Craig Branch was Australia's sole starter in the men's World Cup downhill in Bormio during the Christmas/New Year week, with AJ Bear opting not to race because of illness in the lead-up.

Branch finished in 43rd place, gaining another top 80 per cent qualifying result, but missing top 60.

The race was won by US skier Daron Rahlves.

With other World Cup events on hold for the holiday break, Luke Deane competed in a FIS giant slalom in Morzine, finishing in 21st place behind French World Cup competitor Thomas Fanara.

With just 20 days to go to the Australian Olympic Committee's selection cut-off date of January 24, all five alpine skiers seeking Games selection - AJ Bear, Craig Branch, Jono Brauer, Luke Deane and Brad Wall - are still chasing qualifying results, though Bear has already met the qualification criteria for super G.

The next event will feature giant slalom and slalom in Adelboden, Switzerland, while the next downhill and super G events are in Wengen, Switzerland, on January 13 and 14. Wengen will also host a slalom race.