An Austrian woman has ended her skiing career. © Instagram

Austrian woman surprises: Sudden ski retirement

The season isn't over yet, and there's already a surprising ski retirement announcement in Austria.

March 10, 2026

From: det

North Tyrolean skier Christina Ager celebrated a milestone in the Soldeu downhill race. The 30-year-old competed in her 100th World Cup race on February 27th. However, just a few days later came the surprising news: that 100th race was also the last of Ager's career.

On Tuesday, the Austrian skier surprisingly announced her immediate retirement. "It's time to write a new chapter and say 'goodbye' to skiing. 13 years in the World Cup – with many highs, but also some lows. I can look back with pride on an incredibly exciting and formative time," Ager wrote on Instagram.

Her World Cup debut astonished everyone

Christina Ager's career began with a bang. In her very first World Cup race – the slalom in Levi in ​​2013 – she sensationally finished in 4th place, starting with bib number 53. However, it wasn't long before she switched to speed skiing – and soon had to deal with serious injuries. Among other things, she tore her cruciate ligament twice within eight months.

A truly curious podium in January 2024, from left: Lara Gut-Behrami (2nd), Stephanie Venier (1st), and the three third-place finishers Valerie Grenier, Christina Ager, and Sofia Goggia. © ANSA / ANDREA SOLERO

Nevertheless, the North Tyrolean celebrated her first podium finish in January 2024: In Cortina d'Ampezzo, Ager secured a memorable podium place, finishing in a tie for third place with Valerie Grenier and Sofia Goggia. In the Europa Cup, the second-highest racing series, Ager achieved 22 podium finishes.

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But now it's surprisingly over. This year, Ager competed nine times in the World Cup, finishing in the points four times, but never in the top 20. "I'm looking forward to everything that's coming – and I'm excited to see what new challenges and tasks await me," said Ager.