In recent years, there has been no athlete from Val Gardena in the alpine skiing circuit who has been among the absolute world leaders after the era of Peter Runggaldier and Werner Perathoner. However, this could soon change: With Max Perathoner, a great talent is maturing.

Max Perathoner caused a sensation last winter. The 21-year-old from Wolkenstein made headlines at the end of January when he won double gold at the Junior World Championships in Châtel, France (in the super-G and Team Combined alongside Edoardo Saracco) and also took home a bronze medal in the downhill.

The Junior World Championship title in the super-G earned Perathoner a starting place at the World Cup final in Saalbach-Hinterglemm. In March, due to the warm temperatures and softened piste in less than ideal conditions, he started the race with bib number 23 as the last racer of the day and finished 22nd, almost three seconds behind. However, the ranking didn't matter on this very special day for Max Perathoner - it was much more important that he was able to be among the skiing elite and gain experience.

"My dream is to compete in more World Cup races and, of course, to take part in the Olympic Games. That would be incredible," Max Perathoner was quoted as saying by the Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI) in March 2024 after his debut in the top racing series. Racing down the Stelvio in Bormio in 2026 as part of the Olympics - that would be something. The long-term goal for the young man from Val Gardena is probably the 2031 Alpine World Ski Championships - in his home valley, on his home course.

However, Max Perathoner will first have to earn his World Cup starts in the new 2024/25 season. The son of Alan Perathoner and Ylvie Runggaldier - both former World Cup athletes - will be competing more often in the European Cup this year. "Preparation has gone well, with a few ups and downs, but that's quite normal. My goal is to fight for victories and good placings in the European Cup. If I am then given the opportunity to compete in the World Cup, I want to do my best there. I'm really looking forward to racing again," said Max Perathoner before the start of the season. Presumably the whole of Val Gardena would be delighted if he could soon follow in the footsteps of Peter Runggaldier and Werner Perathoner...