Karoline Pichler at the foot of the Erta in St. Vigil.

Former ski ace Karoline Pichler: Old love never rusts

After an eventful career, Karoline Pichler called time on her career about a year ago. She was still there at the World Cup on Kronplatz - and in a very special role.

23 January 2025

"I'm officially saying goodbye to the love of my life, skiing": With these words, Karoline Pichler said goodbye to the skiing stage in April 2024. It was a highly emotional farewell, because with the Petersberg native, a great fighter was leaving the World Cup. But: "Karo" has not completely gotten away from her beloved sport of skiing. And so the 30-year-old has been seen several times at the World Cup in recent days - as a camera operator.

First she raced over the notorious Tofane in Cortina d'Ampezzo, and a few days later she was in the starting house on the picturesque Erta piste in St. Vigil. "It was really fun to be back on the piste," says Pichler. The cheerful soul strapped on her skis for the TV marketer in front the camera on her helmet and threw herself down the same slopes on which she used to fight for World Cup points. "It was nice to ski on such tracks without having to be fast," laughs Karo.

Karoline Pichler competed in the World Cup for years. © APA / EXPA/JOHANN GRODER

Almost a year has passed since Pichler put an end to her skiing career after her umpteenth serious knee injury. What has happened to the Petersberg native since then? "I immersed myself in my new life relatively quickly and started a job in the marketing department of the Carezza Dolomites ski area," reveals the 63-time World Cup starter, adding: "During my career, I already completed a degree in tourism, sports and event management at the University of Bozen. A job like the one I have now was always my plan."

Reunion with old friends

Although Pichler has fully settled into her new life, a trip back to old times makes her very happy. "I really enjoyed the last few days. I was in the hotel with my former teammates, we talked and laughed a lot," said Pichler, who is still good friends with some of the athletes such as Federica Brignone and Marta Bassino.

One question remains: Does Karo Pichler miss life as a ski racer? "Racing a little bit. I was a racing fanatic, I always loved the adrenaline and the pressure. But it was the right time to stop," says the Petersberg native, who adds with a happy smile: "Life after your career is better than some people might think."