Stephanie Venier Retires at the Peak of Her Career

After careful consideration, Stephanie Venier (AUT/Head) has decided to announce her retirement from alpine ski racing. Following twelve years on the World Cup circuit, the Tyrolean skier is drawing a line under a successful career to explore new paths.

“The thought of ending my career isn’t new — it’s been growing inside me for a while. But I wanted to take the time I needed for such a major decision, because once it’s made, there’s no turning back for me. The deep will and determination required for elite sport just hasn’t been there in recent months in the way I expect from myself.

Even though the Olympic Games are coming up next year, now feels like exactly the right time to bring my racing career to a close. I look back on what I’ve achieved with great satisfaction,” said the Super-G World Champion from Saalbach.

Venier made her World Cup debut in January 2013 in the downhill at St. Anton am Arlberg. That same year, she won gold in Super-G and silver in downhill at the Junior World Championships in Québec (CAN). One year later, she took another silver in Super-G at the Junior Worlds in Jasná (SVK). In the 2016/17 season, the speed specialist earned her first World Cup podium, and just three weeks later claimed silver in the downhill at the World Championships in St. Moritz. In 2018/19, after a consistent season, she finished second in the downhill World Cup standings.

With 54 top-ten finishes — including three victories and nine additional podiums — the 31-year-old can look back on a highly successful career on the World Cup tour. The crowning moment came this year with her Super-G gold and team bronze (alongside Katharina Truppe) at the home World Championships in Saalbach. For the Tyrolean, the time has now come to put the racing skis away and begin a new chapter.

“For me, skiing has always meant the world, and I could never imagine a life without the sport. But now I feel that a new phase is beginning — and I’m curious about what exciting things the future holds. Professional sport has shaped me deeply as a person, and I’m thankful for all the experiences and memories I’ve gained. Fortunately, I was spared from major injuries, but I no longer want to push the recurring knee problems and risk my long-term health. As the saying goes: the best time to retire is at the top. That’s why I’m turning the page on my racing career and looking forward to whatever comes next. A big thank-you goes out to my family and friends, my coaches and support staff, my partners and sponsors, the Customs Sports division, and the Austrian Ski Federation. Without them, it wouldn’t have been possible to live this dream,” Venier said gratefully.

Release Courtesy by ÖSV