Zöchling takes charge of Austria’s women’s ski team

Hannes Zöchling will make his debut as head coach of Austria’s women’s ski team at the World Cup season opener in Sölden on Saturday, ORF reported. The 46-year-old, who took charge in May, has been tasked with helping the team produce stronger results across the squad.

Born in Türnitz and now living in Neidling near St Pölten, Zöchling learned to ski at the Eibl ski area in the Lilienfeld district. He chose coaching over competing for World Cup points and has worked his way up through the Austrian Ski Federation (ÖSV).

He joined the ÖSV’s World Cup team as a fitness coach in 2010, working with athletes including Marlies Schild and Nicole Hosp. He later helped guide Katharina Gallhuber, who won Olympic bronze in 2018, and Katharina Liensberger, who claimed two world championship gold medals and the season’s slalom title in 2021.

Zöchling was setting the course for the final run when Liensberger secured the slalom title in a close contest with Mikaela Shiffrin. His work attracted international interest, and he spent two years on the coaching staff of Norway’s women’s team before returning to Austria in May.

Austria’s results have largely fallen short of expectations in recent World Cup seasons, with Julia Scheib and Cornelia Hütter among the exceptions. Zöchling says the team needs more athletes delivering strong performances so it does not depend on individuals.

Last year, Scheib was the only Austrian to finish in the top 20 at the Sölden season opener, which she won. Elena Riederer has earned a place in the Austrian team for this season’s opening race.