Norway’s Nordbotten, UVM alum, calls it a career

By Published On: April 27th, 2021Comments Off on Norway’s Nordbotten, UVM alum, calls it a career

In what he calls his most difficult decision yet, 31-year-old Jonathan Nordbotten announced his retirement on his social media channels Tuesday. The 10-year World Cup veteran and University of Vermont alum said farewell to the sport in an emotional Instagram post that highlighted his career success and paid tribute to the Vermont Catamounts, the Norweigan Ski Federation, and former teammates. 

“After a lot of thinking back and forth, I have decided to retire from ski racing,” announced Nordbotten. “One thing I can say, I gave it all I had with 100% passion and effort. If you ask me, I would do it all again.”

Nordbotten began his skiing career at the age of two on a pair of cross-country skis in the small town of Kolbotn, just outside of Oslo, Norway. His parents were convinced of his talent as he began skiing at Ingierkollen, a small ski hill they could see from their kitchen window. He was quick to grow accustomed to spending his free time at the hill and joined the local ski club. Growing up a multisport athlete, competing in football, hockey, and golf, Nordbotten thrived in a tight-knit team environment. As he grew older and more committed to ski racing, Nordbotten transitioned his sole focus to skiing as he quickly rose in the country’s rankings. By age 15, Nordbotten had made the Norwegian national team. 

In his junior ski racing career, Nordbotten was a familiar name on the Norweigian podium. At 20 he became Norway’s national champion in slalom. At the time, the four-event skier was becoming familiar with the Europa Cup, landing on the podium at world juniors and competing in four events. At the age of 21, the five-year Norwegian national team member relocated across the pond to the University of Vermont. 

In his four years as a Catamount, Nordbotten captured seven NCAA wins, four of those in his freshman year, alongside his first World Cup starts. He was named the EISA Rookie of the Year in 2011 and All-American for three years. He took home a NCAA championship title in GS in 2013.

Outside of the collegiate circuit, Nordbotten continued his World Cup, Europa Cup and NorAm Cup schedule, capturing another 11 medals over his five years racing. As a collegiate senior at the University of Vermont, Nordbotten was first named to the Norwegian World Cup team in 2014 prior to his graduation. 

“Thanks to the coaching staff at the University of Vermont, for extending my career, and my professors who helped me through college,” said Nordbotten in his retirement post. “The same goes to my teammates at college — thanks for everything!”

The 10-year Norwegian World Cup team member skied alongside Norwegian legends Aksel Lund Svindal, Kjetil Jansrud, and Henrik Kristoffersen. After his World Cup debut in 2011 as a collegiate freshman, Nordbotten went on as a slalom specialist where he captured 13 top-10 World Cup finishes, attended three World Championships, and earned a bronze medal in the team event at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics.

After a tough 2020-21 World Cup season, ending in a single slalom point result, Nordbotten ended his career with a high note in Norway, winning his final slalom start. 

“Nothing has ever come easy to me in life and I have come to the conclusion that it’s time to say goodbye to the sport I love,” wrote Nordbotten. “Ski racing has always been my life, and I love it. I have made many great memories and have created wonderful bonds throughout my career.” 

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About the Author: Karina Schwartznau

Born and raised in Bonney Lake, Washington, Karina grew up ski racing for Crystal Mountain and PNSA. She competed for 14 years across the world until settling in Salt Lake City, where she attended the University of Utah and achieved degrees in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. She currently resides in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.