Marco Schwarz had a dream run. © APA/afp / STEFANO RELLANDINI

Marco Schwarz's magical run in Alta Badia

In Val Gardena, Austria's skiers completely fell short of expectations. However, in the first run of the giant slalom in Alta Badia, two Austrian Ski Federation (ÖSV) racers have now shown promise.

21 December 2025

From: dl

Marco Schwarz took full advantage of starting number 1 on the perfectly groomed Gran Risa course. The Austrian delivered a dream run in the snow of Alta Badia, and no one else came close to matching his phenomenal time. American River Radamus is currently in second place, 67 hundredths of a second behind.

Stefan Brennsteiner, another Austrian, finished in third place. The top five, which also included Atle Lie McGrath and Lucas Braathen, were all within one second of each other. Top favorites like Marco Odermatt (11th) and Henrik Kristoffersen (12th) fell well short of expectations. The Swiss skier, who was one and a half seconds behind Schwarz, appears tired after the week in Val Gardena, but will certainly be looking to attack in the second run.

Alex Vinatzer hasn't quite found his rhythm yet. © APA/afp / STEFANO RELLANDINI

The best Italian skier, Alex Vinatzer, lost two seconds to Schwarz. The Val Gardena native didn't quite find his rhythm in the first run of his home race and is currently in 15th place. Local favorite Tobias Kastlunger from Enneberg will start with bib number 57. The giant slalom final in Alta Badia then begins at 13 p.m.