In the build-up to the highly anticipated Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, a captivating new docuseries is set to provide an unprecedented look into the world of elite alpine skiing. ESPN's five-episode series, titled "On the Edge: World Cup Ski Racing," premieres this Friday, starring legendary figures including Mikaela Shiffrin and Lindsey Vonn alongside other top international competitors.
An Intimate Glimpse into the Circuit
The series promises to deliver a raw and authentic behind-the-scenes perspective on what life is truly like on the demanding World Cup circuit. It goes beyond the polished television broadcasts of race days, delving into the immense pressures, gruelling travel schedules, and personal sacrifices that define the sport at its highest level.
Star-Studded Cast of Athletes
Alongside American icons Shiffrin and Vonn, the docuseries features a global roster of skiing talent. Viewers will get to know Swiss standout and current force Marco Odermatt, as well as the charismatic Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, the Norwegian-born skier who competes for Brazil. The project also highlights other key figures such as New Zealand's Alice Robinson, Italy's trio of Sofia Goggia, Federica Brignone, and Dominik Paris, and Norway's Henrik Kristoffersen.
The opening episode focuses intimately on the relationship between Mikaela Shiffrin and her fiancé, Norwegian skier Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, documenting their mutual support during comebacks from severe injuries. This personal narrative sets the tone for a series that aims to humanise the athletes beyond their results.
Powerful Storytelling and a Poignant Finale
The final instalment, scheduled to air on April 10th and named "The World's Stage," will carry significant emotional weight. It centres on Swiss racer Camille Rast as she reflects on a tragic event: a fatal fire at a bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort during a New Year's celebration. This episode will also look back on the Olympic performances, including that of 41-year-old Lindsey Vonn, who made a remarkable return to competition after undergoing a partial knee replacement.
Industry Support and Broader Vision
The series has garnered strong backing from within the sport's governing bodies. Sophie Goldschmidt, President & CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard, emphasised the project's importance in a statement. "This kind of storytelling is so important to the future of our sport," she said. "'On the Edge' gives ski racing an even bigger platform and broader reach — and that’s how you inspire participation."
Goldschmidt expressed hope that the series would encourage more young people to engage with ski racing, dreaming of emulating champions like Shiffrin, Vonn, or Ryan Cochran-Siegle. "We have so many amazing stories to share about both our U.S. and international athletes," she added, underscoring the narrative richness of the sport.
The Director's Perspective
Helmed by filmmaker Pat Dimon, the series explores the athletes' arduous journey towards Olympic glory and the relentless grind of the World Cup season. Dimon, a lifelong skier from Vermont, shared his vision for the project. "Growing up a lifelong skier in Vermont, I learned that what matters most often happens away from the gates and finish line," he explained.
"'On the Edge' is about seeing past the polished surface and dropping into the real line of World Cup racing — the grind of travel, the toll of injuries, the pressure, and the mindset it takes to be and stay at that level." The series premieres on the ESPN app and ESPN on Disney+, aiming to connect with audiences ahead of the Milan Cortina Games, which run from February 6th to 22nd, 2026.
