Turmoil at the Swedish Ski Federation as Women’s Alpine Head Coach Dismissed
The Swedish Ski Federation is in upheaval following a string of leadership changes and the surprise dismissal of women’s alpine head coach Manuel Gamper—just ten months before the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina.
Right before Easter, the federation announced two key hires: Stefan Dahlsten, the new sport director for alpine and skicross, and Frippe Stenberg, the latest commercial director. On the same day, it quietly removed Gamper from his position.
Gamper’s dismissal caught many within the Alpine community off guard. He was widely regarded by many as the most competent coach in the program and had led the women’s team to better results than the previous season.
Leadership Vacuum and Ongoing Instability
The federation’s alpine division has operated without strong leadership since last fall, when Karin Stolt Halvarsson and Lars Melin were dismissed. The lack of coordination and direction has been evident during the winter.
The organization’s commercial side has also been criticized. Stenberg now has the responsibility to promote greater professionalism in business.
“Skitrotter”, which previously highlighted the need for change in the alpine organization in a widely read column, reported that Gamper’s removal came amid an internal power struggle. According to the outlet’s sources, Gamper clashed with service staff members employed directly by the federation. Unlike those staffers, Gamper was a consultant, making his contract easier to terminate.
“If changes were expected anywhere, it was on the men’s side,” one insider said, citing the team’s underwhelming performance this past season.
Women’s Team Without a Coach
With Gamper out, the women’s team is currently without a head coach. The question is who has the expertise and willingness to take on the role in a high-pressure Olympic year.
Dahlsten, who has a military background, officially begins his role on June 23. Some hope that his leadership style will bring the federation the structure and authority it has been missing.
According to Skitrotter, unrest continues within the federation. Several sources describe the Åre-based headquarters as disorganized, with no effective leadership throughout the winter.
This is unlikely to be the last significant change before the 2025–26 season begins.
Skitrotter repeatedly tried to reach federation CEO Pernilla Bonde but was unsuccessful. Dahlsten, who was contacted through the federation’s press office, declined to give interviews before assuming his position.
According to an April 16 press release from the Swedish Ski Federation, Dahlsten will officially take over on June 23.
About the Author: Jonas Henning
