Ueli Kestenholz Dies in Swiss Alps Avalanche at 50

Ueli Kestenholz, the Swiss snowboarder who won an Olympic bronze medal during snowboarding’s debut at the Winter Games, has died after being caught in an avalanche in the Swiss Alps. Swiss-Ski confirmed his death on January 13, following the accident in canton Valais. He was 50.

Avalanche Incident in Valais Under Investigation

The fatal avalanche struck the eastern flank of the Hockuchriz peak in the Lötschental region at around 2,400 metres (about 7,900 feet). Kestenholz was riding off-piste with a companion when the slide occurred. His companion escaped unhurt, while Kestenholz was buried under snow. Rescue teams reached him, pulled him out, and he was airlifted by helicopter for emergency treatment. Valais police have said the trigger for the avalanche is not yet known and the case is being examined by the public prosecutor’s office.

Olympic Bronze in Snowboarding’s Breakthrough Year

Kestenholz rose to global recognition at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, where he won bronze in the giant slalom event. The 1998 Games were historic as they marked the first time snowboarding was included in the Olympics, making his podium finish part of the sport’s earliest Olympic legacy. He later returned to the Olympics in 2002 and 2006, before stepping away from elite competition.

X Games Wins and a Multi-Sport Reputation

Beyond the Olympic stage, Kestenholz built a reputation as a high-performance crossover athlete. He found major success at the Winter X Games, winning gold medals in snowboard cross in 2003 and 2004. After retiring from the World Cup and Olympic circuit, he remained deeply involved in adventure sports, shifting his focus towards freeride snowboarding and a wider outdoor lifestyle that included activities such as paragliding and surfing.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• The Lötschental valley is in canton Valais, a major Alpine region of Switzerland.
• An avalanche is a rapid downslope flow of snow, often triggered by terrain, weather, and human activity.
• Snowboarding made its Olympic debut at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics.
• Winter X Games is a major international competition for extreme winter sports.

Tributes from Swiss Skiing and the Winter Sports Community

Swiss-Ski president Peter Barandun conveyed condolences to Kestenholz’s family and loved ones, while the broader snow sports community noted his influence as an athlete associated with the early growth of competitive snowboarding. The investigation into the avalanche circumstances is ongoing.