Hermann Maier trades ski slopes for wilderness in ORF documentary

Hermann Maier, the Austrian alpine skiing legend, has swapped his skis for a camera as he explores the wild beauty of Thayatal National Park in a new ORF documentary. The 53-year-old former World Cup champion spent seven days filming in Hardegg, Austria's smallest city, as part of the 'Universum' series.

What happened during the shoot?

Maier worked alongside the 'Universum' production team to capture the untouched wilderness of the Thayatal region. The former skier admitted it was 'a real change of scenery' from his high-speed racing days. 'When humans don't interfere much, you see how beautiful this area really is,' he told noe.ORF.at.

The documentary required patience-something Maier said was new to him. 'In my skiing days, I was always about speed and precision,' he explained. 'Now I'm learning to wait for the perfect shot.'

Why this project matters for Maier

This marks Maier's first major television project since retiring from professional skiing. The 1998 Olympic gold medalist said the experience gave him a new appreciation for nature. 'I've always loved the mountains, but this was different,' he noted. 'Seeing how nature reclaims spaces, like the old Iron Curtain border, was fascinating.'

The former skier also revealed his improvisational skills were tested during animal filming. 'Things rarely go as planned, especially with me,' he joked. 'But that's what makes it exciting.'

What's next for the documentary?

The episode, titled 'My Homeland-Thayatal National Park,' will air on ORF in autumn 2026. Maier returned to Salzburg after completing the shoot, but fans can expect to see more of his wild side when the documentary premieres later this year.

The Thayatal Bridge, once part of the Iron Curtain, served as a dramatic backdrop for some scenes. Maier was particularly impressed by how nature had reclaimed the former border area. 'It's amazing how quickly life comes back when we step away,' he observed.