Hermann Maier stars in new ZDF natural history special on Tuesday

Hermann Maier headlines a new ZDF natural-history special on Tuesday, 21 July 2026, as he teams up with alpinist Peter Habeler to explore the Zillertal Alps and witness the reintroduction of ibex in the region.

What’s on the show?

The 45-minute documentary, titled Hermann Maier-Meine Heimat: Die Zillertaler Alpen, airs at 20:15 on ZDF. Maier leads viewers through ancient ice caves, climbs the Olperer peak with Habeler, and documents the return of the Alpine ibex to its native habitat.

Why this matters for Maier’s legacy

At 54, Maier trades ski boots for hiking boots to spotlight the landscapes that shaped his career. The Zillertal Alps are the same valleys where he trained as a junior racer before becoming alpine skiing’s most decorated speed specialist. The film frames his bond with the mountains as both an athlete’s roots and a conservation story.

How the special connects winter sport and wilderness

Maier’s on-screen partner, Peter Habeler, is a living legend of high-altitude mountaineering. Their climb of the Olperer-one of the Alps’ most iconic granite spires-ties the documentary to the same technical terrain that once tested Maier’s balance and nerve on skis. The segment underscores how alpine skiing and high-alpine exploration share the same unforgiving environment.

What viewers can expect next

The broadcast is part of ZDF’s summer natural-history slate, which often pairs athletes with scientists to bridge sport and ecology. Maier’s appearance follows his recent work as a commentator and ambassador for sustainable mountain tourism. Expect sweeping drone shots of the Zillertal, slow-motion ibex footage, and candid moments of Maier reflecting on the peaks that made him.