Featured Image: Henrik Von Appen racing at the Beaver Creek World Cup. Credit: GEPA
Henrik Von Appen, a World Cup Speed athlete is diligently working to make his comeback this season to the circuit. Von Appen considers himself “One of the earliest athletes to adopt anti-cut technology.” He relies on Diston because of his confidence in its high-quality protective undergarments, which boast a 3-FIS Star rating and exceptional comfort.
The Chilean National Team racer did his personal research for the best anit-cut apparel started back in 2017 when he had a bad crash at the Bormio World Cup. During the crash he experienced lacerations across his left hand.
Von Appen explained, “I cut my hand with my skis and now I have bad nerve damage.”
“I almost lost my hand, to be honest, and I am still unable to do some things with my left hand,” he stated.
He tried different anti-cut undergarments to ensure that other parts of his body were protected from lacerations and abrasions due to this occurrence.
“At first, I was just trying to find something that I could wear, but they were too heavy and uncomfortable. Then I discovered that there is actually anti-cut technology available for athletes,” Von Appen stated.
Choosing Diston for Protection
After sampling various brands for an anti-cut undergarment, Van Appen found that Diston was the most suitable and he felt most confident with the product.
“I don’t have a sponsorship with them or anything; I just like their product,” He explained.
Diston anti-cut undergarments were the first to obtain the 3-FIS Star rating, which will be a mandatory rating for anti-cut pants starting next season.
Von Appen stated, “I saw they had the high, rated level [3-FIS Star rating] of the anti-cut certification, and they were the first. Initially, I was a skeptic thinking that they were going to be more [expensive] and not very comfy. So far I think they have managed a good trade-off.
He also highlighted their comfort, contrasting them with other products that he found to be bulky and heavy: “I can wear them every day.”
Thoughts on Upper-Body and Neck Protection Mandates
In the spring of 2025, the FIS Council will offer details regarding the mandates related to upper-body and other protective zones for cut-resistant apparel.
Diston is ahead of this initiative, as the only brand that currently provides the 3-FIS star certification for neck guards and tops.
Von Appen agrees with adding mandates to wearing anti-cut resistant apparel on all protective zones. He stated, “It’s a risky sport and we risk our lives every day. I think the trade-off of having cut-resistant apparel on, is worth a few hundredths.”
“I don’t want to get political here, but I think it’s not a trade-off actually; it is kind of a win-win,” he concluded.
Protections Against Abraisions
Since Diston initially researched and innovated technology for their undergarment materials, they had abrasion (burn) resistance at the forefront.
Ski racers are traveling at high speeds on ice, so when they fall they are likely to get burns on the body. Mikaela Shiffrin most recently displayed this after her crash at the Killington World Cup.
Shiffrin suffered from abrasions and a puncture wound. This is just the most recent example, but it happens with crashes on the circuit often.
“When it is icy and you are sliding 500 meters at around a hundred kilometers; you are likely to burn yourself for sure, which is not a great feeling,” Von Appen explained.
Many athletes might overlook this aspect when thinking about anti-cut apparel, but it is important to ensure the materials are abrasion-resistant as well.
“I know the risk is part of the sport, but for me, I love these inventions and I think that it is the way forward,” Von Appen explained.
Henrik Von Appen Stepping Out of Beaver Creek
Unfortunately, Von Appen is not a stranger to high-speed, hard crashes and injuries. Last year at the Beaver Creek World Cup he crashed and tore his ACL. The Birds of Prey track has been a love-hate relationship for the athlete.
At the 2022 Beaver Creek World Cup, Von Appen was able to achieve the best result of his World Cup career, finishing in 14th place. He was hoping to relive a top moment this year but will have to sit out as complications from his ACL have extended his recovery.
Von Appen stated, “I am coming back from an injury last year in Beaver Creek, where I tore my ACL, and the goal was to come back at the same race one year later.”
A second surgery in October to clean up scar tissue has changed that schedule. Nevertheless, he says: “Now I’m feeling good. I’m skiing well and I just need a few more days, some more volume to ski safely.”
He plans to come back for Val Gardena on December 20th and 21st for super-G and downhill. He is looking forward to this event: “I love that track!”
Von Appen’s main goal for this season is to remain healthy and uninjured.
“My goal this season is to first stay healthy for the whole season, and do all the races except for this one [Beaver Creek World Cup]. I want to be in my best shape for Milano Cortina 2026,” Von Appen stated.
About the Author: Ellie Hartman
