Five years after retiring, legendary Austrian skier Marcel Hirscher is making a sensational comeback to elevate Dutch skiing and test new equipment in New Zealand. Hirscher, who retired with an illustrious career boasting 67 World Cup wins, 12 crystal globes, and two Olympic gold medals, plans to ski as an “Austrian skiing for the Netherlands” and serve as a “Racing Test Pilot” for VAN DEER-Red Bull Sports.
The decision to return to skiing came after a special feeling on his birthday on March 2nd. With dual citizenship, Hirscher aims to contribute to Dutch skiing without taking resources from young Austrian athletes. His comeback will see him not only racing but also advancing ski equipment technology.
Hirscher’s public address at SnowWorld in Zoetermeer, home to Europe’s steepest indoor slope, shed light on his personal motives and plans. Interviewed by Maarten Meiners, the last Dutch skier in the World Cup, Hirscher discussed his readiness and excitement for this new chapter. Despite different career paths, Hirscher and Meiners share a deep passion for skiing, now venturing into business careers—Hirscher as the founder of The Mountain Studio and VAN DEER-Red Bull Sports, and Meiners in banking.
Organizing training amidst business and family life is a challenge Hirscher embraces, highlighting the importance of support from his personal and professional circles. He expressed satisfaction with his physical condition, despite limited snow training due to warm weather.
On August 9th, Hirscher will travel to New Zealand to test his self-designed equipment, fulfilling a lifelong dream. He will serve as the chief professional tester for VAN DEER-Red Bull sports equipment, aiming to refine innovations and make them available to customers quickly. Hirscher will also support his team and compete in slalom and giant slalom races at Coronet Peak in mid and late August, marking a thrilling return to the sport he loves.
“I am extremely looking forward to testing and training, as well as the race. At least in the second discipline, I plan to be at the starting line,” Hirscher concluded, eager to blend his passion for skiing with new challenges and opportunities.
