Opening FIS World Cup Races - Solden - Austria

The start of the FIS World Cup competition traditionally kicks off with giant slaloms for both the men and women at the popular Austrian ski resort of Solden in the Ötztal valley, Tyrol. Of course, this is weather permitting - the 2010 men's giant slalom was cancelled because of fog.

1993 was the first time that Solden had the privilege of kicking off the FIS World Cup season, and the resort has held this honour every year since Hermann Maier won the men's event back in 2000.

As always over the last few years, the races take place on the Rettenbach glacier high up in the Ötztal Alps mountains above the resort.