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Para ski elite visiting Saalbach
After the FIS Alpine Ski World Championships Saalbach 2025 last year, Saalbach remains a stage for international elite sport. This time, the focus shifts to the Para Ski World Cup and to athletes who impressively demonstrate that world-class performance is not defined by norms, but by performance, precision, and courage. The slopes of the Glemmtal are no strangers to high-pressure moments. One year after hosting the Alpine Ski World Championships, the focus now turns to hundredths of a second, World Cup points, and perfectly drawn lines. Speed, technical skill, and mental strength are just as essential here as on any major stage in alpine skiing.
At the heart of the action are two duos from the same family: Johannes Aigner with his guide Nico Haberl, and Veronika Aigner guided by her sister Elisabeth Aigner. Both teams represent para skiing at the highest level, built on partnerships where trust, timing, and absolute precision make the difference.
For Johannes Aigner, Saalbach is a place filled with positive memories. In 2023, he won all four World Cup races here, and this season the downhill once again delivered two victories for the Aigner family. “I always associate Saalbach with something positive,” Johannes says. “I really like the courses – they’re a bit more challenging. And we’ve celebrated many successes here, which naturally creates a strong connection to this place.” Together with guide Nico, every detail falls into place in race mode: clear calls, high speed, a shared rhythm.
Veronika Aigner’s relationship with Saalbach is different, but no less intense. Five years ago, she suffered serious knee injuries here – memories that still linger. “I don’t remember this place as entirely positive,” she says candidly. “The slopes are fantastic, the surroundings are beautiful but this is where I badly injured both knees.” During the first training run, those memories immediately resurfaced, especially approaching the finish jump. “That’s when I realized how much it was still on my mind.” As a result, the training run was approached with caution. In the race, however, Veronika and her guide Elisabeth found their rhythm again and claimed victory together. Despite a small fall beyond the finish line, both remained uninjured. “Lisi just said, ‘Please, not again!’” Veronika recalls with a laugh.
Asked to sum up what defines the Saalbach course from a sporting perspective, the athletes agree on one thing. In three words, they describe their run:
“Challenging,” says Elisabeth.
“Fast,” adds Johannes.
Veronika laughs and says, “Loss of control.” Then she quickly adds, “Well, it’s really not that bad.”
Saalbach once again proves that great sporting moments come in many forms. The demand for top-level performance remains the same - regardless of who is standing in the start gate. The Para Ski World Cup in Saalbach is far from over: There are more races scheduled throughout the week, and spectators are warmly welcome at the Zwölferkogel.
