Austria shines and new stars rise: an exciting start to the FIS Para Alpine Skiing World Cup in Steinach am Brenner

Dec 14, 2024·Para Alpine

A very successful Austrian team in Steinach am Brenner @ Ski Austria / Knaus

The 2025 FIS Para Alpine Skiing World Cup began with thrilling races in Steinach am Brenner, Austria, from 11th to 13th December. The opening event showcased strong performances from the Austrian team, with victories across multiple categories, and highlighted the rise of outsiders challenging the established leaders in each event. Notably, the women’s sitting category is experiencing a resurgence, with a more competitive field that promises exciting battles throughout the season. With these developments, the stage is set for an action-packed season leading up to the Paralympic Games.

Austrian domination in the first Super G

The Austrian athletes delivered an outstanding performance on the first day, claiming victories in three categories in the first Super G. Johannes Aigner, guided by Nico Haberl, triumphed in the Men’s Vision Impaired class, narrowly edging out Italy’s Giacomo Bertagnolli and his guide, Andrea Ravelli, by just 0.62 seconds. This marked the beginning of a tight battle between the Austrian pair and the Italian duo, which is expected to mirror the competition seen last season. The Italians succeeded in the Alpine Combined, securing the win thanks to a strong slalom performance.

Veronika Aigner, guided by her sister Elisabeth, led the Women’s Vision Impaired category with a commanding victory - the first of three at her home races. Reflecting on her exceptional performance, Aigner expressed her satisfaction with the season’s start: “It’s an indescribable feeling. Everything aligned perfectly, from the weather to the skis. I hope to carry this momentum into the upcoming races in France.”

Thomas Grochar added another victory for Austria on Wednesday, taking the Men’s Standing category before claiming two other podiums. Joining him on the podium was Manuel Rachbauer, who finished 3rd behind Switzerland’s Robin Cuche, marking his best World Cup result of his career.

If someone had told me I’d leave with a win and two podiums, I wouldn’t have believed it. This week has been incredible.– Thomas Grochar (AUT)

Ebba Aarsjoe’s triple victory

In the women’s standing category, Sweden’s Ebba Aarsjoe had a phenomenal week, securing victories in all three races. Following the retirement of France’s Marie Bochet, who dominated the speed disciplines, Aarsjoe seems to have discovered a newfound confidence and enjoyment in competing in these events. This transition marks a significant milestone for the Swedish athlete, who was previously focused on technical disciplines. Is the Swedish champion preparing to go for the gold in all disciplines in Milano-Cortina?

It was also a successful week for the Netherlands’ Claire Petit, who stood on the podium in all three Austrian races.

A comeback for Kurt Oatway

Canada’s Kurt Oatway made a triumphant return to the top of the podium in the Men’s Sitting class during the second Super G. Oatway clinched the victory after defeating his closest rival by 1.04 seconds. Reflecting on his performance, Oatway shared, “Three World Cup races and three podiums — this is a great way to start the season, for sure. I actually can’t remember the last time I won a World Cup race, it was probably some time back in 2019 or maybe 2020. But so far, great start of the season, it was a good race, my coach set the course, and I just went at it. I had good results in the few last Super G FIS races and World Cup and in the Alpine Combined Super G. I just gave it my all, put it all out and I came out on top today. I just gave it my all, and it came together.”

Audrey Pascual Seco and the Women’s Sitting category gain momentum

The Women’s Sitting category saw Spain’s young Audrey Pascual Seco enter a new dimension. After clinching a world title in Para surf at the ISA World Para Surfing Championship 2024 in Huntington Beach, she has emerged as a fierce competitor for the top spots this season and heading into Milano-Cortina. Pascual Seco claimed victory in the second Super G, outpacing Japan’s Momoka Muraoka, while Germany’s Anna-Lena Forster, the 2023-24 globe winner in all disciplines, finished fourth. This growing field signals a bright future for the discipline, promising thrilling battles throughout the season.