Karl Mussner received an award. © FISI

Coach of the Year: Karl Mussner, the tireless one

Karl Mussner had actually planned to end his coaching career two years ago. However, this didn't happen – much to the delight of his club, Ski Team Alta Badia. The 68-year-old is an indispensable figure for the Ladin-based club in the development of young athletes. For precisely this reason, Mussner was nominated by them as Coach of the Year after last season – and FISI South Tyrol accepted the recommendation.

June 17, 2026

From: pm

“With the nomination of Karl Mussner, we at Ski Team Alta Badia want to honor not only a successful coach, but above all a person who has shaped winter sports in South Tyrol for decades with passion, integrity, and extraordinary dedication,” the Val Badia team begins their nearly two-page eulogy for the coach. Two years ago, Mussner was already on the verge of retiring after more than 50 years in skiing. But the spark hadn't died, and the native of Val Gardena continued. “Karl didn't need a grand promise. He needed an environment of trust, honest people, and an idea he could believe in,” his club writes.

“Since his arrival, Karl has brought enormous value to our club. He is a daily role model for our young coaches, both professionally and, above all, personally. Parents, in particular, repeatedly express their gratitude for the values ​​and messages he conveys to the young athletes. Respect, responsibility, commitment, discipline, and passion are no longer a given these days. Karl not only embodies these values, but he also manages to pass them on authentically. We as a club have also learned a great deal from him during this time,” admit the officials of the Ski Team Alta Badia. The 68-year-old is one of the last to embody the “consistent, sometimes strict, but always honest, humane, and caring” coaching style of the old guard. For his athletes, “it’s not results and numbers that matter, but the person behind the performance.”

A great support for the club and its protégés

According to representatives of the Alta Badia Ski Team, Mussner's greatest strength lies in his work, which he approaches with both "head and heart." They say that he helps many athletes regain confidence, stability, and motivation for skiing, and that the coach from Wolkenstein always emphasizes independence. "He doesn't want to create athletes who are dependent on him, but rather individuals who learn to take responsibility and forge their own path." Mussner's influence is also invaluable within the club: "Karl has always behaved correctly, loyally, and transparently within the Alta Badia Ski Team. For us, correctness means being honest, addressing issues clearly, and not beating around the bush. Karl brings precisely this openness and honesty to our work every day. Always respectful, always clear. This has earned him great trust and recognition within the club," the Val Badia representatives are quoted as saying.

Karl Mussner (second from right) was awarded best coach. © FISI

As a coach, Mussner has mentored many athletes. Recently, several of his protégés have made significant progress. Alberto Davare was promoted to the South Tyrol regional team, while Lena Sottara, David Thaler, and Mike Rifesser are among the FISI's "observati" (athletes on the national team). David Castlunger and Rita Granruaz are already members of the national team. Both have a special history closely intertwined with Mussner: Granruaz was coached by the Val Gardena native after a serious injury, regained her former strength under his guidance, and in her comeback season, she finished among the top 100 downhill skiers in the world. With Castlunger, Mussner always knew exactly when his advice was needed and when he had to let the youngster find the solution on his own. He always provided the necessary support and a good environment, allowing the young skier from Badia to develop into a huge talent in the South Tyrolean scene.

“With his decision to dedicate himself fully to a new project at this stage of his life, Karl has become an exceptional example of loyalty, passion, and true calling,” concluded the Alta Badia Ski Team in its nomination of Karl Mussner. FISI South Tyrol wholeheartedly agreed and named him Coach of the Year 2026 at the end of the season.