As a responsible coach, organiser and mentor, Reinhard Grossegger has had a decisive influence on the sport of cross-country skiing and biathlon in Austria and his home region. He was recently honoured with the Saalfelden Leogang region's tourism award.
Many of his protégés are internationally successful today and have benefited from his knowledge and experience: With the recent presentation of the tourism award, not only was his sporting life's work honoured, but also his invaluable contribution to the tourism development of the Saalfelden Leogang region, which benefits from the numerous events and the prominence of Nordic sports. ‘Reinhard Grossegger is a true pioneer of Nordic sports and a role model for many - both as a coach and as an organiser,’ explained Marco Pointner, Managing Director of Saalfelden Leogang Touristik, at the award ceremony on Tuesday evening, 12.11.2024, at Hotel Gut Brandlhof Saalfelden.
Grossegger, a native of Carinthia, moved to Saalfelden in 1975, where he met his wife Andrea a few years later, who continued to shape his personal and professional career. In 1981, he began working as a coach at the Salzburg State Ski Association (SLSV), a job that he still carries out with tireless dedication today - for a total of 43 years. During this time, he moulded countless young talents in cross-country skiing and biathlon, many of whom made the leap into the ÖSV and were able to celebrate success in international competitions such as the Alpine Cup and World Cup. He made a particularly lasting impression as coach of the first ÖSV biathlon team from 1984 to 1988 and after the 1992 to 1994 Olympic Games.
Head of the Hochfilzen Army Sports Centre
Another milestone in his career was the management of the Hochfilzen Army Sports Centre, where he played a key role in the development and organisation of Nordic sports from 2002 to 2021. Under his leadership, the performance centre was able to establish itself as one of the most important institutions for cross-country skiing and biathlon in an international context.
Commitment as a promoter and organiser
In addition to his work as a coach and official, Reinhard Grossegger has also made a name for himself as an organiser of Nordic sporting events. For over two decades, he has been co-organiser of the popular ski marathon in Saalfelden, as well as numerous other events organised by the Saalfelden Army Sports Club, such as district cups, regional cups and Austrian championships. These events are not only of sporting importance, but also make a significant contribution to the development of tourism in the region, as they generate overnight stays and attract visitors.
About the Saalfelden Leogang Region Tourism Award
The Saalfelden Leogang Region Tourism Award is presented annually and honours individuals, institutions, companies or associations that have made a special contribution to tourism and the development of the region. The focus is on outstanding achievements in the areas of tourism management, regional development and the promotion of cultural and sporting activities. The award recognises both sustainable initiatives and innovative commitment that contribute to increasing the attractiveness and awareness of the region.
