Marcel Hirscher wants to compete in the Olympics again. © ANSA / JEAN-CHRISTOPHE BOTT

Hirscher returns in January, but night slalom comes too soon

Marcel Hirscher still intends to return to the World Cup slopes in January. However, competing in Madonna di Campiglio will be too soon for the superstar.

05 January 2026

From: apa/sn

However, the eight-time overall Ski World Cup winner will not be at the starting line for the slalom in Madonna di Campiglio on Wednesday, as Hirscher's management confirmed. WATER announced that the Salzburg native, who now races for the Netherlands, will decide later whether to start in Adelboden next weekend.

Hirscher suffered a torn cruciate ligament in his left knee at the beginning of December 2024 – relatively early in his comeback season after a break of over five and a half years. Because of the injury, the 36-year-old was unable to train on snow during the summer.

Hirscher wants to go to the 2026 Olympics

In the fall, he lost another three weeks of training due to a viral infection. His main goal for the season remains competing in the Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo in just over a month. Hirscher is a two-time Olympic champion (2018 in Pyeongchang).