznoh suffered a serious crash near the end of the race, resulting in head and knee injuries. He was taken to the hospital for evaluation, highlighting the risks associated with downhill skiing.

Marco Odermatt Wins Beaver Creek Downhill as Ryan Cochran-Siegle Soars to First U.S. Podium in 11 Years at Birds of Prey, Beaver Creek, CO

The schedule for the World Cup continues with the super-G race moved to December 5, 2025, due to weather concerns, followed by a giant slalom event on December 7. The adjustments reflect ongoing challenges with course conditions, as the resort has experienced unusually high temperatures.

UsNews and World Report

• “How do you catch him? I don’t know,” — Ryan Cochran-Siegle, American skier

UsNews and World Report

• “Every victory is special because it’s always hard work to put yourself into this mood to really go for it,” — Marco Odermatt, Swiss skier

FIS Alpine Ski World Cup 2025/26: Marco Odermatt claims first Beaver Creek downhill win

• “I can’t be more satisfied with the feeling that I had in the finish.” — Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, Norwegian skier

UsNews and World Report

This season opener not only showcased Odermatt's continued dominance but also marked a significant moment for Cochran-Siegle, reinforcing the competitive spirit of the World Cup circuit.

The Guardian