Beyond the Slopes: A Summer in the Life of Alpine Racers

The FIS Alpine World Cup may be on its summer break, but the athletes have been keeping just as busy away from the slopes. From discovering new hobbies and travelling the world to enjoying well-earned holidays and preparing for comebacks, the off season has been packed with memorable moments.

New Hobbies and Passions

For some athletes, the summer has been the perfect opportunity to try something new. Italy's Roberta Melesi has traded snow for the sea, embracing kite surfing and making the most of the windy coastline.

2026 Olympic Silver medallist Giovanni Franzoni has also swapped his skis for a surfboard, making the most of the off season with days spent chasing waves. The Italian shared snapshots from his coastal getaway along with some "wild" encounters. 

Meanwhile, New Zealand's Alice Robinson has taken in the excitement of one of the world's biggest sporting events, attending the final stages of Roland Garros in Paris.

Ester Ledecká has exchanged ski racing for classic cars, competing in the Rallye des Princesses Richard Mille from Paris to Saint-Tropez and once again showcasing her racing instincts – this time behind the wheel.

A Pit Lane Detour: Alpine Skiers at Formula 1 Weekends

Formula 1 has also featured prominently in several athletes' summer schedules, with the paddock becoming a meeting point between alpine skiing and motorsport.

Mikaela Shiffrin made an appearance in Miami during the Grand Prix weekend, visiting the paddock alongside her fiancé Aleksander Aamodt Kilde. The American star took in the atmosphere of the race weekend up close while cheering for the Italian Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.

Back on the Europeqan continent, Lindsey Vonn visited the Monaco Grand Prix paddock alongside Marco Odermatt and Lucas Pinheiro Braathen and freestyle skier Eileen Gu, enjoying a behind-the-scenes look at the motorsport's most classic event.

More recently, the Austrian Grand Prix in Spielberg attracted another group of alpine stars. Lara Colturi, Ariane Raedler, Julia Scheib, Marcel Hirscher and Dominik Paris joined thousands of fans at the Red Bull Ring, swapping ski boots for the high-speed atmosphere of Formula 1 as they enjoyed the race weekend from the sidelines.

Two-Wheel Summer Rhythm

Beyond Formula 1, some athletes have kept their summer rhythm alive in a different kind of speed discipline: cycling.

Italy’s Mattia Casse has once again been a familiar presence on two wheels, continuing his summer training tradition. The Italian skier took part in the 24 Ore di Feltre, an endurance cycling event with a team-based relay format over 24 hours, with his team also supporting a charity initiative in aid of neonatal intensive care.

Germany’s Emma Aicher has also been using the off-season to stay active on the bike as part of her conditioning work away from the slopes. Alongside her training, she has also been seen enjoying time in the pool and on rainy hikes, while spending part of the summer in good company, including with fellow skier Zrinka Ljutić.

Well-Deserved Holiday Breaks

After a long and demanding winter, many racers have headed for warmer destinations to recharge. Austria's Feurstein cousin-duo, Patrick and Lukas, enjoyed a relaxing getaway in Tulum, combining beach days with rounds of golf on green fairways.

Italian racer Filippo Della Vite also shared glimpses of his summer holiday with his girlfriend, featuring peaceful kayaking trips through crystal-clear waters and picturesque sunsets by the pool.

Following her visit to the F1 race in Monaco, Lindsey Vonn spent a few more days on the French Riviera before attending Sport Beach in Cannes as a guest speaker. There, the American 3-time Olympic medalist reflected on how her comeback has shaped both her career and her personal story.

Julia Scheib, meanwhile, travelled to Japan, where the Austrian Giant Slalom Crystal Globe winner explored iconic landmarks such as Mount Fuji, immersed herself in Japanese culture and cuisine, and shared highlights from her journey across the country.

Big Returns

While many athletes are taking time to rest, others are preparing for an emotional return to competition.

Slovakia's Petra Vlhová continues her comeback journey after suffering a serious knee injury in early 2024. Having already returned to racing during the Olympic season, the former overall World Cup champion is now targeting a full return to the FIS Alpine World Cup, marking another important step back to the sport she loves.

As preparations for the new season gradually begin, the off season once again shows that life as an alpine skier extends far beyond the racecourse. Whether discovering new passions, travelling the world, taking time to recharge or working towards a comeback, the summer months offer a glimpse into the athletes' lives before their focus returns to the mountains.