Tina Weirather: Life After Racing, Still a Class Act – Where the Ski Legend Is Now

When you think of the most defining faces in alpine skiing over the past decade, one name immediately comes to mind: Tina Weirather. Even though we no longer see her in the starting gate for the speed events today, this native of Liechtenstein with Swiss roots has stayed connected to the sport. Whenever the classics roll around in St. Moritz or Wengen, the thought crosses your mind: man, she used to ski those slopes with such effortless authority.

The news of her retirement in the spring of 2020 hit like a bolt from the blue. But honestly, anyone who followed her career knew that her body, after all those tough landings and injuries, was bound to send a signal. Tina was never one to fight for every start at all costs – she was the one who skied with almost unbelievably cool composure when it really mattered. Her style was that elegant, flowing glide that made even the iciest pistes look like a plush carpet.

For a young Tina Weirather, daughter of Hanni Wenzel and Harti Weirather, the pressure was immense. But she didn't just carry the family name; she gave it new meaning. Winning the small Crystal Globe in Super-G in 2018 was the crowning achievement of a season where she was simply untouchable. If you watched the races in Lake Louise, you know: that was her personal happy place. There, she proved she wasn't just the "princess" from the principality, but a fierce competitor at the World Cup level.

Her World Cup record reads like a who's who of the speed elite:

• World Cup Super-G Discipline Title (2017/18 Season) – the small Crystal Globe for absolute consistency throughout the season.
• Seven World Cup victories in speed disciplines, including several on classic courses in North America and Europe.
• Five additional podium finishes at World Championships and Olympic Games, including 4th place in Pyeongchang 2018 – a placing any racer knows well: so close yet so far, but a testament to her world-class ability.

So, what is Tina Weirather doing now? After retiring, she didn't simply fade into the white noise of sports history. She deliberately stepped back to give her body and mind a break. Together with her husband, Swiss ski racer Andreas Sander, she now splits her time between Austria’s Vorarlberg region and her home in the Rhine Valley. Anyone who meets her today senses that calm. She’s enjoying life without a bib number, occasionally appears as an expert on TV, and yes, she’s teaching her little ones the joy of snow. No pressure, just pure fun.

For us in Switzerland and neighbouring Liechtenstein, Tina Weirather remains one of the most charismatic athletes we've ever had. That combination of laid-back coolness and iron will was what set her apart. And that’s precisely why it’s great to still spot her on the slopes now and then – no longer in a racing suit with timing chips, but with her family, a smile on her face. That’s the best proof: you can end your career without losing your passion.

When you think of Tina Weirather, the saying comes to mind: old love never rusts. For the Swiss and Liechtenstein ski community, she isn’t just a former racer. She’s one of our own. As long as there are World Cup races in Switzerland, there will be moments where that spark flies – and we’ll think back to the days when Tina stood at the top of the podium, hoisting the Crystal Globe with that inimitable smile. That’s what I call class, the kind that sticks with you.