A ski-loving couple got engaged in a romantic way.

Romantic proposal: Skiing couple on cloud nine

Their careers were turbulent, sometimes even dramatic. But now a skiing couple has found personal happiness: there was a romantic marriage proposal.

June 20, 2026

From: det

Alice Merryweather thought it was supposed to be just an ordinary fishing trip, something she and her longtime friend Samuel DuPratt had often done before. The ski-loving couple, now retired from their active pursuits, took a small boat out onto a lake – but then came the big surprise.

Suddenly, DuPratt produced a ring and popped the question to his girlfriend. Merryweather was visibly surprised and overcome with emotion. And, of course, it didn't take her long to answer that special question with a resounding "Yes!" A proposal that couldn't have been more perfect.

For the two Americans, Merryweather and DuPratt, life now holds a very special future in store, after they have closed the chapter on their skiing careers. These were skiing careers that, in part, took a dramatic turn.

Alice Merryweather in action at the 2018 Olympic Games. © AFP / DIMITAR DILKOFF

Merryweather first caused a sensation in 2017 when she became Junior World Champion in downhill skiing, leaving athletes like Nicol Delago, Kira Weidle, and Nina Ortlieb behind. However, the now 29-year-old never achieved a major breakthrough – partly because she struggled with mental health issues (she battled an eating disorder for a long time) and a string of injuries. In May 2024, after 54 World Cup races and at just 27 years old, Merryweather announced her retirement.

Val Gardena as a place of destiny

Her boyfriend, Samuel DuPratt, has also had a remarkable career. A career that was turned upside down in December 2020. After a horrific crash in Val Gardena, the 32-year-old suffered fractures to both lower legs and had to undergo eight hours of surgery in Bolzano. Following his comeback three years later, it wasn't long before he tore his cruciate ligament. In June 2025, DuPratt finally announced his retirement with 20 World Cup races under his belt. Now comes the personal highlight for the two former ski stars.