Nicole Schmidhofer to Join ORF as Alpine Skiing Co-Commentator

Nicole Schmidhofer is set to become the new co-commentator for the women's speed events on the Alpine Skiing World Cup circuit for Austria's national broadcaster, ORF. This development follows the departure of Alexandra Meissnitzer, who has recently taken on a new position with the International Ski Federation (FIS).

Schmidhofer, a former world champion in Super-G, concluded her professional ski racing career in the spring of 2023, having reached a career highlight with her World Championship title in 2017. Last season, she contributed to Alpine skiing broadcasts as a camera skier, offering viewers unique perspectives from the course itself. Now, she transitions into a new role within the ORF broadcast team.

Her responsibilities will include providing live analysis and expert commentary during the women's World Cup speed races. She will partner with Peter Brunner, who has been a longstanding commentator for these events. Together, they will deliver in-depth insights and technical breakdowns of the races, aiming to enhance the viewing experience for ski fans across Austria and beyond.

Schmidhofer's appointment is considered a significant move for ORF. Her first-hand experience in elite competition and recent involvement as a course camera operator have provided her with comprehensive knowledge of the sport from multiple perspectives. This is expected to bring added value to the network's coverage, giving audiences expert analysis based on current racing trends and athlete performance.

Her transition to broadcasting comes at a time when there is increased attention on the development and promotion of women's skiing. With her recent experience on the slopes and familiarity with the current generation of athletes, Schmidhofer is well-positioned to offer relevant and timely commentary, further engaging viewers and contributing to the sport's visibility.

Alexandra Meissnitzer, whom Schmidhofer succeeds, has long been a respected figure in both competitive skiing and sports broadcasting. Her move to serve in an official capacity at the International Ski Federation opens opportunities for new voices in Alpine skiing coverage, with Schmidhofer now taking on a prominent role.

ORF has expressed confidence that Schmidhofer will continue the tradition of high-quality analysis and reporting that viewers have come to expect from its Alpine skiing broadcasts. The broadcaster aims to maintain comprehensive and authoritative coverage of all major women's speed events on the World Cup tour, enhancing the fan experience through Schmidhofer's insights and expertise.

The new commentary team will debut at the upcoming World Cup season, where Schmidhofer and Brunner will provide coverage of all major women's speed events. This change marks a new chapter for ORF's Alpine skiing broadcasts, reflecting the broadcaster's commitment to incorporating recent athletes and expert perspectives into its programming.