The story of Armin Hoefl’s athletic career could probably inspire the screenplay for an American movie entitled “Resilience.” It’s 2013. A young carpenter from the small village of Krakaudorf in Styria, in the middle of the Austrian Alps, dreams of competing in the highest-profile ski mountaineering races. Although he doesn’t debut until age 24, his clear talent impresses opponents and observers, earning him a call-up to the senior national team less than a year after his first appearance.
 
The legend born in 1989, one of the winningest Austrian racers, felt the almost sacred call of the snow, and that passion was paired with a high-revving engine capable of producing great power without redlining. Armin’s place among the greats of the discipline was validated by the call from none other than Kilian Jornet and Jakob Hermann, who in 2019 formed a trio with Armin that won a bronze medal at the Trofeo Mezzalama. This was the prologue to a flurry of successes. The magical season of the then 30-year-old also included the national title in the vertical specialty and fifth place in the overall World Cup ranking, as well as second place at the Transcavallo, one of the hardest long-distance races in the world. 
 
But what makes Armin Hoefl’s story extraordinary is his ability to face the ups and downs with the same determination, both in the mountains and in life. In September 2020, he was involved in a terrible mountain biking accident, and broken bones forced him to undergo a long rehabilitation. Though he was nearly 31 years of age, this episode did not competely compromise his career; instead, it gave him new motivation to make up for lost time on the trails. Victory in the prestigious Patrouille des Glaciers and in the individual race at the Erztrophy, both in his comeback season (2022), provide an exemplary lesson on adapting to new limits imposed by one’s body and on a healthy obsession with competition, typical of those who refuse to throw in the towel.
 
Today, Armin lives his second athletic life with the same desire to amaze that characterized his early career, but limiting his appearances to national events. And it was in 2025, at 35 years old, that he added to his palmarès victory at the world championships in the masters category (Erztrophy) and third place in the Austrian classic Mountain Attack.
Armin swears that he wants to focus above all on his family, cycling, and music, but it’s a safe bet that sometimes he gives in to temptation. The outsider label seems to suit him particularly well.

What is your favorite racing memory, and why?
I really like to remember the part of my career before the accident. At the time I was really fit, and the suffering in the races generated pure passion — I could do what I wanted, and everything was perfect and really fun. I also achieved great success at that time. With a bit of nostalgia, I can say that I remember that period as the golden age of skimo.
 
How did you manage to return to perform at the highest level after that terrible accident?
It was a long and hard journey involving many tears. The support of my family, my children, and my partners gave me a lot of energy and helped me to regain my confidence. After the accident, I immediately said that I wanted to come back and that I didn’t want to say goodbye to skimo like that. Many people didn’t believe I could do it, but I always pursued this goal and believed in it until the end.
 
What are your future ambitions?
I’m feeling very good at the moment, better than in a long time. In the future you’ll see me on the starting line of many national and international events. In the last few weeks, I’ve proven to myself that I can still keep up with the best. Let’s see what happens in the long term!
 
What is your favorite Karpos product?
Definitely the entire Alagna line. With their stretch and perfect fit, I use these garments every day in the mountains. I also don’t want to forget the Lyskamm Evo Jacket, which is always in my backpack for the descents.