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Men's World Cup Opener Canceled Due To Snow, Wind

By U.S. Ski & Snowboard
October, 28 2018
Soelden GS finish arena
A view of the finish area of the FIS Ski World Cup men's giant slalom course on the Rettenbach Glacier in Sölden, Austria. (Getty Images - Pier Marco Tacca)

The opening FIS Ski World Cup men's giant slalom in Sölden, Austria, was canceled today due to heavy snow and strong winds. After last year's cancellation, the International Ski Federation (FIS) has changed the rule, and it is now possible to replace the opening race in case of a cancellation.

UPDATED: Oct. 29, 2018: The canceled men's Audi FIS Ski World Cup Giant Slalom from Sölden will be rescheduled in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria December 20, 2018.

The Rettenbach Glacier received approximately 50cm of new snow overnight at the top of the course and 40cm at the finish, and another 20cm were forecasted throughout the day on Sunday. Strong winds, with gusts up to 70kph, also reduced visibility, prompting the race jury, together with the local organizing committee and the Austrian national ski association, to cancel Sunday's giant slalom.

This means the men will kick off their World Cup season in Levi, Finland, with a slalom race.