Today at Saalbach 2025: Latest from Austrian women’s Team Combined & Swiss women’s tech skiers

As the speed week comes to a close at the Saalbach 2025 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, thoughts turn towards the technical experts. But first, the newly inaugurated Team Combined takes centre stage.

Here, two of the Austrian women’s teams reveal their excitement for the fresh format, before the Swiss women’s tech team look ahead to what is to come in the next six days of world class ski racing.

AUSTRIAN TEAM COMBINED SKIERS

Stephanie Venier (AUT/Head)

On partnering with Katharina Truppe (AUT/Völkl) for the Team Combined:

“It’s pretty cool to share my team with Kathi Truppe. Our team name is; ‘Team Always Funny’. Because we are always smiling.

“We don’t see each other that much in the season but she’s a super nice person. She’s always funny and I am looking forward to racing with her."

On being delighted the coaches put them together:

“It was only the coaches (who chose) but I am pretty happy. It was a little bit my favourite (person to team up with).”

On the format:

“I have two runs now. I am only doing the Downhill but we are a team so I will be very nervous in the finish area when Kathi is racing the Slalom. It’s a new feeling. I like it.”

Katharina Liensberger (AUT/Rossignol)

On partnering with Mirjam Puchner in the Team Combined:

I’m really looking forward to being at the start with Mirjam. It’s something new. Each of us will have the chance to showcase our abilities, and Mirjam will be able to share with me the positive energy from her silver medal (in the women's Downhill).

"Throughout the year, we follow separate programs, but now we’ll be skiing together, and it’s great to be able to share this experience and ski side by side." 

Mirjam Puchner (AUT/Atomic)

On whether she and Liensberger are favorites for gold:

The decision to team up came from the coaches, but I’m not sure if we can consider ourselves favorites. There are several strong contenders, and it’s hard to say who the favorites will be. However, I do believe our duo is strong.

SWISS WOMEN’S TECH SKIERS

Camille Rast (SUI/HEAD)

On her standout World Cup season:

“I’ve already achieved so much more than I expected before the season, and now I’m just trying to enjoy the moment. But after this season, I’ll definitely be raising my goals for the next one.”

On there perhaps being a changing of the guard in Alpine skiing:

“I don't know it's maybe the generation changing now. I hope so. I hope to keep pushing.

“When you are 30 years old, you know that it's probably the last World Championship and for me is for sure not.

“It is good for everybody that the generation is changing, maybe from the staff to everybody. We need new faces.”

On whether her success has altered her aims for these World Championships:

I think I could still be satisfied with my World Championships, even if I don’t win a medal. A Worlds medal wasn’t part of my plans for this season, but now I know I’m capable of it and for sure I’ll be at the start and give everything.”

On certainly feeling different at her fourth World Champs:

“I have the feeling it's really far away from the first one. So many things have happened. And I am really happy to be here in shape. That's the best thing ever to feel good.”

On the atmosphere at Saalbach 2025:

“The Austrian fans are really on fire, and the organization did really a good job. I saw some stages with live parties, concerts, music everywhere. It looks really fun for the fans and for us, it is fun too when the fans are happy.”

On the new Team Combined:

“The best Downhill (skiers) with the best Slalom can be really interesting.

“We have a strong team in Downhill and in Slalom too… everybody can be really fast.”

Wendy Holdener (SUI/Head)

On skiing in her eighth World Championships:

“I don't actually compare it to other ones. I'm just happy to be here, to be in good shape. And I like the atmosphere. I like that we are almost two weeks in the same place. I like the new beanie. I like the team spirit. It's small things I enjoy.

On her season so far, having returned from long-term injury:

“I had a rough start, to figure out the rhythm again. I had some troubles with sleeping. So, so far, so good. Happy how I improved.”

On the Team Combined:

“I really loved the Alpine combined by myself, for sure. But at least we have a race and happy to see the Slalom course.”

Melanie Meillard (SUI/Rossignol)

On her great form this season:

“I believe my season is going so well because everything has come together in the best way possible, and I’ve been able to train as I wanted despite my knee. I’ll always have some pain, of course, but I can do almost all the training I need, and that’s really important to me."

On the Team Combined:

“I find it new and exciting to compete in the Team Combined event. We’re not used to it, but I think it’s cool to be part of a team, even though I’ll be skiing a real Slalom.

“I’m also happy to ski the course one last time before Saturday – it’s great preparation.”