On March 23, 2025, Austrian skier Lukas Feurstein achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the Super-G race at the Sun Valley World Cup Finals, marking the end of nearly a season-long win drought for the Austrian men’s Alpine ski team. With a winning time of 1:10.96, Feurstein demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, delivering a performance that many will remember.
This not only brought jubilation to the Austrian team but also highlighted Feurstein’s potential as a rising star in the sport, with this victory being his first World Cup win. “I think I am a really good technical skier and today you needed that part really well. The course was really turney. I wished for a run like that yesterday and today it made my wish come true,” stated Feurstein after his win, truly encapsulating the joy of his achievement.
Taking second place was fellow Austrian Raphael Haaser, finishing a mere 0.19 seconds behind Feurstein. This achievement was particularly awe-inspiring as just eight days earlier, Haaser had suffered a severe crash that resulted in the loss of three teeth during the World Cup Giant Slalom event in Hafjell, Norway. “I was really looking forward to the race today. And I’m really happy with my performance,” Haaser said, reflecting his resilience and skill, especially considering the demanding nature of the course.
In third place was Swiss skier Franjo von Allmen, who clocked a time of 1:11.38. Von Allmen’s performance was also noteworthy, as it added to his impressive season, having entered the competition with a series of strong finishes and wins under his belt. While he aimed high, his efforts in this race highlighted his upward trajectory in the World Cup standings.
Marco Odermatt, the reigning star of the sport from Switzerland, finished fifth in the race, which was significant considering he had already clinched his third consecutive Super-G Crystal Globe earlier that season. His journey in this race didn’t quite meet his expectations, but it did not overshadow his accomplishments over the course of the season. “Every Globe has a little bit of a different story. For me, the special thing about this Globe is probably the victory in Kitzbühel, which was a big dream for me to win this Golden Gams,” Odermatt reflected, emphasizing the moment's importance even amidst unfaltering competition.
Feurstein’s victory at the Sun Valley World Cup Finals signals a bright future for the Austrian men’s ski team. After struggling through the season, this win serves both as a turning point and a motivation for the upcoming races. Teammate Haaser's strong finish underscores the depth of talent within the Austrian ranks, even in light of his recent injury.
This Super-G finale displayed extraordinary performances from all the athletes involved and sets a thrilling tone for the next season. As Feurstein celebrated his victory, the anticipation now builds as the athletes prepare for what comes next in their careers.
Austrian skiing, known for its rich history and tradition, can look forward to what Feurstein and Haaser bring in the upcoming races, while veteran competitors like Odermatt continue to set the standard of excellence. Clearly, the Sun Valley World Cup Finals not only ended Austria's win drought but also reinforced the country's stronghold in the world of Alpine skiing.
