Snowboarder Sophie Hediger, who had hoped to win a medal at the upcoming World Championships in March, tragically passed away in Arosa, a town in the Swiss canton of Graubünden.
The Swiss snowboarding community is mourning the loss of the 26-year-old athlete. Sophie died on Monday in an avalanche accident in Arosa. The Swiss Ski Association confirmed her death, quoting her family in a statement.
“The tragic loss of Sophie Hediger has cast a shadow over the Christmas holidays for the Swiss Ski family. We are deeply saddened. Sophie will always be remembered with great respect,” said Walter Reusser of the Swiss Ski Association.
Sophie Hediger had competed in the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing and had made a name for herself in the World Cup with two podium finishes last winter. Her most recent race was on December 14, where she finished in ninth place. She had been aiming for a medal at the World Championships in March, which will be held in Engadin, Switzerland.
Rescue Efforts Unsuccessful
According to the Graubünden police, Sophie was freeriding in deep snow on a black slope during her free time. She was accompanied by another skier. The two had gone off the marked slope when Sophie was caught in an avalanche. Her companion immediately alerted the rescue services and went to search for her in the snow.
Sophie was found in the afternoon, and attempts to revive her were made, but unfortunately, they were unsuccessful, and resuscitation had to be called off.
The Risks of Off-Piste Skiing
Off-piste skiing and freeriding are becoming more popular, but they carry serious risks. There are many hidden dangers beneath the snow, including the threat of avalanches. After each snowfall, the terrain can change, and snowdrifts may create dangerous overhangs that can collapse, causing deadly snow slabs when skied over. read more…