The 2006 Olympic Games were particularly satisfactory for the Austrian skiers winning a total of 14 medals. Two skiers from Austria won two gold medals in Turin: Michaela Dorfmeister and Benjamin Raich. Dorfmeister won the gold medal in the Downhill and the Super-G. Raich won gold medals in Slalom and Giant Slalom.

Downhill is considered the premier discipline and is the longest and, after the slalom, second-oldest alpine skiing competition. Since its inception in 1967, Downhill has been an integral part of the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup.