Norwegian alpine skiing star Aleksander Aamodt Kilde is bak on the slopes and savoring every moment of it. After a grueling 19-month recovery from a devastating crash at the Lauberhorn Downhill in Wengen, Switzerland, in January 2024, Kilde recently shared his excitement about training in Chile, where pristine snow conditions have reignited his passion for the sport. In a social media post, he wrote, “Alexander Aamodt: Chile 1/2✅ Unreal to be back on snow under these conditions🥰 #T-90,” marking the halfway point of his four-week training camp in the Andes and counting down to his anticipated return to competition.
Kilde’s journey back to the slopes has been fraught with challenges. The 2024 crash left him with a severe laceration to his right calf, nerve damage, and two torn ligaments in his left shoulder, requiring multiple surgeries. Complications from an aggressive infection in his shoulder, which led to sepsis, further delayed his recovery, forcing him to miss the entire 2024-25 World Cup season. Despite these setbacks, Kilde’s determination never wavered. “The shoulder just needs to take the time it needs,” he told Norwegian newspaper Verdens Gang. “I’ll rather enjoy the things I get to do.”
Currently training in Chile with teammates Fredrik Møller, Adrian Smiseth Sejersted, and Simen Sellæg, Kilde is taking a measured approach to his comeback. “It won’t be full throttle with a speed suit the first few days,” he acknowledged, but he’s optimistic about building strength gradually. The recent South American snowstorm provided ideal conditions, with Kilde sharing clips of himself carving through fresh powder, a stark contrast to the grueling rehabilitation process he’s endured. “It’s amazing to be here,” he said in a video update. “Feeling this close to the sport—it’s been a minute.”
Chile’s ski resorts, particularly Valle Nevado and Ski Portillo, have become a haven for elite skiers like Kilde during the Northern Hemisphere’s summer. Valle Nevado, already 100% open for the 2025 season with over six feet of snowfall, offers a world-class training ground with its high-altitude terrain and dry powder. Ski Portillo, known for its challenging alpine runs, is another favorite, drawing Olympians and international ski teams. Kilde’s training camp aligns with a strong snow season in the Andes, where resorts like Valle Nevado and La Parva are forecasting more snowfall in the coming days.
Kilde’s focus is now on the World Cup downhill event at Beaver Creek, Colorado, scheduled for December 5, 2025—just 90 days from his post, as indicated by his “#T-90” hashtag. This race represents a significant milestone in his comeback, with the 2026 Winter Olympics in Bormio, Italy, on February 7 looming as an even bigger goal. “I was thinking about that being one of the biggest goals I have coming up,” Kilde said of Beaver Creek.
The Norwegian’s resilience has drawn praise from peers and fans alike. His partner, American skiing legend Mikaela Shiffrin, who recently celebrated her 101st World Cup victory, has been a pillar of support, with the couple sharing their recovery journeys. Kilde’s return to snow in Chile also marks a personal triumph after missing the World Cup season opener in Sölden, Austria, on October 26, 2025, due to ongoing shoulder limitations.
As Kilde hones his skills in the Andes, his enthusiasm is infectious. “Now I’m going on a trip with the guys—it’s fantastic. I haven’t taken that for granted,” he said, reflecting on the camaraderie with his teammates. With the stunning Chilean Alps as his backdrop and a renewed sense of purpose, Kilde is poised to make a triumphant return to competitive skiing, proving once again why he’s one of the sport’s most formidable talents.
