Alexis Pinturault, French Skiing Icon, Announces Retirement After 17 Seasons
COURCHEVEL, France – In a press conference held Saturday afternoon in his hometown of Courchevel, France, alpine ski racer Alexis Pinturault announced his retirement from competitive skiing at the complete of the current season. The 34-year-old Pinturault, a dominant force in the sport for nearly two decades, cited a desire for a latest chapter after a career marked by both triumphs and challenges.
Pinturault’s decision comes after 17 seasons on the World Cup circuit, a career frequently interrupted by injuries in recent years. “The idea is to move on to something else, it’s the right moment,” Pinturault explained, according to reports. “I’ve thought about it a lot since my returns from injury, especially since last year. I knew this season would be the last from the start, but I didn’t want to announce it too soon.”
A Storied Career Comes to a Close
The announcement marks the end of an era for French skiing. Pinturault leaves the sport as its most decorated male skier, boasting 34 World Cup victories – a French record – and a total of 77 podium finishes. He secured the coveted overall World Cup title in 2021, joining Jean-Claude Killy and Luc Alphand as the only Frenchmen to achieve that feat.
His success extends beyond World Cup competition. Pinturault has three Olympic medals to his name – a silver and two bronzes – and has twice been crowned a world champion, including a team title. He also secured two junior world titles early in his career, signaling the immense talent that would define his time on the slopes.
Final Races on the Horizon
Pinturault will make his final competitive appearance on home snow this Sunday in the super-G race at Courchevel. He will then head to the World Cup Finals in Norway, where he is scheduled to compete in the giant slalom in Lillehammer on March 24th, marking the definitive end to his racing career.
The timing of his retirement follows closely on the heels of fellow French skier Adrien Théaux’s final descent on the Eclipse course. The departures of both athletes signal a changing of the guard within the French ski team.
Olympic Snub and Reflecting on a Legacy
Despite his impressive career, Pinturault was notably absent from the French team for the 2024 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. This omission added another layer of complexity to his final season, though he remained focused on competing at the highest level.
Pinturault’s versatility has been a hallmark of his career, excelling in multiple disciplines including giant slalom, super-G and combined events. He initially competed in slalom before focusing on other events in recent years. His ability to adapt and consistently perform across different formats solidified his status as one of the most complete skiers of his generation.
While the decision to retire wasn’t uncomplicated, Pinturault expressed a sense of peace and readiness for the next phase of his life. He leaves behind a legacy of excellence, inspiring a new generation of French skiers and solidifying his place in the history of the sport.
The ski world now awaits to spot what the future holds for this celebrated athlete, as he transitions from the competitive arena to a new chapter beyond the slopes.
Next Up: Alexis Pinturault will compete in the super-G at Courchevel on Sunday, March 15th, before heading to the World Cup Finals in Norway later this month.
