Rene Monteleone resigns. © Social Media

From winter sports athlete to innkeeper: South Tyrolean retires

At 25, he's at the peak of his career, but now he's had enough of competitive sports: We're talking about Rene Monteleone, who's hanging up his freestyle skis and opening a new chapter in his life. He spoke to SportNews about the reasons for his retirement.

April 01, 2026

For a long time, Ralph Welponer was South Tyrol's sole star in the Freestyle World Cup. After his retirement, Rene Monteleone took over the role of figurehead from his former mentor. Welponer was one of several athletes from Val Gardena who convinced Monteleone of the then-unknown sport. "I started alpine skiing as a small child, but I never really enjoyed it. Through Ralph and Christof Schenk, I then discovered freestyle. The focus was primarily on having fun, which is why I never expected to get this far," says the athlete from Ortisei.

Until the age of 14, Monteleone was never among the best in his age group. However, thanks to numerous summers spent skiing in Canada, the tricks gradually became easier for him. "That was the turning point. After that, thanks in part to the excellent training facilities in South Tyrol, I gradually climbed the ranks, progressing through the European Cup to the World Cup," explains the Val Gardena native.

Monteleone at the Olympics

The 25-year-old boasts 32 starts in the top tier of freestyle skiing, including two World Championship appearances. Despite missing out on a final qualification, he retires from skiing with a clear conscience. "Of course, that would have been fantastic, but I always gave my all in my career and have nothing to reproach myself for. When 60 athletes are at the starting line and only ten reach the final, it's simply extremely difficult," emphasizes Monteleone, who often came within just a few points of achieving this goal.

Rene Monteleone as a forerunner at the Olympics.

But what prompted him to end his career? "I had already decided some time ago to make a decision at the 2026 Olympic Games. Had I qualified, I would have continued my career. Since I didn't manage that, I've now drawn a line under it," Monteleone explains. Ultimately, the 25-year-old's Olympic dream did come true in a way, as he worked as a forerunner in Livigno. "That was a really cool experience," he emphasizes.

And now?

Monteleone already has a clear plan for his future. He's taking over the restaurant in his parents' business on the Sella Pass. "I'm really enjoying it, and it's always been my plan," he says. The Val Gardena native is looking forward to spending more time in his homeland, after having to "constantly pack his bags" in recent years. Of course, there's also a touch of melancholy associated with his retirement. "Like any sport, freestyle skiing is a school of life. I'll miss the fun we have with our team," he emphasizes.

In his element: Rene Monteleone

In conclusion, he could certainly imagine staying involved with his beloved sport. "During the off-season, I'd be very interested in working with young talents and passing on my experience. I'm impressed by the dedication the youngsters put into training, the competitive spirit they foster, and the close friendships they forge. That's precisely the spirit that makes freestyle sports so special."