Avalanche
Olympics
Ueli Kestenholz, a Swiss snowboarder who helped usher the sport onto the Olympic stage, died Sunday after being caught in an avalanche in the Swiss Alps. He was 50.
According to Swiss Ski Federation, Kestenholz was snowboarding in the Lötschental Valley in the canton of Valais when the avalanche occurred. Valais police said the slide released at an elevation of approximately 7,900 feet (2,400 meters). The cause of the avalanche has not yet been determined.
Authorities said Kestenholz was touring with a friend who was skiing nearby. His companion was able to locate and dig him out before emergency responders arrived. Both were transported by helicopter to a hospital, where Kestenholz later died.
A Historic Olympic Legacy
Kestenholz became part of Olympic history at the 1998 Winter Olympics, when snowboarding debuted as an official Olympic sport. At just 22 years old, he won bronze in the parallel giant slalom, the first snowboard medal event ever contested at the Games. He went on to compete in two additional Winter Olympics, earned two X Games snowboardcross titles, and remained a prominent figure in action sports long after stepping away from formal competition.
After retiring from elite racing in 2006, Kestenholz continued to live fully in the mountains. The Swiss Ski Federation described him as a “true crossover athlete,” noting his involvement in freeriding, speed riding, paragliding, kite surfing, skydiving, surfing, wing foiling, and mountain biking. His social media presence reflected a life centered on movement and exploration, often documenting flights over alpine ridgelines or landings on frozen lakes near St. Moritz.
Tributes poured in following news of his death, including from French snowboarder Xavier de la Rue, who shared a message on Instagram honoring his longtime friend and competitor:
“@uelikestenholz has left us two days ago in an avalanche in Lötschental in Wallis, Switzerland. My friend, it’s been a blessing to compete at your side throughout all those years and an honor to be your friend. We will miss you dearly. R.I.P.”
Kestenholz’s death is a sobering reminder of the dangers of living a life in the mountains, even for highly experienced athletes. For many within the snowboarding and freeride worlds, he will be remembered not only for his Olympic achievement, but for a life defined by curiosity, versatility, and a deep connection to the outdoors.
Further details surrounding the avalanche have not been released.
