Anna Schilcher took the victory. © Saslong Classic Club

Austrian woman leaves everyone behind in Val Gardena

The FESA Raiffeisen FIS Challenge in Val Gardena kicked off on Monday with downhill training runs for both men and women. The highlight was the first women's downhill race shortly after midday, in which Austrian Anna Schilcher set a commanding fastest time.

01 December 2025

From: pm

The 25-year-old Styrian, who has two World Cup starts to her name (Cortina d'Ampezzo and Crans Montana in 2024), completed the nearly 2,5-kilometer downhill course with a 450-meter vertical drop in 1:34.59 minutes. Schilcher was thus the only speed skier to break the 1:35-minute mark.

The three-time national runner-up in the Super-G relegated two young Norwegians, Inni Holm Wembstad and Eva Unhjem Johansen, to second and third place, respectively. Johansen, who will soon turn 18, won a FIS downhill race on Piz Sella last year and made her European Cup debut in Sarntal a few weeks later.

The winner's podium with Anna Schilcher, Inni Holm Wembstad and Eva Unhjem Johansen.

The best Italian finisher was Ivy Schölzhorn (Sterzing/+2,10) in ninth place. Arianna Putzer (Wolkenstein/+2,51) came in 11th, just ahead of Rita Granruaz (Abtei) and Leonie Girtler (Freienfeld).

The FESA Raiffeisen FIS Challenge concludes on Tuesday with another women's downhill race and two men's races. A total of 300 young racers from over 30 different nations are participating.