Joana Hählen announces retirement

Joana Hählen has announced her retirement from ski racing. The Bern native will end her active career at the highest level with the final races of the 2025/26 season.

The 34-year-old speed specialist has competed in a total of 166 World Cup races to date. She made her debut at the highest level in November 2013 in Beaver Creek. Her career has seen five World Cup podium finishes (three second and two third places) as well as 27 top-10 results in downhill and Super-G. Another sporting highlight was winning an Olympic diploma at the 2022 Winter Games (6th place in the downhill).

“My retirement wasn’t a spontaneous decision, but the end of a long process,” said Hählen. “After my injury two years ago, I gave everything, mentally and physically, to push myself to the limit once again. But my mind and body weren’t always willing to take the risk. At the finish line in Soldeu, I knew: It’s the right time to stop. I gave it my all one last time, and I’m proud of that.”

Hählen looks back on 13 years in the World Cup: "The five podium finishes remain unforgettable highlights. From four cruciate ligament tears, I learned how strong body and mind can be, and that often more is possible than you think."

Her resignation marks the end of an era, while simultaneously opening up new perspectives.

"I'm grateful that I've been able to turn my passion into my profession. Without my team and my support network, this journey would never have been possible and only half as enjoyable. I have some initial ideas for the future, but nothing is concrete yet. Now I want to enjoy the last few races, spend time with the people who are important to me, and be open to everything that life still has in store."

Joana Hählen is one of the fastest Swiss women on skis. In the World Cup, she likes to ski everything that is fast and difficult. Downhill and Super G in particular, and the harder and more challenging the slope, the better. Joana Hählen grew up in Lenk in the Simmental and since the 2022/2023 season she has also been the brand ambassador for Lenk Bergbahnen and Lenk-Simmental Tourism.