Hermann Maier Star Challenge
On 12 January 2026, stars from music, sport and show business will conquer the legendary World Cup course in Flachau together with former ski pros. Excitement, team spirit and top performances await you - including live performances and plenty of goosebump moments.
The event will once again be broadcast live on ORF 1. But you can also admire the stars on site with free admission.
30,000 euros will go to charitable projects chosen by the winning team - sport, fun and heart included!
- Free admission!
- Up to 800,000 TV viewers on ORF1
- With stars such as Anna Strigl, Michaela Kirchgasser and Nico Langmann
- Live on SRF 2 for the first time this year
Teamwork on the piste - for a good cause and plenty of action!
How the Star Challenge works
In the Star Challenge, a celebrity forms a team with a former professional skier. First, the pro skis the piste and sets their best time. The celebrity then competes and predicts how much slower they will be than their professional partner. The aim is for the times of the pro and the celebrity to be as close to each other as possible - whoever achieves the lowest deviation wins for their team and supports a charity project.
Austria vs. Switzerland: The 2026 duel
What's new this year?
2026 will see a significant change to the Hermann Maier Star Challenge:
Swiss broadcaster SRF is joining the live broadcast and will be showing the event live on SRF 2 for the first time.
Thanks to Switzerland's stronger presence, there will be an equal number of Swiss and Austrian legends at the start this year.
Also new is a nation ranking of Austria vs. Switzerland, which will provide 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 19.00 hrs | "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 |
