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Exceptional Performance secures World Championship Title!
Saalbach proved to be an impressive host for the 2025 Ski World Championships, delivering a giant slalom spectacle that could not have been more thrilling for the fans. Overnight, massive amounts of snow fell, but the slope crew did an outstanding job preparing the course perfectly for the big race. The first run took place in light snowfall, but by the time the top contenders started their second run, the sun was shining over Saalbach.
15,000 passionate ski fans created a goosebump-inducing atmosphere. The grandstands shook as the world's best skiers battled for medals. Expectations for the favorites were high, but the final result delivered a huge surprise: the new giant slalom world champion is from Austria—Raphael Haaser! With bib number 22 and an impressive performance already in the first run—despite snowfall and poor visibility—he delivered a top time in the second run and secured the gold medal. This also confirms the excellent slope conditions. Huge thank you to all the workers ont he slope.
The 27-year-old Tyrolean from the Achental valley suffered a setback in December when he sustained a knee injury in Val d'Isère, forcing him to take a six-week break. However, Haaser already proved in Kitzbühel that he was back in top form despite the temporary setback, securing one of the coveted Gams trophies in the Super-G. He continued his strong performance at the World Championships, winning silver in the Super-G. But his biggest triumph came in the giant slalom: in front of a home crowd, he delivered two phenomenal runs and sensationally crowned himself world champion. Even commentator Hans Knauss was in awe of his performance: "You have to remember, he was injured for six weeks, trained giant slalom for just two days, and then puts down runs like this at the World Championships!"
Visibly emotional, Haaser stood in the finish area, barely able to believe his luck. "It’s unbelievable—I’ve never stood on top of a World Cup podium before, and now this, at a home World Championship! When things go your way, they really go your way. It all worked out 100%!" he said in an interview. Fans celebrated their new ski hero with pure joy, while coaches excitedly shared their reactions over the radio, simply declaring: "World Champion—mega!" Austria’s technical head coach, Martin Kroisleitner, was equally thrilled: "A fantastic first run from Raphael, and then he took it up another notch—perfection!"
Behind the new world champion, the Swiss racers also delivered top performances: Thomas Tumler claimed a sensational silver medal, while Loic Meillard, who had already won gold in the team event, completed the podium with bronze.
With Haaser’s victory, Saalbach turned into a red-white-red party paradise. Fans cheered, flags waved, and the entire Austrian ski nation rejoiced over their new world champion. It was a ski festival that will be remembered—one of those stories that only sport can write.
