At least one thing is certain: this season promises excitement, at least in female competition. If not because of the return of Lindsey Vonn, who announced a fierce battle in order to reclaim the throne, then because of the new commentator, Miran Ališič. Like it or not, the danger of falling asleep in front of the TV screen is thus remote.

Already the opening match should show how well Tina Maze is prepared. Over the last years the skier from Črna had always started the season in top shape; the bigger question is her contentment with the new team, in which trainer Valerio Ghirardi this year replaced Mauro Pini.

The number of her rivals will be reduced by at least one: Maria Höfl-Riesch after her injury at the finals in Lenzerheide decided to end her successful career, and will appear in the role of a commentator.

Several important names will be missing from the male list of skiers as well, the last of the victims being Aksel Lund Svindal, who was injured just before the beginning of the season at training on dryland.

From 72 matches in the world cup 38 will be organized for male, and 34 for female skiers.