Karoline Pichler has announced her retirement from skiing. © Instagram

Heartbreaking ski farewell: Karoline Pichler quits

Karoline Pichler has been one of the best South Tyrolean skiers in recent years. But now the stand-up woman from Petersberg has had to end her career at the tender age of 29.

09 April 2024

From: det

Karoline Pichler is a true fighter. She has gotten up and returned countless times after serious injuries. But now it's over for the brave woman from Petersberg: In an emotional Instagram post, the 29-year-old said goodbye to the big ski stage.

“I’m officially saying goodbye to the love of my life, skiing. It was a hell of a ride and I gave everything for this sport,” begins Pichler’s entry on social media. “I definitely didn't achieve all of my goals, but I can be incredibly proud of my career. I got World Cup points in three different disciplines, achieved podium places and victories in the European Cup, and won medals at the Junior World Championships. I wanted to achieve a lot more, podium places and victories, but I couldn’t get past a 13th place (in the World Cup, editor’s note).”

“I would do it all again.” Caroline Pichler

There is a bit of melancholy. “Hard work, ambition and will were not enough to win World Cup races, but I won challenges that I could never have imagined. Injuries played a big role, I got through them all, even the really serious ones that could have ended my career earlier. I have been broken many times but I have no regrets, I would do it all again.”

An incredible injury story

These are highly emotional words from Karoline Pichler, who really hasn't had an easy time in her career. When she was in her early 20s, she suffered four serious knee injuries in just 33 months. Nevertheless, Pichler got back up, slowly but surely regained her old form and became part of the national team again - but then the injury devil struck again.

Karoline Pichler in action. © Pentaphoto

In January 2023, the Petersberg native tore the cruciate ligament in her left knee for the third time, but decided against surgery and tried a conservative approach. However, immediately before the first race of the season in December 2023, Pichler tore his meniscus again, which resulted in an operation. This time, however, “Karo” will not be coming back.