Haus im Ennstal (AFP) - Austrian skier Maria Holaus has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a fracture to her right ankle, the Austrian ski federation has announced.

The 26-year-old, who was among several skiers bidding for a place in the women's downhill team for the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games next month, sustained the injury in training for the women's downhill here Friday.

Holaus, a speed event specialist who has one World Cup victory and three podiums so far, underwent immediate surgery on her ankle at Schladming in the south of Austria, where she will remain till Sunday.