Norwegian speed specialist Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, fiancé of American skiing icon Mikaela Shiffrin, has decided to skip this weekend’s World Cup events on the iconic Lauberhorn course, prioritizing his long-term recovery over an immediate return to the site of his severe 2024 crash.
In a thoughtful Instagram post shared on January 12, 2026, the two-time Olympic medalist and three-time Wengen winner explained his choice with emotional candor. Kilde, who has dominated the legendary Swiss piste in the past—securing downhill victories in 2022 and 2023, plus a super-G win in 2023—described Wengen as one of the most beautiful and atmospheric races on the circuit, despite the painful memories.
Here are some powerful images capturing Kilde in action and his dramatic moment on the Lauberhorn:
The 33-year-old suffered life-altering injuries during the January 2024 downhill, including a deep calf laceration, nerve damage, and complex shoulder trauma that led to multiple surgeries, infection, and sepsis complications. After 685 days away, he made his comeback in late November 2025 at Copper Mountain, Colorado, with modest results so far (best of 11th place).
Kilde emphasized that downhill racing “demands respect” and requires full preparation—something he feels is not yet aligned for Wengen’s demanding one-run format and heavy logistics. “This year, it’s a bit too early,” he wrote, adding that forcing a return now wouldn’t serve his progress best.
The couple’s resilience has been a source of strength throughout his ordeal, with Shiffrin providing unwavering support as they navigate the challenges together.
Here are heartwarming shots of the skiing power couple:
Who Is Mikaela Shiffrin’s Fiancé? All About Aleksander Aamodt Kilde
Kilde made it clear this is a temporary pause, closing his message with determination: “I’ll be back, Wengen.”
The alpine community respects his measured approach, viewing it as a wise step toward sustained competitiveness—potentially peaking for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.
As the 96th Lauberhorn races proceed from January 16-18 without one of its former stars, fans await Kilde’s powerful return to reclaim his place on the famed Swiss mountain.
