In a surprising move, Austrian slalom skier Kathrin Stock recently took to Instagram to announce her retirement from competitive skiing at just 24 years old. The decision comes months after the most successful season of her career that saw numerous podiums at multiple International Ski and Snowboard (FIS) events, and even a win.
“Thank you, skiing, for my first swings and jumps, new friendships, countless beautiful experiences and moments, valuable lessons—simply for everything!” the Salzburg native wrote in her post.
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The most shocking aspect of the decision is its timing, with Stock coming off the best campaign of her young career in 2025-26. In just her eighth race of the season, the slalom specialist won her first FIS event at a December race in Kuthai, Austria, in front of a home country crowd. Less than two weeks later, Stock found herself on the podium again, taking third at a race in Saint Michael, Austria. In total, her 2025-26 season saw one victory with four total podiums. One of those podium finishes was a bronze medal at the Austrian National Championships in Reiteralm in April. Another was a second-place silver medal from the Austrian Junior National Championships in Saalbach-Hinterglemm.
In the 2024-25 season, Stock made her first two World Cup starts in Levi, Finland, and Gurgl, Austria. While she did not qualify for a second run in her World Cup starts, her journey from being a club skier at SC Bischofshofen to starting at skiing’s top-tier circuit is nothing short of impressive.
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The majority of World Cup slalom skiers retire between the ages of 30 and 35. Stock did not publicly provide a reason for her retirement, making her announcement all the more unexpected. Her announcement instead focused on gratitude for the sport and the relationships it brought her along the way.
“Thank you to my family, friends, sponsors & supporters for always having my back and supporting me!” she wrote.
With her retirement, Stock joins fellow Austrian skier Lena Wechner, who also recently announced her retirement from competitive skiing. Wechner is 25.
Despite Stock’s departure from competitive skiing, she plans to stick around the snow and enjoy skiing in a more laid-back fashion: “From now on, it’s all about enjoying the turns.”
With the 2026-27 World Cup season looming, the Austrian Ski Association will look to find new young talent who can compete at the highest level. For Stock, she can enjoy her retirement injury-free, ready to ski without the pressure to perform.
