After five years away from competitive skiing, Austrian ski legend Marcel Hirscher has officially announced his return to the Alpine Skiing World Cup at the upcoming season opener. The news has sent shockwaves through the skiing community, as fans and competitors alike prepare to witness the return of one of the greatest skiers in the sport’s history.
A Comeback Five Years in the Making
Marcel Hirscher, an eight-time overall World Cup champion, retired from professional skiing in 2019 at the peak of his career. His dominance in slalom and giant slalom, coupled with an unmatched consistency, made him one of the most decorated skiers of all time. However, despite his retirement, Hirscher remained involved in the sport, working on his ski brand Van Deer-Red Bull and staying active in various skiing-related projects.
Now, at 35 years old, Hirscher has decided to return to the slopes, setting his sights on the World Cup season opener in Sölden, Austria. His comeback is expected to shake up the competitive landscape, as younger skiers who have dominated in his absence will now have to contend with a seasoned veteran whose skills and mental toughness are legendary.
Why is Hirscher Returning?
While Hirscher initially expressed contentment with retirement, the desire to compete at the highest level seemingly never left him. Reports indicate that several factors contributed to his decision to return:
- Passion for the Sport – Hirscher has always been a fierce competitor, and stepping away from racing may have left an unfulfilled void.
- Testing His Own Equipment – Since launching Van Deer-Red Bull, he has been heavily involved in ski development. A return to racing allows him to showcase and validate his brand’s technology on the biggest stage.
- Unfinished Business? – Though Hirscher retired at the top, a comeback gives him a chance to prove that he can still dominate against a new generation of talent.
- The Red Bull Factor – Having partnered with Red Bull, his return aligns with the brand’s support for elite athletes pushing boundaries.
How Will Hirscher Fare Against the New Generation?
In his absence, skiers like Marco Odermatt, Henrik Kristoffersen, and Alexis Pinturault have taken center stage in Alpine skiing. Odermatt, in particular, has been dominant, winning back-to-back overall World Cup titles. However, Hirscher’s ability to adapt and push his limits was always one of his biggest strengths.
Physically, it remains to be seen whether he can recapture the form that made him nearly unbeatable. The modern ski scene has evolved, and the competition is fiercer than ever. However, Hirscher’s technique, experience, and tactical intelligence could allow him to return as a legitimate contender.
What This Means for Alpine Skiing
Hirscher’s return is a massive boost for Alpine skiing, drawing renewed attention to the World Cup circuit. His presence will increase viewership, ticket sales, and media coverage, potentially bringing in a wider audience beyond the sport’s traditional fanbase.
Moreover, his return could elevate the level of competition, as young skiers will now have to measure themselves against a living legend. Whether Hirscher can reclaim his dominance or not, his comeback is already one of the most exciting storylines of the upcoming season.
Looking Ahead
As the World Cup opener in Sölden approaches, all eyes will be on Marcel Hirscher. Can he defy expectations and once again stand atop the podium? Or will the new generation prove too strong for even one of the greatest skiers of all time?
One thing is certain: the 2025 Alpine Skiing World Cup season just got a lot more interesting.