A ski star will end his career. © AFP / JOE KLAMAR

Bye Bye: A prominent ski retirement is looming

Things are quiet in the skiing world at the moment. Some stars are still enjoying their holidays, others are diligently working on their fitness in the weight room. All in all, nothing spectacular, were it not for one ski star who is causing a stir with some news.

June 12, 2025

From: det

On January 22, 2022, skiing history was made in Kitzbühel. For once, it wasn't a Norwegian, a Frenchman, or an Austrian who celebrated the victory in the legendary slalom on the Ganslern slope. No, a Briton took the top spot in this crazy race – for the first time in World Cup history. Dave Ryding, this popular figure from the county of Lancashire in northwest England, performed a true skiing miracle.

Today, the 38-year-old slalom star is considered one of the most dazzling figures in the skiing world – but he won't be competing in the World Cup for much longer. In an interview with with the BBC Ryding announced his retirement: After the 2026 Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina, it's over. "It feels right to draw a line under it after the Olympics," says the proud family man.

Dave Ryding will end his career. © APA / EXPA/JOHANN GRODER

Ryding adds: "I'm still at the top of the sport, sitting here without any physical discomfort—which is truly rare in skiing—and feel capable of competing with the best. I want to give it my all for another year and see what we can achieve. As long as I can, I'll do everything I can to be the best in the world."

It's already clear that with Dave Ryding's retirement, a cult figure will be retiring. To date, the Brit has finished on the podium seven times in 134 World Cup races, with the aforementioned victory in Kitzbühel being the absolute highlight. Ryding is also considered the greatest pioneer of skiing in Great Britain.