Jonas Feichter (center) secured victory in the U21 category. © FISI South Tyrol

The ski talents defy the lack of snow

South Tyrol was the epicenter of the international winter sports world in recent days, hosting a total of eleven World Cup races across various disciplines. But the next generation was also in action before Christmas – including at Watles, where a giant slalom race, part of the Marlene Cup, was held. The Vinschgau ski area stepped in for the Seiser Alm due to persistent snow shortages.

23 December 2025

From: pm/sn

In the women's U21 category, Nora Pernstich (TZ Überetsch-Unterland) won the giant slalom ahead of Selina Trafoier (Ulten) and Rosa Trafoier (Schnals). Sophie Schweigl (Kronplatz) posted the fastest time in the U18 category. Valeria Thaler (Sarntal) and Nicole Piccolruaz (Gröden) completed the podium. Jonas Feichter (Gsiesertal) won the men's U21 race, with Valentin Sparber (RG Wipptal) and Noah Gamper (Tscherms) flanking Feichter at the awards ceremony. Christian Kostner from Gröden triumphed in the U18 category.

The Marlene Cup was the highlight of an already very successful week of skiing for South Tyrol's young talents. It all kicked off eight days ago on Monday with Sophie Schweigl's second-place finish in the U18 category at a Gran Premio Italia slalom in Fassa. In the men's competition, David Castlunger (Alta Badia) took second place in the U21 FIS slalom. Twenty-four hours later, at the same venue, Lukas Sieder (RG Wipptal) struck back, winning the U21 category. Among the young women, Victoria Klotz (RG Wipptal) posted the fourth fastest overall time, securing second place in the U21 category (ahead of Hanna Bachmann, Tramin) and victory in the U18 category (ahead of Arianna Putzer, Gröden).

Further afield, in Sappada, Alenah Taschler won a national junior race on Wednesday. The skier from Gsies was victorious in the slalom. Her teammate Nora Damian took third place in the giant slalom on Thursday in Moena – also at a national junior race. There was more cause for celebration on Friday. Christian Kostner won the U18 category at a national junior giant slalom race in Moena. On Monday, Nora Pernstich and Rita Granruaz (Carabinieri sports group) added a one-two finish at a national junior giant slalom race in Cortina.

Last week also saw three European Cup debuts. David Castlunger and Lukas Sieder made their first appearances in the second-highest racing series on Saturday in the slalom in Val di Fassa. Max Clara (Kronplatz) had already completed his giant slalom race in Valloire, France, three days prior. All three were eliminated in the first run.

The cross-country skiers are also starting their season.

Toblach hosted the first two stages of the Raiffeisen Cross-Country Skiing Cup over the weekend. A hurdle sprint was held on Saturday, followed by a freestyle distance race on Sunday. Over 160 endurance athletes participated on both days of competition. Here is an overview of the winners in each category:

Obstacle sprint
U8: Ida Bodner (Kronspur) and Anton Hell (Toblach)
U10: Ronja Bodner (Kronspur) and Leo Weissensteiner (Deutschnofen)
U12: Elena Kostner (Gröden) and Damian Gruber (Sarntal)
U14: Ronja Zemmer (Seiser Alm) and Matias Piazza (Gröden)
U16: Jana Gufler (Kronspur) and Paolo Pietroboni (Sesvenna)
U18: Anna Sagmeister (Sesvenna) and Noah Heinrich Senoner (Gröden)
U20: Livia Kargruber (5VLoipe) and Carlo Bettini (Sesvenna)
Seniors: Julia Kuen (Team Futura) and Silas Demez (Gröden)
Master 1: Julian Brunner (Team Futura)
Master 2-3-4: Arne Zingerle (ALV Kronspur)

Distance racing
U8: Ilaria Rainer (Antholz) and Anton Hell (Toblach)
U10: Rosa Hell (Toblach) and Leo Weissensteiner (Deutschnofen)
U12: Elena Kostner (Gröden) and Alan Dominik Piazza (Gröden)
U14: Ronja Zemmer (Seiser Alm) and Matias Piazza (Gröden)
U16: Jana Gufler (Kronspur) and Paolo Pietroboni (Sesvenna)
U18: Anna Sagmeister (Sesvenna) and Noah Heinrich Senoner (Gröden)
U20: Giada Fachin (Sesvenna) and Lukas Schwingshackl (5VLoipe)
Seniors: Lea Demez (Gröden) and Felix Pider (Sottozero Nordic Team)
Master 1: Julian Brunner (Team Futura)
Master 2-3: Stefano Ciprian (Sci Cai Coneg.)