Swiss Olympic snowboarder Sophie Hediger tragically passed away at the age of 26 after being caught in an avalanche, the Swiss-Ski Federation confirmed. The incident occurred on Monday, December 23, at the Arosa resort in Switzerland, casting a somber mood over the holiday season.
“We are stunned and our thoughts are with Sophie’s family, to whom we express our deepest condolences,” stated Swiss-Ski CEO Walter Reusser. “For the Swiss Ski family, the tragic death of Sophie Hediger has cast a dark shadow over the Christmas holidays. We are immeasurably sad. We will keep an honorable memory of Sophie.”
Hediger was a member of the snowboard cross national team and represented Switzerland at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. She had recently achieved her first two World Cup podium finishes in the 2023-24 season, demonstrating her rising talent in the sport. Her death not only marks a significant loss for her family and friends but also for the snowboarding community, which has lost a vibrant athlete with a promising future.
Details surrounding the avalanche were limited, with the federation honoring the family’s request for privacy by not releasing further information. The news has sparked an outpouring of tributes from teammates, coaches, and fans, remembering her passion for the mountains and her dedication to snowboarding.
Hediger’s passing underscores the inherent risks of mountain sports, even for those highly experienced in navigating such terrains.