The 'best' of anything isn't always an unbiased assessment, and it most definitely isn't here. With a category as wide as "skiing," the number of possible options is almost limitless, unlike other sports where the question of which is "best" is typically up to argument.
Who, then, are the all-time great skiers?
That's a tough question, and one I approach hesitantly because I wish I could add so many more amazing skiers on my list. Well, I'm afraid I can't. That said, and as the Alpine Skiing World Cup is currently underway, here is a list, in no particular sequence, of some of the greatest skiers of all time, according to completely arbitrary criteria that consider things like technical proficiency, adaptability, dope film segments, memorable media events, and industry impact.
Marco Odermatt
While still competing at the highest level, Marco Odermatt is slowly becoming one of the greatest skiers to ever do it. Born in Buochs, Switzerland, he attributes his exceptional skill to his parents, expressing gratitude with each skiing triumph he attains.
His illustrious junior career culminated at the 2018 Junior World Championship in Davos, Switzerland, when he achieved a remarkable feat by securing five gold medals in five events: combined, downhill, super-G, giant slalom, and team event.
As expected, Marco's podium finishes accumulated over the 2020–21 season. Following four podium placements in January and February, he secured consecutive World Cup victories in Austria and Slovenia in March of that season.
In 2022, the Swiss athlete had more success by winning a gold medal in the giant slalom at the Winter Games in China. This was followed by the acquisition of the first giant slalom crystal globe, which was clinched with two races remaining after a second-place result in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia. A few days later, he secured his maiden overall FIS World Cup championship by finishing second in the Courchevel downhill.
Marco emerged as a formidable competitor for victory, maintaining his remarkable performance in 2023 by delivering one of the most exceptional men's World Cup seasons ever recorded. The Swiss superstar achieved 13 victories and accumulated 2,042 points, surpassing the mark established by the legendary Hermann Maier during the 1999-2000 season.
Alpine Skiing Men’s World Cup Winner Odds
Marco experienced an unprecedented 2024, establishing a record of 13 giant slalom wins that season. He also asserted the FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup overall championship and giant slalom crystal globe for the third consecutive year, and oddsmakers currently have him as a huge betting favorite to win the former (Click here to see the best betting apps with World Cup odds)
At the time of writing, the current Men’s World Cup winner odds (Top 4) are as follows:
- Marco Odermatt [1/13]
- Marco Schwarz [7/1]
- Loic Mellard [16/1]
- Marcel Hirscher [19/1]
Mikaela Shiffrin
This list would be incomplete without the most decorated skier in the history of alpine racing. Hailing from Vail, Colorado, Shiffrin has achieved more World Cup victories than any other alpine skier, male or female.
She is a two-time Olympic medallist, five-time Overall World Cup Champion, and Olympic history's youngest slalom gold medallist. Shiffrin now has 99 victories on the World Cup circuit.
Shiffrin was named one of Time Magazine's 100 most important people in 2023. If this is not emblematic, I don't know what is. Better yet, she’s returning to competition in 2025 with the Alpine World Cup, where she’s also, unsurprisingly, the bookmakers' betting favorite to win.
Ingemar Stenmark
Ingemar Stenmark is the skier who elevated Sweden's status in winter sports. This is quite remarkable since, while these snow activities were already prevalent in his area, alpine skiing was not as popular owing to the terrain's orography. He began skiing at age five and got his first gold medal in a competition at age eighteen. In 1976, he became the first individual from northern Europe to secure a World Cup title, achieving the distinction of winning consecutively. He never saw himself as a sprinter; hence, he never chose this form of competition, concentrating instead on Slalom and big events.
During his career, he had the fortune to battle against sportsmen like Alberto Tomba, Thoeni, and Ghirardelli, who tested him both physically and emotionally.
Marcel Hirscher
The most successful champion by metric was Marcel, who won an unprecedented eight consecutive Overall World Cup Titles during his tenure. In addition, he took home two Olympic gold medals and seven World Championships.
In 2024, Marcel Hirscher declared his return to competitive ski racing for the Netherlands. Notably, he is positioned among the top four contenders for the men's 2025 Alpine World Cup.
Alberto Tomba
Alberto Tomba is a prominent ski athlete in Italy. He earned the moniker "La Bomba" due to his remarkable performance in the 1980s in slalom and giant slalom and three straight gold medals at the Olympic Games. Unlike many skiers included in this article, this athlete's youth was notably devoid of mountainous surroundings. Tomba first engaged in football until skiing captured his interest, prompting him to train specifically in Sweden while representing the Italian squad.
His moniker was attributed not just to his athletic prowess but also to his personal controversies. He enjoyed the nightlife and was seen as a womanizer, which explains his emergence as a media figure. Each of his competitive performances was increasingly accompanied by a spectacle. His accolades include five Olympic medals and two world titles.
Lindsey Vonn
Lindsey Vonn undoubtedly deserves inclusion on this list. The American alpine racer has accumulated several medals, raising the question of how she maintains an accurate tally. For the record, Vonn has won three gold medals at the Olympics and 82 World Cups. She remains the sole woman to have ever skied the Streif in Austria, even though it was not a competitive event.
Notwithstanding a succession of injuries over her career, Vonn remains one of the most formidable rivals in ski racing history. She collaborates with Gucci and has an HBO documentary about her. Following her retirement in 2019, Vonn has just re-entered competition for the 2024 season.
Jean-Claude Killy
Jean-Claude Killy, perhaps the preeminent skier of his day, won consecutive World Cup titles in 1967-1968 and achieved the Triple Crown of Alpine Skiing by winning all three gold medals at the 1968 Winter Olympics.
In 1969, he introduced his skiing impact to the U.S. by signing a contract with Head Skis to support their mental and fiberglass ski model, the Killy 800. He subsequently served as a spokesperson for Chevrolet and appeared in several films and television programs. He acquired the American moniker "Chocolate Kitty" due to the manner in which he spoke his name with a pronounced accent.
Numerous trails globally bear his name, including the “Cupp Run” at Snowshoe, W.V. (which he developed) and trails in Val d’Isère and Tignes, the latter being called l’Espace Killy in his honor.
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