Anna Gasser, a two-time Olympic Big Air champion from Austria, is preparing to compete in the Slopestyle World Cup in Laax, Switzerland. This event marks her return after recovering from a shoulder injury. Gasser, now 34, is one of 95 riders taking on the renowned Laax slopestyle course, with the competition beginning on January 16, 2025.
Laax Slopestyle World Cup Overview
The Laax Slopestyle event is the second World Cup for the 2025/26 FIS Park & Pipe season. It follows the season opener in Aspen held the previous weekend. This competition is crucial as it is the final World Cup event before the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, scheduled for February. The World Cup circuit will resume in March after this pivotal event.
Gasser’s Road to Recovery
Gasser had to miss the opening of the Big Air World Cup season in November due to her recovery from a dislocated shoulder. The injury occurred while she was surfing during her off-season training. The Laax event will be her first World Cup appearance since she placed fourth last year, marking a departure from her previous performances.
Past Performances in Laax
Historically, Gasser has had a strong presence at the Laax Open. Her track record includes:
- Fourth place in 2024
- Runner-up in 2023
- Third place finishes in 2022 and 2021
- Runner-up in her debut at Laax in 2017
Last year marked the first time since 2022 that Gasser did not secure a spot on the Laax podium. Despite the setback, her multiple top finishes highlight her consistent performance in the competition.
Looking Ahead
As Anna Gasser prepares for the Laax Slopestyle World Cup, her return is highly anticipated. Fans and fellow competitors alike are eager to see how she performs after her recovery. The upcoming event will serve as a vital step toward her ambitions for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
