German alpine skier Thomas Dressen was on Tuesday operated on a season-ending ruptured right knee cruciate ligament, the nation's ski federation said.

Team doctor Manuel Koehne conducted the arthroscopy in a Munich clinic after the 25-year-old Dressen suffered the injury at the Beaver Creek downhill in Colorado on Friday.

"The operation was very positive," Koehne said. "Thomas can resume snow training in six to eight months, depending on a positive healing process."

Dressen is Germany's best downhill skier. He was third last year in Beaver Creek and and in January 2018 famously won the Kitzbuehel downhill, the most famous and difficult race on the calendar.

"I am happy that the operation went well and the first step has been taken towards a return to racing. I will take my time for a thorough rehabilitation. I am optimistic and will start within the next days," Dressen said.