Hinterseer won two national titles: in the giant slalom in 1954 and in a combined event in 1956. He became an "Austrian sportsman of the Year 1960"[3] and in 1997 was awarded the "Goldenes Ehrenzeichen für Verdienste um die Republik Österreich" ("Order in gold of merit for services rendered to the Republic of Austria").
Hinterseer was born in a farmer's family. After World War II he started an apprenticeship as a carpenter, but focused on skiing after graduating from school. After the 1960 Olympics he turned professional and won the 1963 world title. He retired in 1967 to become a coach, and in 1974–76 headed the Austrian Ski Federation. His sons Ernst, Georg, and Hansi also became ski racers, while his grandson Lukas Hinterseer played football for the Austria national football team.[3]
