Sophie Hediger, a Swiss snowboard cross athlete, has died at the age of 26 after being caught in an avalanche in Arosa, a well-known ski resort in the Swiss Alps. The tragedy occurred on December 23, and the news was confirmed a day later by the Swiss Ski federation.

Walter Reusser, CEO of Swiss-Ski Sport, expressed the shock of the organization and the Swiss sport: “We are stunned and our thoughts are with Sophie’s family, to whom we express our deepest condolences.” He added that Hediger’s death had left “a dark shadow over the Christmas holidays” for the Swiss skiing community.

SOPHIE HEDIGER’S LEGACY

Hediger was a standout on the international snowboarding scene from a young age, earning a silver medal at the 2016 Lillehammer Winter Youth Olympic Games. More recently, she participated in the individual and mixed team snowboard cross events at the Beijing 2022 Olympic Games, cementing her place as one of the sport’s top up-and-comers.

Her career reached a milestone last January during the International Ski Federation (FIS) World Cup. Hediger earned her first podium finish in St. Moritz by placing second, and just a week later, she took third place in Gudauri, Georgia. These results placed her among the best on the world circuit.

HER LINK TO AROSA

Born and raised in Horgen, near Lake Zurich, Sophie Hediger developed a deep connection with the resort of Arosa, where she spent much of her time freeriding, a sport she was passionate about. Paradoxically, it was there that she met her tragic end while practicing her sport.