Ueli Kestenholz dies in avalanche at 50
Olympic snowboarder Ueli Kestenholz has died aged 50 in an avalanche. The Swiss legend, who made history when he won snowboarding’s first-ever Olympic medal, was killed in the Lotschental valley on Sunday, reports BritPanorama.
Kestenholz was airlifted to the hospital after he and a friend were caught in the tragic incident. The Swiss Ski Federation released a tribute honouring the pioneer of the sport.
In a heartfelt statement, they said: “His life was far too short. Swiss-Ski and the snowboard community are devastated. Ueli didn’t just love snowboarding in all its facets. After retiring from competitive sports in 2006, he remained a professional outdoor athlete – right up to his last breath. He was a freerider, speedrider, paraglider pilot, kitesurfer, skydiver, surfer, wingfoiler, mountain biker – a true crossover athlete.”
Swiss-Ski President Peter Barandun added: “We extend our deepest condolences to Ueli’s family and loved ones.” Kestenholz competed for Switzerland in the first-ever Olympic snowboarding event in 1998, where he won bronze. The men’s giant slalom was the inaugural Olympic snowboarding event, with Ross Rebagliati of Canada winning the first gold medal. Kestenholz also became the snowboard World Champion in 2000 and 2001.
After his third Olympic Games in Turin 2006, Kestenholz chose to quit the World Cup circuit to focus entirely on freeriding. Snowboarding will continue to feature prominently in the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics, which begins in four weeks, having been part of the Games since Kestenholz’s bronze success. The only new sport added for the 2026 Games is ski mountaineering.
Kestenholz’s passing serves as a stark reminder of the perils that still accompany extreme sports, highlighting both the thrill and inherent risks that define such pursuits.
