The virus and its symptoms

Sofia Goggia will not take part in the opening race of the alpine skiing season, the giant slalom at Sölden on 24 October, because she is still recovering from a viral illness. She announced this at the Fisi media day in Milan, describing an infection that forced her to stop her training camp in Ushuaia, Argentina. She said she had experienced tremors, severe joint pain, slowed walking and difficulty speaking, and that she was uncoordinated on skis during her final two days on snow. Clinical tests carried out after she returned to Milan found two different viral infections, which together made her condition more complex. Goggia said she had been more frightened by the pain than by the tremors, and that she had struggled to find the words she wanted during conversations. She also said she is still tired and that an important part of her preparation was lost.

Recovery and uncertainty

Goggia said her condition is improving, with small steps each day, although some days bring setbacks. Asked about her return, she gave no date and said she had set no goals for the season. She said the first week in Ushuaia had gone well on skis, and that the later illness disrupted the training she had counted on. The virus is a different kind of problem from her earlier injuries, which were mechanical and could be pushed through with willpower.

“I don't have a timeline: it could be ten days or it could be a month and a half.”

She said she now needs to focus on training in America, and she hopes to manage it. Her stated priority is her health rather than racing.

“The primary goal now is to get back to feeling well as a person, especially on the nervous side, and to recover my usual clarity so I can ski.”

Brignone's absence

Federica Brignone will also miss the Sölden giant slalom, and she did not speak about a return to racing at the Fisi media day in Milan. Brignone had surgery at the end of August after a serious leg injury on 3 April 2025, and she is now in physiotherapy. The Carabinieri athlete won gold in the super-G and the giant slalom at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics. She said she is working day by day and is pleased with her progress, but that more time is needed.

“I love skiing a lot, and I feel privileged to still be here and be an athlete. I want to get back to doing what I like, but when I'm well.”

What comes next

The first women's downhill of the season is scheduled for 11 December at Beaver Creek, which leaves about two months for Goggia to recover. Goggia, 33, is the 2018 Olympic downhill champion. Neither Brignone nor Goggia will be at the start of the opening giant slalom on 24 October. No return date has been set for either athlete.