Aleksander Aamodt Kilde will not participate in the Lauberhorn races in Wengen. © GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / CHRISTIAN PETERSEN

Fateful place: Kilde foregoes Wengen

This Friday and Saturday, the legendary Lauberhorn in Wengen will traditionally host a Super-G and a downhill race. However, one prominent figure will be absent.

12 January 2026

From: dl

Aleksander Aamodt Kilde competed in what would be his last World Cup ski race for a long time in Wengen in January 2024 – almost exactly two years ago. During his serious fall after the final jump, Kilde suffered a severe cut to his lower leg and a complex shoulder injury. The 33-year-old has since undergone five surgeries and also contracted sepsis as a result of an infection in his shoulder.

684 days later – in November 2025 – Kilde made his comeback in the Ski World Cup. His best result since then is an 11th place. He's certainly not back to his old self yet. After withdrawing from the race in Val Gardena (the Saslong is one of his favorite courses), Kilde has now also withdrawn from Wengen.

"Wengen is always one of the most beautiful races, regardless of the accident. But this year it's still a bit too early." Aleksander Aamodt Kilde

“Wengen is always one of the most beautiful races, regardless of the accident. The atmosphere, the history, the fans. This year it’s still a bit too early. I’m concentrating on the training days. It’s about repetition. A comeback season is never easy, and after a two-year break it’s even harder. But I will return to Wengen someday,” the Norwegian explained his decision to forgo the world’s longest downhill race in Switzerland.