The New Team Combination Makes Its Debut

The FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 2025 in Saalbach Hinterglemm will introduce an exciting innovation: the Team Combination event. Making its World Champs debut, this format represents an evolution of the traditional Alpine Combined. But what exactly sets the new Team Combination apart from the classic version?

From Alpine Combined to Team Combination

The classic Alpine Combined consists of two runs: a speed race (Downhill or Super-G) and a Slalom. A single athlete competes in both disciplines, and the combined times determine the winner.

In contrast, the new Team Combination features two athletes from the same nation competing as a team – either two women or two men, with no mixed-gender teams. One team member specializes in Downhill, while the other competes in Slalom. Both runs take place on the same day, and the combined times decide the medal winners. This means that only the very best athletes from each nation will make it to the start line.

Rules of the Team Combination

Teams: Consist of two athletes from the same nation (on 11 FEB in Saalbach, two women, and on 12 FEB two men)
Disciplines: One athlete competes in Downhill, the other in Slalom.
Scoring: The times from both runs are added together; the team with the fastest combined time wins.
Starting Order: The first run (Downhill) follows a predetermined starting order. In the second run, the Slalom skiers of the fastest 30 Downhill racers start in reverse order, similar to traditional technical races.

Downhill

Slalom

Teams and Pairings

The introduction of the Team Combination allows for exciting pairings of athletes with different strengths. A standout example is the American "Dream Team" of Mikaela Shiffrin and Breezy Johnson. Johnson was crowned Downhill World Champion just a few days ago and now teams up with Shiffrin – renowned for her Slalom excellence – to chase more medals.

Other nations are also forming strong teams by combining their best technical and speed specialists. Among the top medal contenders in the women's event are Emma Aicher (DH) and Lena Dürr (SL). In the men’s competition, Austria’s duo of Vincent Kriechmayr (DH) and Manuel Feller (SL) are strong podium candidates. This new discipline not only promises heightened excitement but also introduces a strategic element, as coaches must find the perfect pairings for success.

A Format with Potential

The introduction of the Team Combination at the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 2025 marks a significant step forward in the evolution of ski racing. FIS Race Director Markus Mayr is excited about the event: "The Team Combination race will be a very exciting competition and a great show for the audience."

By combining the individual strengths of two top athletes per team, this dynamic and tactically demanding format offers a fresh and thrilling challenge for both competitors and spectators alike.

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