France's reigning world super-G skiing champion Regine Cavagnoud needed to be resuscitated after her heart stopped following a heavy crash in training in Austria today, Austrian newsagency APA said.
Cavagnoud, who placed a surprise third at the season-opening giant slalom in Soelden on Saturday, rammed into a trainer who was standing on the hill at the Pitz Valley glacier.
Both sustained severe head injuries and were flown by helicopter to hospital in Innsbruck, APA said.
APA said that according to Philippe Auer, racing manager at Cavagnoud's ski supplier Salomon, the 31-year-old Frenchwoman had temporary heart failure before a trainer massaged her heart back to life.
Auer said Cavagnoud also suffered broken ribs, which in turn injured her liver and lungs. She also broke her arm and suffered concussion.
Cavagnoud collided with German trainer Markus Anwander after taking a jump.