Stephanie Brunner suffered a torn ACL for the third time in August 2019 ©Getty Images

Stephanie Brunner, an Olmympic silver medallist, has trained on snow for the first time in a year following a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

Brunner, 26, suffered a torn ACL for the third time in August of last year.

"I'm really happy to finally be able to ski again", Brunner told the website of the Austrian Ski Association.

"Twelve months was a long dry spell, but giving me so much time was the right decision. 

Brunner was a member of the Austrian team who finished second in the first-ever Olympic Alpine mixed team event at Pyeongchang 2018, although served as a reserve.

Switzerland beat Austria in the final.

Stephanie Brunner, left, is an Olympic silver medallist ©Getty Images
Stephanie Brunner, left, is an Olympic silver medallist ©Getty Images

Brunner's knee has "reacted very positively" to the return to snow training.

"In the next few weeks I would like to slowly feel my way and give myself the time I need to be able to return to the World Cup in my old strength", she added.

Brunner has recorded 11 top-five finishes on the International Ski Federation (FIS) Alpine Ski World Cup circuit.

The Austrian also came fifth in the giant slalom contest at the 2017 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships.