Dominik Raschner

The “hobby photographer” sets off for new heights

Raschner (right, here with winner Feller) made his first World Cup podium in Adelboden last year.(Bild: AFP/AFP or licensors)

After his breakthrough last season, "late starter" Dominik Raschner (30) is eagerly awaiting the new World Cup winter, starting the season in Levi on Sunday. The Tyrolean told the "Krone" who his biggest fan is, what his greatest passion is and what he thinks of Marcel Hirscher's comeback.

I've finally managed to take the step towards the top of the world," Dominik Raschner breathed a sigh of relief during his visit to the "Krone". For years, the 30-year-old from Mils was regarded as a perennial talent, delivering strong times in training - but no major successes in races. Before he changed his equipment last summer, went back to Fischer and focused almost exclusively on the slalom.

The "Krone" visited Raschner in his home town of Mils.(Bild: Christof Birbaumer)

Which promptly paid off: In the previous season, Raschner finished in the top 7 three times, celebrating his debut on a World Cup podium in Adelboden in third place. Much to the delight of his 91-year-old grandfather. "He's my biggest fan, watches all the races," smiles Raschner, who made his first turns on the Glungezer at the age of two and a half and had his older brother Patrick as his first role model: "I emulated him and learned a lot from him."

Raschner is starting the new season fully motivated and with new head sponsor Stilaxx.(Bild: privat)

To this day, the family man, son of a primary school principal and a university professor, loves being at home, his favorite dish is "spinach patties from mom": "Mils is my retreat, I can really switch off here."

A passion for tennis and photography
In his private life, Raschner, who is passionate about tennis and used to be a championship player ("My weapon is my serve"), has been in steady hands for years. In the summer, he went on vacation to Sri Lanka with his girlfriend Steffi - and pursued his second great passion: Photography. "It's more than just a hobby. Maybe I'll do something like that professionally once I've stopped skiing - but that's still a few years away."

In his free time, Raschner likes to pick up a tennis racket ...(Bild: Christof Birbaumer)

... and takes time for fan photos on his home tennis court.(Bild: Christof Birbaumer)

The present is Levi, where Raschner's season opener takes place on Sunday. "Last season left me wanting more, and I want to build on that." With composure, the temperament that characterizes the 2023 parallel vice world champion: "I'm a calm guy, I don't need to pretend on the slopes, I don't need to push myself any harder - that only backfires."

"The best thing that could happen for skiing"
The fact that Marcel Hirscher and Lucas Braathen are two new, old challengers is a positive thing for Raschner: "It's the best thing that could happen for skiing and slalom. The two are generating a lot of attention - and I have every confidence in them as athletes."