Olympic Snowboarding Pioneer Ueli Kestenholz Dies in Swiss Avalanche

Bern, Switzerland — Swiss winter sports icon Ueli Kestenholz, a pioneering Olympic snowboard medallist and celebrated figure in the global snowboarding community, has died at age 50 following a fatal avalanche in the Lötschental valley of Canton Valais. The Swiss Ski Federation confirmed the former world-class athlete’s passing on 13 January 2026, sending shockwaves through the sports world.

Kestenholz was caught in an avalanche on 11 January 2026 while snowboarding with a companion on the eastern flank of Hockuchriz at approximately 2,400 metres (7,900 feet) above sea level. According to Valais police, the avalanche’s cause remains undetermined. While his friend, who was on skis, managed to reach safety uninjured, Kestenholz was buried by snow and later rescued by emergency personnel. Despite rapid efforts, including airlifts to hospitals in Visp and Sion, he succumbed to his injuries.

Kestenholz emerged as one of snowboarding’s most influential competitors during the sport’s formative years on the world stage. At the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, he captured a bronze medal in the parallel giant slalom, marking Switzerland’s presence on the podium in snowboarding’s Olympic debut.

Over a distinguished competitive career, he represented Switzerland in three Olympic Games, competed at the highest levels of the FIS World Cup, and twice secured gold medals in snowboardcross at the Winter X Games. His dynamic and fearless style helped shape snowboarding’s competitive evolution from niche pursuit to mainstream Olympic sport.

Beyond competition, Kestenholz was revered as a crossover athlete — embracing a range of extreme and adventure sports throughout his life. After retiring from elite competition in 2006, he became a prominent figure in freeriding, speedriding, kitesurfing, paragliding, wingfoiling, and mountain biking. His passion for pushing boundaries inspired a generation of athletes and enthusiasts alike.

Swiss-Ski President Peter Barandun, speaking on behalf of the federation and the wider snowboarding community, extended “deepest condolences to Ueli’s family and loved ones,” reflecting the profound loss felt across the sport. The veteran rider leaves behind his wife and two children.

Kestenholz’s legacy is defined not only by his medal-winning performances but by his enduring spirit of adventure and his role in elevating snowboarding to global prominence. His sudden passing is a stark reminder of the risks inherent in backcountry winter pursuits, even for the most experienced athletes.

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