An Italian star skier is retiring soon. © Pentaphoto

In Italy: A prominent skier is about to retire.

An Italian top skier has announced her retirement with emotional words.

August 01, 2026

From: det

Elena Curtoni has already competed in an incredible 291 World Cup races. The all-rounder, who has recently focused primarily on the speed disciplines, has reached the podium 13 times and secured four victories. Most recently, however, the 35-year-old faced a difficult decision: to retire or continue? Now Curtoni has found an answer to that question.

“I will be in the starting gate for the 2026/27 season,” the Italian wrote on Instagram, but immediately added: “It will be my last season. I can’t wait to enjoy every single moment.”

Curtoni is playing her last season.

So, one more winter and Elena Curtoni will retire. That's why the experienced skier wants to give it her all one last time. Last season was a rollercoaster of emotions for Curtoni: For a long time, her winter was inconsistent, then she celebrated a World Cup victory in Val di Fassa at the beginning of March. At the Olympic Games, the 35-year-old finished seventh in the Super-G.

"If it were easy, everyone would do it." Elena Curtoni

Curtoni experienced a nasty surprise in the summer: she suffered an ankle injury that sidelined her for weeks. Her preparations for her farewell season haven't gone according to plan so far, but Curtoni simply says: "I've picked myself up again, admittedly with doubts, but also with new goals. If it were easy, everyone would do it."