There was renewed controversy in the skiing world today after Matthias Lanzinger, the Austrian skier, had his leg amputated following his horrific crash on Sunday.

The accident in Norway, and its tragic consequences for the 27-year-old athlete, has sparked criticism of the safety measures in place on the World Cup circuit.

After crashing dramatically during his super-G race, Mr Lanzinger had to be taken to hospital in a tourist helicopter because no medical helicopter was available.

He was taken first to Lillehammer, before being moved to Oslo.

The double fracture in his left leg hampered blood circulation, and the Austrian ski federation (ASF) said that two operations yesterday had been only partially successful and it had been impossible to stabilise circulation. Mr Lanzinger's lower leg was therefore amputated earlier today.

Doctors said that he might have died without the operation.

"An immediate operation was necessary due to an extreme deterioration in his general situation and the threat of a fatality,” said Dr Thomas Hoelzenbein, an Austrian vascular specialist who carried out the surgery in Oslo. “As a result of the surgery his condition has improved considerably. There is currently no acute risk to his life.”

His comments came in a statement issued today by the ASF, who added that Mr Lanzinger was in a critical but stable condition.

Organisers of the race in Kvitfjell, Norway, were criticised over the absence of a medical helicopter.

“The lacking safety measures at these races are shocking,” Alfred Gusenbauer, the Austrian Chancellor, was quoted as saying by the Austria Press Agency on Tuesday.

“I can’t understand how a World Cup race could be organised at such a low safety level.”

Reinhold Lopatka, the Austrian sports secretary, said the accident showed the importance of immediate medical care being available at races.

“Organisers who fail here, should be held liable,” Mr Lopatka told the APA.

Peter Schroecksnadel, president of the ASF, said it was too early to apportion blame.

“We won’t take any steps until we exactly know all the circumstances”, he said.

But Hans Pum, the federation’s alpine director, called for a discussion on safety at the World Cup circuit. “We should clear this case soon and bring all relevant parties together to discuss speed, equipment and course preparation, as the safety and the health of the athletes come first,” he said.

In a separate statement today, the ASF said: "It will be the task of the Austrian ski federation to examine meticulously all the circumstances that led up to the accident and the amputation in order to provide the best possible support for Lanzinger."

“The Austrian ski federation will of course do everything it can to ensure Matthias Lanzinger the best possible rehabilitation and to support him in his private and professional future.”

Mr Lanzinger, who started the race in 30th position, lost his balance and crashed near the finish after hitting a gate. He was knocked unconscious as his head hit a ski-pole marker and was carried down the slope on a sledge before being flown to hospital.

His career best in the World Cup was a third place finish at a super-G race in Colorado in December 2005.

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