Olympic snowboarder dies after being caught in avalanche at Swiss resort

The world of winter sports is in mourning after the shock death of snowboarder Sophie Hediger, part of the Swiss 2022 Winter Olympics squad with two World Cup podiums.

Switzerland's Sophie Hediger competes in the snowboard women's cross seeding run during the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games. Picture: AFP

Olympic snowboarder Sophie Hediger has died aged 26 after being caught up in an avalanche at Swiss mountain resort Arosa, in the country’s eastern region.

She had been a member of Switzerland’s snowboard cross national team.

Hediger was part of the Swiss squad that took part in the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.

And she also achieved her first two World Cup podium positions during the 2023-24 season.

Swiss-Ski sport chief executive Walter Reusser said: “We are speechless and our thoughts are with Sophie’s family, to whom we express our deepest condolences.

“For the Swiss-Ski family, the tragic death of Sophie has cast a dark shadow over the Christmas period. We are immeasurably sad.”

The 2025 FIS Snowboard World Championships are set to take place in St Moritz in March.

Switzerland's Sophie Hediger. Picture: AFP

Hediger had finished second in an event at St Moritz back in January. She was in a relationship with Swiss ice hockey player Dario Wuthrich.

His club, HC Ambri Piotta, posted an emotional tribute to Hediger.

They wrote on X: “The Ambrì-Piotta Hockey Club joins defender Dario Wuthrich in mourning the sudden and tragic passing of his beloved partner Sophie.

“Our most sincere condolences to Sophie’s family and Dario and a big hug from the whole white and blue family.”

RIP Sophie Hediger 🙏💔 Snowboarder from Switzerland who competed in the 2022 Beijing Olympics dies in avalanche at just 26 years old 🏂❄️ Her talent and spirit will be deeply missed 😢 pic.twitter.com/Vzezofivoc

— Walker Spearson (@SpearsonWa83643) December 24, 2024

Swiss Olympic medal-winning snowboarder Jan Scherrer wrote on Instagram: “This breaks my heart. We will remember you Sophie.”

Fans also took to social media to pay their respects.

One wrote: “Terrible. My condolences to the family.”

While a second commented: “This is truly heartbreaking.”

A third said: “May she rest in peace.”

And another added: “Praying for the family.”