A notable new addition to the Van Deer family.

A prominent new addition for Marcel Hirscher

Marcel Hirscher continues to be the talk of the town, not least because he's now brokered a historic deal.

10 April 2025

From: det

Marcel Hirscher's comeback captivated the skiing world. However, his return to the World Cup came to a premature end five years after his retirement with a torn cruciate ligament. Could Austria's ski champion return from this injury? It's not out of the question!

While Hirscher works on his rehabilitation, his new business isn't falling by the wayside. After seemingly ending his career in September 2019, the 35-year-old began building his own ski brand, Van Deer. In Henrik Kristoffersen, Hirscher has a world-class athlete under contract, who won the small crystal globe in slalom this year.

Max Franz is new to the Van Deer team

Now the eight-time overall World Cup winner can welcome another top-class competitor: Max Franz will be racing with Van Deer equipment starting next season. Franz is considered one of the best Austrian speed skiers of recent years, with a total of ten World Cup podium finishes – including three victories – to his name.

Max Franz wants to attack again. © APA/afp / PATRICK T. FALLON

The Max Franz deal is special in several ways. Firstly, the downhill skier will make his comeback next season on Van Deer skis after a severe leg injury and a three-year break from racing. Secondly, the 35-year-old will be the first Austrian to ski with Hirscher skis. And: He is the first speed athlete in Hirscher's Van Deer family.

“Things are working out as they should, and I am very happy with the partnership between Austria’s Skipool and Van Deer,” says Marcel Hirscher, welcoming his new protégé Max Franz.