In a decision that stunned the alpine skiing world, Niels Hintermann announced his immediate retirement last week, citing the lasting physical and psychological impact of the cancer he overcame just last year. The 30-year-old Swiss speed specialist revealed his decision after withdrawing from the downhill in Courchevel, France, on Friday, March 13. However subsequently it was announced, that he will hold a formal farewell run at the World Cup Finals in Kvitfjell Norway, on Saturday, March 21.
In a live pre-race interview at Courchevel, the Swiss ski racer announced he would not start. “The reason is simple: I’m done skiing.” The seasoned speed specialist announced that Crans-Montana was —in hindsight — his last race, and admitted: “I’m no longer willing to risk my life the way I should.”
“I have been given a second lease on life.”
— Nils Hintermann
Hintermann’s retirement comes little more than a year after he was diagnosed with lymph node cancer in October 2024, forcing him to miss the entire 2024–25 World Cup season. At the time, the Zurich native had discovered a lump in his neck during summer training in South America. The diagnosis required an intensive treatment plan, including chemotherapy and radiation, though doctors were optimistic about recovery.
That optimism proved justified. By 2025, Hintermann had beaten the disease and returned to skiing—completing what many saw as a remarkable comeback. But the experience left a lasting impact. “I noticed in Garmisch [Germany] that I was having one panic attack after another. I tried everything, with hypnosis and so forth, I felt really good, but as soon as I stood in the starting gate, my body refused.” He described the panic attacks vividly, stating his whole body would shake and horror scenarios would run through his head. “I am not prepared to risk it all anymore,” he concluded.
Downhill skiing is widely regarded as the most dangerous discipline in alpine racing, where hesitation can be as risky as recklessness. For Hintermann, that reality became impossible to ignore after his return. “If you don’t go full throttle in a downhill, it gets dangerous,” he explained. Yet, physically and mentally, that commitment was no longer there.
Hintermann retires with three World Cup victories and seven podiums from 106 starts, including two downhill wins in Kvitfjell, Norway, in 2022 and 2024. His breakthrough came in 2017, when he claimed a surprise victory in the combined at Wengen, Switzerland.
His announcement was met with an outpouring of support from other ski racers. USA’s Steve Nyman wrote: ‘Bravo Big Man! I still owe you 🍻”—we hope he delivers.
Niels Hintermann will hold his farewell run in Kvitfjell at the World Cup Finals where he claimed his first career victory—a fitting farewell. FIS offered him this opportunity since he for one earned the spot, ranking 14th at the end of the season, but also to give him the chance to go out on his own terms.
Beyond results, his career will be remembered for resilience—first as a late-blooming speed specialist, and ultimately for his return from cancer.
One thought on “Ski Racer Announces Immediate Retirement: “Given a 2nd Lease on Life—I’m Not Willing to Risk That””