A Gondola for the Local Hero

It took 52 years before another athlete from the Kitzbühel district could claim victory at the Hahnenkamm Races. On Saturday, Manuel Feller from Fieberbrunn was presented with his very own Hahnenkamm gondola in recognition of his unforgettable triumph on the Ganslern slope.

It’s not something Kitzbühel sees every day: “You’ve done it,” said Michael Huber, President of the Kitzbühel Ski Club, looking out over the crowd: “Fieberbrunn has taken over the Hahnenkamm today.” 160 days had passed since one of Fieberbrunn's greatest sporting sons claimed victory on the Ganslern slope. On Saturday, Manuel Feller finally received his personal Hahnenkamm gondola. “It was a childhood dream that I’d worked so hard to achieve.”

Some 400 fans, friends and family members gathered on Saturday afternoon to celebrate the slalom specialist. "The previous attendance record for a gondola presentation was Marco Odermatt's, with 220 guests," recalled Michael Huber. After all, it is a rare occasion for an athlete from the Kitzbühel region to win a race in Kitzbühel itself. Before Manuel Feller, the last to achieve the feat was Hansi Hinterseer back in 1974.

According to Mayor Klaus Winkler, however, the Fieberbrunn native is also "a local hero in Kitzbühel". The jubilant celebrations following his home victory became almost as memorable as the race itself, with his winning chamois trophy failing to emerge entirely unscathed. After what Winkler jokingly described as "orthopaedic treatment", Feller was presented with the trophy again on Saturday. "But be careful," Winkler laughed. "It's still rather delicate."

Until 2026, the Ganslern slope had been anything but Manuel Feller's favourite course. He recalled slipping at the entrance to the Steilhang section during a district youth race many years earlier. "Back then, Ernst Hinterseer helped me back onto my skis. Thank you for that – otherwise I'd probably still be lying up there today," Feller joked, looking towards the 94-year-old Olympic champion from 1960, who also attended the gondola presentation.

Chief of Race, Mario Mittermayr-Weinhandl, also fondly remembered the young Feller. "Manu, I've known you since your junior racing days. You never gave up. No matter whether things weren't going your way, whether you were struggling physically or dealing with distractions, you always kept going. That's why you've not only earned this gondola, but also everyone's greatest respect.”

Among those celebrating with him were not only his grandmother and father, but also his wife, Selina, and their children, Lio and Laila. Anton Bodner, Chairman of Bergbahn Kitzbühel, was visibly moved. "This has been the most emotional and memorable gondola presentation in recent years. Your victory was a gift to all of us." Mike Mayr-Reisch from Kitzbühel Tourism also thanked Feller. "The message you send out for our region is incredibly important. You are an inspiration to the younger generation."

For the man of the day, the occasion was especially meaningful because it gave him the chance to give something back to the people who have supported him throughout his career. "It's wonderful to be able to celebrate my Ganslern victory today with so many special people – my friends, my family and all those who have supported me. During the season there's far too little time for moments like this. Success is only truly meaningful when you have people to share it with." And there was certainly plenty of celebrating at the Starthaus on the Hahnenkamm – even a DJ had been brought in. "My fan club insisted on it," Feller laughed.

On the sporting front, the slalom star still has a few ambitions left to fulfil. "I want to be able to ski pain-free and continue enjoying the sport. At the 2027 World Championships, winning a medal is, of course, one of my goals. And having already won in Adelboden, Wengen and Kitzbühel, the only one missing now is Schladming. Completing the ‘Big Four’ would be pretty cool."

Photo © K.S.C./alpinguin