Even though the wind howled, the snow fell, and the final men’s race of the 2018 season in Are, Sweden, was ultimately cancelled on Sunday, there was still plenty to celebrate as Austria’s Marcel Hirscher collected his 17th and 18th career crystal globes.

High winds eventually led to the cancellation of Sunday’s slalom, although there were no changes to the overall standings as Hirscher had already secured the slalom globe last week in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia.

“I was up there in the starting zone and the wind was really rough,” Hirscher said after the cancellation. “The weather forecast said it was going to get even rougher so I think it was the complete right decision. We are pretty sad that we had no slalom race, for sure, the spectators and sponsors as well, but I think Mother Nature was stronger today.”

Hirscher took home both the slalom and overall titles later in the day, ending a record-breaking season that saw the Austrian collect an unprecedented seventh overall title in a row. Hirscher also managed to collect 13 World Cup wins throughout the year, matching marks set by legends Ingemar Stenmark of Sweden and Austrian compatriot Hermann Maier, who both managed 13-win seasons during their storied careers.

Hirscher finished the season with 13 wins, three globes, and two Olympic gold medals. Image Credit: GEPA Pictures/Daniel Goetzhaber

Hirscher was certain that a seventh overall title was out of reach before the season even started, however, after breaking his ankle last August during slalom training. The Austrian was out of commission until mid-November and could only muster a 17th-place finish in his first race back.

“This season was crazy with this broken ankle,” he shared. “I thought, ‘OK, is it a career-ending injury? No. Is the season gone away? Maybe. Olympic Games? Maybe. But what’s for sure is that another big crystal globe is no chance.’ It’s unbelievable. We were always wondering and discussing why this season is the best so far in my career. The conclusion is that a long break, a lot of routine, and more passion again for the sport.”

Naturally, after a long and arduous season chasing those precious World Cup points, Hirscher is ready for some much-deserved rest, relaxation, and reflection on his accomplishments.

“The passion is there, definitely, but as always every year when the season is over, you need your time to wear your surf shorts and have a good time during the summer,” he added. “Then, you think of new plans. Hopefully those new plans are the same as this last year. Hopefully we will all see each other next year. Now I go to Canada for a week to ski, really, I’m not joking!”