Swiss snowboarding legend Ueli Kestenholz dies in avalanche at 50
Ueli Kestenholz, a pioneer of Swiss snowboarding and a guardian of the sport's safety, has died in an avalanche at the age of 50. His passing has left the sports community in mourning, with fellow Olympian Gian Simmen describing the loss as a profound shock.
Kestenholz made history in 1998 by winning Switzerland's first Olympic snowboarding medal—a bronze in giant slalom at the Nagano Games. Just four days later, Gian Simmen secured gold in the halfpipe, and the pair returned home as national heroes. Thousands greeted them at Zurich Airport, celebrating their achievements in a sport still gaining recognition.
After retiring from competition, Kestenholz remained deeply involved in snowboarding. He worked on film and photography projects, capturing the culture and thrill of the sport. His relentless drive to push boundaries had earlier helped elevate snowboarding's status, alongside contemporaries like Fabian Rohrer. Kestenholz's final professional role was leading a Splitboard-Camp in Valais, Switzerland, where he shared safety expertise for off-piste riding, just days before his fatal accident on January 11, 2026, in the Lötschental. Though he and Simmen were not close friends, they bonded over their shared passion. The two had last snowboarded together between Christmas and New Year's.
Kestenholz's death leaves behind a legacy of fearless competition and dedication to snowboarding. His work in film, photography, and safety education ensured his influence extended far beyond his Olympic success. The sport has lost one of its most determined and visionary guardians.
