Ueli Kestenholz, 50, a Swiss Olympic snowboard medalist, died after being trapped in an avalanche in the Lötschental valley of Valais canton, Swiss officials said.
- Who: Ueli Kestenholz, 50, Swiss Olympic snowboarder.
- What: Died after being trapped in an avalanche.
- Where: Lötschental valley, Valais canton, Switzerland (avalanche started ~2,400 m).
- When: Incident reported Sunday; public confirmation issued Tuesday by Swiss authorities.
- Source: Swiss ski federation, Valais police and Swiss daily Berner Zeitung; original reporting by AP.
Swiss ski officials and police said Kestenholz — a pioneer in competitive snowboarding who won bronze in the sport’s Olympic debut — was snowboarding with a friend who was skiing when an avalanche began at roughly 2,400 meters (7,900 feet). He was trapped by snow, initially helped by his friend, then airlifted by helicopter to hospitals in Visp and Sion, where he later died, authorities said.
The Legacy
- 1998 Nagano Olympics: Bronze medalist in snowboard giant slalom — part of snowboarding’s first Olympic competition.
- X Games Success: Two-time snowboardcross champion at the X-Games and a leading name in extreme-sports competitions.
- Long Career in Extreme Sports: Competed in multiple Winter Games and kept a high-profile professional career in freeride and paragliding stunts.
Throughout his career Kestenholz stood out as both a competitive racer and an adventurous free-rider. His Instagram in recent years showed paragliding and landings on frozen lakes near St. Moritz; one post read, “To enjoy those rare moments when nature‘s wonders align you need to be ready to drop everything and go!”
Social Reaction
News of Kestenholz’s death prompted immediate responses online. Fans, fellow athletes and extreme-sports communities posted tributes across social media, remembering his Olympic podium moment and fearless approach to mountain sports. The Swiss ski federation confirmed the fatality and expressed condolences; Swiss media including Berner Zeitung first identified Kestenholz as the victim.
This account is based on statements from the Swiss ski federation, Valais police and reporting from AP and Swiss media. Published: 14 Jan 2026.
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