Croatian ski team preps for new season and Olympics

As summer winds down, fewer than two months remain before the start of the World Cup ski season, which traditionally kicks off with the giant slalom in Sölden. 

Skiers and snowboarders worldwide are deep into preparations, with part of Croatia's national team training in South America and others in the Swiss Alps. HRT caught up with the team to hear how pre-season prep is going.

Last season marked a turning point for Croatia, highlighted by Zrinka Ljutić's slalom crystal globe victory. After a well-earned break, she is back to work.

"Summer training went really well, I am very satisfied with the progress, especially in terms of fitness. I got stronger, worked on some deficits. Training in Argentina is very productive, the weather is serving us well. The conditions are phenomenal. We have a variety of terrain to choose from. I also trained a lot of Super G, which will certainly help me for the giant slalom," said Ljutić.

Filip Zubčić consistently placed in the top ten last season, but his ambitions remain higher: podiums and victories.

"More or less the entire World Cup is coming to Argentina because the conditions are really great and we can use this oppurtunity to spar with each other" Zubčić noted.

After missing most of last season due to another knee surgery, Leona Popović is determined to return to form. Her main goal is to be ready for the first slalom in Levi, Finland, in mid-November.

"Rehabilitation takes a long time, but we have been working on our fitness for the last month. I worked with an additional coach, Ivan Knez, lots of weights, bike rides, and running," said Popović.

A breakthrough season saw Samuel Kolega earn a podium in Madonna di Campiglio. He's eager to build on that success.

"I rested completely, returned to fitness training, just before skiing, I did two weeks in Delnice and Zagreb and we came here ready," Kolega explained.

Istok Rodeš will soon rejoin the national team in Switzerland, bolstering the squad as preparations continue.

This season carries extra weight: the 2026 Winter Olympics. Women's alpine events will be held in Cortina d'Ampezzo, while the men's races will take place in Bormio. Croatian skiers will aim to carry their momentum onto the sport's biggest stage.