Payer defends victory while March finds redemption in Cortina

Dec 13, 2025·Snowboard Alpine

@FIS/ActionPress/Giovanni Maria Pizzato

The Visa FIS Snowboard Alpine World Cup returned to European snow and delivered on the drama under the lights in Cortina d’Ampezzo. The Italian crowd was rocking as the snowboarders took the Dolomite slopes.

Aaron March redeems himself for first PGS win

Last season, Aaron March (ITA) settled for second after losing to teammate Daniele Bagozza (ITA) in the big final in Cortina. The wily veteran turned all of that around on Saturday, taking the top spot with a thrilling win against fellow vet Benjamin Karl (AUT).

The win is the 39-year-old’s first career PGS world cup victory and fifth overall. It is also his first win on home snow.

“It is very special. I love this place and winning in Italy is very special. I like the night races, I don’t know why. Today I felt good from the beginning and am very happy about the victory, especially here in Cortina. And all the guys working here, I have known them for years, so I am so happy for them. They always make a good event, so thanks to them,”– March said.

March finally summited at his favorite slope. The years of experience gave him the edge this time around.

Benjamin Karl, Aaron March, Maurizio Bormolini on the podium. @FIS/ActionPress/Giovanni Maria Pizzato

“These slopes there are some key points where you need the speed and have to push hard. So the experience helps, I knew where to push and where to hold a bit. With age, it is also easier when it is not so steep,”– March said.

March upset tour leader and countryman Maurizio Bormolini (ITA) in the semifinals by 0.45 seconds. Bormolini went on to secure third with a win against Edwin Coratti (ITA) in the small final. Bormolini maintains his lead in the overall standings just ahead of March.

March was not the only longtime snowboarder to find success in Cortina. Benjamin Karl (AUT) gave March a run for his money in the big final. His second place finish moves his career World Cup individual podium tally to 55. Karl beat teammate Andreas Prommegger (AUT) in a heavyweight battle in round one.

Edwin Coratti (ITA) had a great run including a photo finish in round one but, came up just short in the small final.

Last week’s winner Mirko Felicetti (ITA) suffered a DNF in qualifying and did not advance. Daniele Bagozza (ITA) was the only Italian man to lose in round one.

Sabine Payer is the Queen of Cortina

Sabine Payer may not be Italian but is right at home in Cortina. The Austrian defended her victory from last season, topping the Cortina podium once again.

“Yes it was good in training but races and training are always different things. I think I learned that in China. I found some solutions and got lucky to always be on the blue course. I really like the transition here just like last year and it suits me,”– Payer said.

Payer (AUT) continued her strong form with a win against Aleksandra Krol-Walas (POL) in the quarters with a huge amount of speed in the final section to advance to the final. Payer then showed off the speed with an easy win in the big final.

It is her second podium in a row after third in Mylin last week. She now has 10 individual world cup victories and 33 podiums. It is her third win in Cortina.

Kaylie Buck makes first career podium. @FIS/ActionPress/Giovanni Maria Pizzato

Kaylie Buck (CAN) suffered a DNF in the big final after missing a gate but still put up a career performance on the day. The 25-year-old made a stunning run to the finals to make her first world cup podium in her 79th start.

The Italian women came up just short on the day. Jasmin Coratti (ITA) finished third in Cortina last season but settled for fourth this time around. Zuzana Maderova (CZE) edged her out in the small final for her first podium of the season.

Coratti made a late comeback to win round one then pulled off another late move to beat Tsubaki Miki (JPN) in quarterfinals due to Miki’s late error.

Lucia Dalmasso (ITA) faced a tough matchup in round one and could not overcome Krol-Walas (POL). Elisa Caffont (ITA) went down in the quarters.