Alpine ski racing returns to Thredbo's World Cup Race Course

After a seven-year hiatus, alpine ski racing made a triumphant return to Australian slopes as Thredbo hosted the FIS Australia New Zealand Cup (ANC) from 25-29 August, welcoming athletes from 14 nations to its World Cup Race Course. The week-long event marked a significant milestone for Australian athletes beginning a crucial Olympic season, offering competition experience and all-important FIS points.

Australia’s top alpine talent seized the moment, delivering standout performances across Giant Slalom and Slalom disciplines. Louis Muhlen-Schulte led the charge, finishing second in the opening Giant Slalom behind Denmark’s Christian Borgnaes, with Japan’s Seigo Kato rounding out the podium. Muhlen-Schulte flipped the script in the second GS, claiming victory ahead of Andreas Zampa of Slovakia, and Borgnaes who was third.

Hugh McAdam, Henry Headon, and Felix Sachs also impressed, each securing top 10 finishes in the first Giant Slalom event with McAdam and Sachs also creeping into the top 10 in the second GS.

McAdam continued his strong form with a podium finish in the first Slalom race, while Headon narrowly missed the podium in fourth.

Phoebe Heaydon impressed in the women’s field, securing second place in both Giant Slalom events behind Norway’s Helene Oveland. Abbey Evans also delivered consistent results, finishing third in the second race and narrowly missing the podium with a fourth-place finish in the first.

Heaydon then stormed to victory in the first Slalom event, sharing the podium with teammate Sophie Mahon, who claimed second. The results signal a promising season ahead for Australia’s rising female racers.

Weather caused the final slalom races to be delayed by a day, with racing continuing Friday. 

For local athletes, the chance to race on home snow was a rare and rewarding experience.

Click here to view full results.