SCHLADMING, Austria – The final races of the 2025/26 Europacup ski season concluded Wednesday in Schladming, Austria, with an Italian victory in the women’s slalom and a poignant farewell to Austrian skier Simon Maurberger. Giulia Valleriani, 21, secured her second Europacup win, signaling a rising talent for Italy on the World Cup circuit, while Maurberger concluded a distinguished career that peaked at the incredibly venue where he bid adieu.
Valleriani’s winning time edged out Austria’s Natalie Falch by just under a second, a testament to the razor-thin margins at the elite level of slalom racing. The young skier from the Latium region has already demonstrated her potential on the World Cup stage, achieving two top-30 finishes this season, according to the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) official website. Her performance in Schladming solidifies her position as a skier to watch in the coming years.
The race wasn’t without strong showings from local competitors. Südtirol’s Celina Haller finished 13th and Laura Steinmair secured 17th place, demonstrating the growing strength of Italian-speaking South Tyrol in alpine skiing. The results highlight the region’s commitment to developing young talent in the sport.
Zenhäusern Claims Men’s Title, Maurberger Bids Farewell
On the men’s side, experienced Swiss skier Ramon Zenhäusern took the top spot, continuing a successful season on the Europacup circuit. For the local crowd, however, the day was largely about Simon Maurberger. The Ahrntal native finished 11th in his final Europacup race, a fitting end to a career that saw him achieve his best World Cup result – a 5th-place finish – at Schladming six years prior.
Maurberger’s career has been marked by consistent performance and dedication to the sport. While he may not have reached the very pinnacle of World Cup success, his longevity and commitment to excellence have earned him respect among his peers and fans. Matteo Canins, also representing Südtirol, delivered a strong performance for the home team, finishing 7th in the men’s slalom.
Valleriani: A Rising Star for Italy
Giulia Valleriani’s victory is particularly significant for Italian alpine skiing, which has a rich history in the sport. Italy has produced numerous World Cup champions and Olympic medalists, and Valleriani appears poised to continue that tradition. Her ability to translate Europacup success to the World Cup level will be closely watched by Italian ski fans and officials.
“She’s a very determined athlete with a clear understanding of her strengths,” commented former Italian slalom champion Cristian Deville in an interview with RAI News. “Her technique is solid, and she’s not afraid to grab risks. She has the potential to become a major force in women’s slalom.”
Maurberger’s Legacy: A Career Defined by Dedication
Simon Maurberger’s retirement marks the end of an era for Austrian alpine skiing. While he may not be a household name, his consistent performances and unwavering dedication to the sport have earned him the respect of his peers. His 5th-place finish at Schladming in 2020 remains a career highlight, a testament to his skill and determination.
“Schladming has always been a special place for me,” Maurberger said in a statement released by the Austrian Ski Federation. “To finish my career here, where I had one of my best results, is a dream approach true. I’m grateful for all the support I’ve received throughout my career.”
Maurberger’s departure leaves a void in the Austrian ski team, but his legacy of hard work and dedication will undoubtedly inspire future generations of skiers. His final race served as a reminder that success in alpine skiing is not always about winning, but about pushing oneself to the limit and representing one’s country with pride.
The conclusion of the Europacup season in Schladming sets the stage for the upcoming World Cup events. Many of the skiers who competed this week will now turn their attention to qualifying for and competing in the World Cup circuit, where they will face even greater challenges and opportunities. The performances in Schladming provide valuable insights into the rising stars and established veterans who are poised to develop an impact on the global stage.
The FIS is scheduled to release the official World Cup calendar for the 2026/27 season in June. Stay updated on the latest news and schedules on the FIS website.
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