Henrik Kristoffersen has put on seven kilos of muscle to get more speed and he did a good first run.
The Norwegian, who is outside the Norwegian national team and makes his own bet, has previously been sixth best in the traditional giant slalom premiere in Sölden.
With starting number twelve, the Swiss Gino Caviezel, 28, took the lead despite a couple of misses during the race.
In the second half, Caviezel was 0.24 after which at the finish line he turned into a lead of 0.06.
He has at best been sixth in the World Cup.
Slovenian Zan Kranjec, 27, is second in the close race.
He has six podium places in the World Cup, all in giant slalom, of which two victories.
It was sparkling winter conditions on the Rettenbach Glacier and even the high-lying start at an altitude of over 3000 meters, which was covered in fog yesterday, bathed in sunshine.
The only Swede to start, Kristoffer Jakobsen, has start number 61 and goes out second last.
The competition is ongoing.