Cleaning up is underway in Gschnitz. © APA / HANSJOERG RAGGL

After storm: Ski world champion lends a hand

After severe storms in North Tyrol, Gschnitz is under mud and debris. While emergency services are working around the clock, locals are also lending a helping hand – including a slalom world champion.

July 03, 2025

From: do

The severe storms of the past few days have caused chaos not only in South Tyrol, but especially in the North Tyrolean municipality of Gschnitz behind the Brenner Pass, causing mudslides and landslides. The village is currently in the midst of cleanup efforts, with a world champion also lending a helping hand.

Manfred Pranger, a former Austrian Ski Federation (ÖSV) skier, won the slalom world championship title during his career and stood on the top podium in three World Cup races. He was also affected by the frightening storms. The former skier lives in the village with his wife and two children. His house was spared major damage, but in times like these, people still help their neighbors and anyone else who needs support.

Solidarity and help

"What is important – and that is all that matters – is that there is tremendous solidarity in the village and in the entire valley. Those who are not affected themselves are shoveling the damage to their neighbors," Pranger is told in the Kronen Zeitung The world champion was not present on Monday when the storm swept through the community, but he was deeply affected by the destructive power and damage.

Emergency services on site. © APA / UNKNOWN

The athlete also had praise for the emergency services, who have gone above and beyond in recent days: "Firefighters, the Federal Army, and others – what they are all doing is amazing. They deserve the utmost respect and gratitude."