Kitzbuehel, Austria - Swiss skier Daniel Albrecht was airlifted to hospital after a severe crash in training Thursday for Saturday's men's downhill World Cup race in Kitzbuehel.

Albrecht lost his balance at high speed on the final jump and flew through the air before landing heavily on his back, losing both skis.

The 25-year-old appeared to be unconscious as he was treated on the course for some 20 minutes before being flown by helicopter to hospital.

The accident was similar to a bad crash by US skier Scott Macartney a year ago at the same spot in the classic Hahnenkamm downhill on the Streif course.

Macartney suffered severe concussion but later recovered and would have competed in this year's race but for a knee injury suffered last weekend in the Wengen downhill in Switzerland.

In Wednesday's opening downhill training, Austrian Michael Walchhofer almost crashed on the same jump but regained control to record the fastest time of the day. (dpa)