Armin Assinger on South Tyrol and skiing

You ended your career as an active ski racer after the 1994/95 season and subsequently launched a career as a co-commentator and expert at ORF (Austrian Broadcasting Corporation). How did that come about?

Armin Assinger: “When I was still a ski racer, I saw this style of television broadcasting in America. A former skier was working as an expert. I liked it, and it quickly became clear to me that we needed something like that in Austria too. When the then head of sports at ORF, Elmar Oberhauser, asked me what I would do after my career, I answered him: Commentate on races for you. That was in March 1995. Seven months later, it was finally happening. I was a pioneer in Austria in that respect. That still makes me a little proud today.”

On December 15, 1984, you competed in your first World Cup downhill race. Were you more nervous then than at your debut as an ORF employee?

Assinger: Absolutely. As harsh as it sounds, you can die at a ski race. As a commentator, the worst that can happen is you get bad reviews.

These days we only see you at the races in Val Gardena and Kitzbühel. Why do you only follow these two speed events so closely?

Assinger: This winter I'll also be at the races in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the World Cup Finals in Lillehammer. And I'm always there for the Ski World Championships as well. In the past, there were years when I was heavily involved with the "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" show, with up to 50 episodes a year. That was too much. At some point, people just can't stand you anymore. That's why I've decided to cut back on my involvement in ski racing.

Three races are taking place in Val Gardena this year. What memories do you have of the Saslong?

Assinger: I have only good memories of Val Gardena. After all, I competed in my first World Cup race on the Saslong on December 15, 1984, and finished in 30th place. A year later, I scored points for the first time at the same venue, finishing 14th. In the beginning, the races in Val Gardena gave me sleepless nights because of the loop in the upper section and the camel humps further down, two key features that demanded a lot of courage from me. In December 1995, I was in Val Gardena for the first time as a co-commentator. Since then, I've been there every time, never missed a race, and this year marks my 31st time.

<a data-caption="Armin Assinger (Zweiter von links), Otmar Michaeler (links) sowie Erich und Andreas Falkensteiner (von rechts) von der „Falkensteiner Michaeler Tourism Group“. © kp" data-fancybox="inline-292740" target="_image" href="https://s3-images.sportnews.bz/_images/scale/1280x1280/img/2025/12/armin-assinger-zweiter-von-links-otmar-michaeler-links-sowie-erich-und-andreas-falkensteiner-von-rechts-von-der-falkensteiner-michaeler.jpg"><img alt="Armin Assinger (second from left), Otmar Michaeler (left), and Erich and Andreas Falkensteiner (from right) of the "Falkensteiner Michaeler Tourism Group". © kp" class="uk-img-preserve" src="https://s3-images.sportnews.bz/_images/scale/1280x850/img/2025/12/armin-assinger-zweiter-von-links-otmar-michaeler-links-sowie-erich-und-andreas-falkensteiner-von-rechts-von-der-falkensteiner-michaeler.jpg"> Armin Assinger (second from left), Otmar Michaeler (left), and Erich and Andreas Falkensteiner (from right) of the "Falkensteiner Michaeler Tourism Group". © kp

In autumn 2019, you hosted the "Ball of Sports" or the "Sports Aid Gala" at the Merano Kursaal. Was that a highlight for you or just another ordinary hosting gig?

Assinger: That was a huge highlight for me and I have very fond memories. After all, I was invited to such an event in another country. It was a particular honor for me to host this gala. I've always had a good relationship with South Tyrol and I'm on the same wavelength as the people there. Back then, I had the privilege of sharing the stage with Dorothea Wierer. That was something special. After all, I'm a big fan of "Doro." I remember that Jannik Sinner was honored as Young Athlete of the Year. The party after the official part was legendary. I was sick for two days afterwards (chuckles).

What do you appreciate about South Tyrol?

Assinger: The country has a lot to offer. I like the people's desire to change things, to make a difference. I also enjoy the relaxed get-togethers over a hearty snack after a hard day's work.

They participated in the 1994 Olympic Games in Lillehammer. What is different and special about the Olympics?

Assinger: The special thing about the Olympics is that, in principle, it's nothing special. It's a race like any other. You only face three competitors from your own country, whereas in a World Cup race, there are often eight or even more opponents from the same nation. Patrick Ortlieb once said that it's easier to win a race at the Olympics than in the World Cup. People believe that you have to do things exceptionally well at the Olympics. But you're doing everything the same as always.

The Olympic downhill race will take place in Bormio in just under two months. Do you have a favorite on the Stelvio?

Assinger: As things stand today, I'd bet on Marco Odermatt. But Dominik Paris also always feels particularly at home in Bormio. I also have a lot of faith in Vincent Kriechmayr. Perhaps it will be a completely different downhill skier, though. Like in Sestriere in 2006, when underdog Antoine Deneriaz snatched the gold medal from the favorites. There have always been surprises at the Olympic Games. The Stelvio is certainly a worthy Olympic course. It has always been one of my favorite downhills. Even though it's considerably shorter than the Lauberhorn downhill in Wengen, it has always been very demanding and difficult. It always pushed me to my limits; I was completely exhausted at the finish.

Armin Assinger is one of the great faces of skiing. © APA / EXPA/JOHANN GRODER

Who do you consider to be the most complete and therefore best skier at the moment?

Assinger: Marco Odermatt is a contender for victory in every discipline except slalom. He proved this once again on Tuesday: Although Val Gardena isn't exactly his preferred terrain, he posted the fastest time in the first training run.

Your phrase "Where the Comanches whistle" is legendary. Where, when, and why did you make this statement?

Assinger: Actually, this phrase comes from Charly Kahr, which is why he holds the copyright. I adopted it at some point. But that was quite a while ago. "Where the Comanches whistle" means: Things get pretty intense.

Safety is a persistent problem in skiing. Injuries are commonplace. Are races more dangerous today than in your day? If so, why?

Assinger: Serious crashes and injuries have always been a part of skiing, especially downhill, as have fatal accidents. Today's equipment is considerably more aggressive, which is why knee injuries in particular have increased significantly. On the other hand, athletes are better protected these days. I'm thinking of things like cut-resistant underwear. We could talk about safety for hours, but it would be going beyond the scope of this discussion.

They celebrated four World Cup victories in the 1990s. Where would Armin Assinger be today if he were to ski down the mountain 30 years later?

Assinger: Right at the front (laughs). In any case, I'm proud of what I've achieved. After all, in my career I've "only" started 67 races and finished four of them as the winner.

Which is more fun: a ski race or the Millionaire Show?

Assinger: Whatever I'm currently doing. Right now, I'm happy to be working for Falkensteiner. From today on, I'm looking forward to commentating in Val Gardena and, at a later date, back to hosting the Millionaire Show. Interview: Kurt Platter

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Armin Assinger on South Tyrol and skiing

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