Hermann Maier Star Challenge
On 12 January 2026, stars from music, sport and show business conquered the legendary World Cup course in Flachau together with former ski pros. Excitement, team spirit and top performances were part of the race - including live performances and plenty of goosebump moments.
The event was once again broadcasted live on ORF 1 and for the first time on SRF 2. It was also possible to admire the stars on site with free admission.
30,000 euros went to charitable projects chosen by the winning teams!
- Free admission!
- Live on ORF 1 and SRF 2 at 8:15 p.m.
- With stars such as Franz Klammer, Andreas Herzog and Anna Strigl
- Live acts: Sportfreunde Stiller, Folkshilfe feat. AVEC and Julian le Play
The highlights of the Star Challenge 2026
The participants 2026
| Ski Legend | Celebrity | |
|---|---|---|
| Team 1 | Sonja Nef | Julian le Play |
| Team 2 | Hans Knauss | Johann Lafer |
| Team 3 | Dominique Gisin | Aaron Karl |
| Team 4 | Niki Hosp | Nico Langmann |
| Team 5 | Daniel Albrecht | Nina Hartmann |
| Team 6 | Fritz Strobl | "Ö3 Superfan" |
| Team 7 | Paul Accola | Gabi Hiller |
| Team 8 | Michaela Kirchgasser | Philipp Hansa |
| Team 9 | Michael von Grünigen | Marina Hoermanseder |
| Team 10 | Anna Veith | Andreas Herzog |
| Team 11 | Bernhard Russi | Christa Rigozzi |
| Team 12 | Franz Klammer | Valerie Huber |
| Team 13 | Carlo Janka | Anna Strigl |
| Team 14 | Hermann Maier | Thomas Muster |
That was the Star Challenge 2026
In the Star Challenge, each celebrity teamed up with a skiing legend. The former professional skiers opened the race with a rapid run. Then the celebrities ventured onto the piste and decided in advance how many seconds slower they would be than their professional partners – a brave or cautious decision. The aim was for the times of the professional and the celebrity to be as close as possible – Anna Veith and Andreas Herzog achieved this best. They won ahead of Marina Hoermanseder and Michael von Grünigen. Dominique Gisin and Aaron Karl followed in third place.
Austria vs. Switzerland: The 2026 duel
What was new this year?
2026 saw a significant change to the Hermann Maier Star Challenge:
Swiss broadcaster SRF joined the live broadcast and showed the event live on SRF 2 for the first time.
Thanks to Switzerland's stronger presence, there was an equal number of Swiss and Austrian legends at the start this year.
Also new was a nation ranking of Austria vs. Switzerland, which provided additional excitement.
Programme
| Time of day | Programme item |
|---|---|
| from 5.00 pm | Ski Austria World Cup Party |
| from 6.30 pm | Presentation of the participants of the HERMANN MAIER STAR CHALLENGE |
| from 7.00 pm | "Ski stars up close" - autograph session with the ski ladies |
| from 7.30 pm | Starting number draw |
| from 8.15 pm | Team competition HERMANN MAIER Star Challenge 2026 |
