Rasmus Windingstad GEPA pictures
Aug. 25 — In a social media post today, Rasmus Windingstad announced his retirement from competitive alpine ski racing.
The decision
In his post, Windingstad wrote, “For 22 years, ski racing has been the biggest part of my life — the one thing that trumped everything.” He added, “Believing that you’re capable of achieving what your mind wants requires believing in the work you put in — and for the last year, I didn’t have the motivation to do what is required.”
Path to the top
As a teenager, Windingstad trained at one of the world’s finest ski clubs, Baerums just outside Oslo. He rose to international attention with a silver medal in giant slalom (GS) at the 2014 World Junior Ski Championships in Jasna, Slovakia.
He made his World Cup debut in February 2014 at age 20 in the St. Moritz GS. Just over a year later, he raced at his first major championship, the 2015 World Championships in Colorado.
An established GS name
Breaking into the men’s technical team is made a significant achievement by the country’s depth. With Henrik Kristoffersen, Leif Kristian Nestvold-Haugen, Lucas Braathen, Atle Lie McGrath and Alexander Steen Olsen all battling for places, Windingstad proved his consistency at the highest level during 11 years on tour. Braathen, a former Norwegian, now skis for Brazil.
Career highlights
The Norwegian racer reached the World Cup podium three times, including one victory in the 2019 Alta Badia parallel giant slalom. Across 107 World Cup starts, he earned 14 top-10 finishes, 12 of them in GS.
The Olympic dream
Windingstad fulfilled his Olympic dream at the 2022 Beijing Games, racing in both GS and super-G. He also helped Norway win bronze in the team parallel event, beating the United States in the small final. “Those are things most people would be proud of, including 12-year-old me,” he wrote today.
Timing of the decision
After missing out on selection for the 2025 World Championships in Saalbach, and with Norway’s roster stacked with talent, Windingstad felt now was the right time to step away.
Fittingly, his last World Cup start came in February at Hafjell, his first and only home GS race, where he finished 21st.
Although his results had slipped in recent seasons, he still ranked 27th in last winter’s giant slalom season standings, narrowly missing the World Cup Finals in Sun Valley. He previously climbed as high as ninth in the 2022–23 giant slalom standings.
What’s next?
Windingstad closed his post by saying, “I might share some more details, insights and personal challenges in the future, so stick around if you want.”
Whether that hints at a future role in the sport or simply signals that he will stay active on social media, one thing is clear: fans will remember Rasmus Windingstad for his Attacking Viking style, his drive to succeed, and his decision to leave the sport on his own terms.
About the Author: Matt Garcka
