Manuel Feller's season has to end prematurely. © AFP / MARCO BERTORELLO

Badly injured: Feller ends season

Technical specialist Manuel Feller has prematurely ended his World Cup season. The North Tyrolean wants to concentrate fully on his health and recovery, as the Austrian Ski Federation (ÖSV) announced on Wednesday.

March 04, 2026

From: cst

"It was a very challenging season for me, both mentally and physically," Feller, who has repeatedly suffered from back problems, explained in a statement. He added that the mental challenges he had developed over the years became particularly difficult in the autumn.

“That’s why I consciously took a step back back then and worked on myself. I kept fighting and I’m proud of the progress I’ve made on and off the slopes,” the 33-year-old continued. After the Winter Games, his body and mind “clearly signaled to me that now was the time for a break.” In Cortina, Feller won silver in the alpine team combined event together with Vincent Kriechmayr.

Surgery is scheduled

According to the Austrian Ski Federation (ÖSV), Feller is suffering from persistent sciatica resulting from multiple herniated discs, as well as a hernia and inflammation of the pubic bone. The Tyrolean skier will use the break for back surgery and likely also groin surgery. The goal is to be optimally prepared for the upcoming winter season after a full recovery.

Feller posted a picture on Instagram in front of the Kettenbrücke private clinic in Innsbruck. He also wrote that he has been suffering from sciatica for more than ten years. For about a year, he has been struggling with a hernia, and since January with osteitis pubis. He wished his teammates all the best for the rest of the season.



A highlight for Feller this season, besides his Olympic silver medal, was his victory in the Kitzbühel slalom. He is currently the best Austrian in ninth place in the slalom World Cup standings.