Austrian Clemens Rettenwander says "Over and Out" to ski racing

In a move that has surprised the Austrian junior skiing community, technical specialist Clemens Rettenwander has officially announced his retirement from professional ski racing. The 21-year-old took to social media today to deliver a short but definitive message to his fans and teammates: "Over and Out."

The announcement marks the end of a promising journey through the Austrian Ski Federation (ÖSV) ranks for the Tyrolean talent, who has been a consistent presence on the FIS and National Championship circuits over the past few seasons.

A Career of Technical Promise

Rettenwander, primarily known for his prowess in the technical disciplines of Slalom and Giant Slalom, has been a fixture in the Austrian "second tier" for several years. Born in 2004, he was often cited as a gritty competitor capable of punching well above his weight class in challenging conditions.

Career Highlights

• FIS Dominance: Rettenwander enjoyed a breakout period in April 2025, where he secured back-to-back podiums in Cavalese and Folgaria, including a dominant victory in the Slalom.

• National Success: He was a frequent Top-15 finisher at the Austrian National Championships, competing against World Cup mainstays like Marco Schwarz and Manuel Feller.

• Consistency: Throughout the 2025/26 season, he maintained a high level of performance, including a strong 11th-place finish at the National Championships in Kronplatz just last month.

While Rettenwander did not provide an exhaustive list of reasons for his departure, the "Over and Out" post suggests a clean break from the grueling lifestyle of professional racing. For many young Austrian skiers, the transition from the FIS level to the World Cup "Wunderteam" is a narrow and punishing bottleneck.

Insiders suggest that Rettenwander may be looking to prioritize academic pursuits or a new professional chapter while he is still young.

"Ski racing has been my life for as long as I can remember, but sometimes you just know when the tank is empty. It’s time for something new." — Rettenwander in a follow-up comment.

The Reaction

The news has sparked a wave of support from the Austrian skiing family. Teammates and rivals alike have praised his work ethic and the "fighting spirit" he brought to the Slalom gates.

"Clemens was always the guy who would find speed on a hill where everyone else was struggling," said one junior coach. "The circuit will be a little less bright without his energy."

What’s Next?

Rettenwander leaves the sport with his head held high and a resume filled with competitive FIS points and podium finishes. While the "Over and Out" signal has been sent, his legacy as a tenacious technical skier remains intact. Whether he returns to the snow in a coaching capacity or moves into a different field entirely, the Tyrolean has made it clear: the racing bib is officially hanging up.