The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has confirmed that the application submitted by the Dutch federation is “valid and compliant.” This means alpine skiing legend Marcel Hirscher is set to compete at the 2024/25 World Cup season opener in Soelden, Austria, on 27 October, more than five years after his last race.
In April, the 35-year-old revealed his intention to return to competition, representing the Netherlands—his mother’s home country—rather than Austria.
At the end of the Committee Meeting in Zurich, Switzerland, on Friday (27 September), FIS confirmed that “the Dutch federation’s application for a wild card for Hirscher, submitted during the summer, is valid and compliant.”
This confirmation ensures that Hirscher is eligible to participate in the first competition of the season in Soelden.
The wild card allows the two-time Olympic champion to secure a place in World Cup events without needing to accumulate FIS points in other races.
In August, Hirscher spent a few weeks in New Zealand’s South Island at Roundhill Ski Area testing his skis, though he did not participate in races at Coronet Peak, missing the opportunity to collect valuable FIS points. Recently, he trained in the Austrian Alps with his former teammate Max Franz, sharing updates on social media.
Born in 1989 to an Austrian father and a Dutch mother, Hirscher holds dual nationality. He previously represented Austria throughout his career before retiring in 2019 as one of the most decorated skiers in history.
His remarkable achievements include eight overall World Cup titles, 67 World Cup wins, five world championships, and three Olympic medals—two gold and one silver.
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