Dave Ryding, the trailblazing British alpine skier, has announced his intention to retire following the Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026. The 38-year-old slalom specialist will conclude a historic career that saw him break new ground for Great Britain in a sport traditionally dominated by alpine nations. Known for his tenacity, technical precision, and remarkable longevity, Ryding’s retirement will mark the end of an era for British Winter Olympic Alpine skiing.
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In a sport dominated by athletes from Austria, Switzerland, and Norway, Ryding has distinguished himself not only through his nationality but also through his persistence and steady rise. Throughout his career, he has shown continuous improvement, with key milestones that have, in turn, played a significant role in raising the profile of Winter Olympic alpine skiing in the UK.
A Pioneer for British Winter Olympic Alpine Skiing
Born in Bretherton, Lancashire, Ryding’s path to the top of the Winter Olympic alpine skiing world was far from conventional. Unlike most elite skiers who grew up racing on the icy slopes of the Alps, Ryding got his start on dry ski slopes in the UK. His early training at the Pendle Ski Club laid the foundation for a remarkable journey that would eventually take him to the World Cup circuit and multiple Olympic Games.
Ryding’s first Olympic appearance came in Vancouver in 2010, where he finished a modest 27th in slalom. At the time, few would have predicted that he would go on to become one of the most consistent slalom racers of his generation. By the 2014 Sochi Olympics, he had moved into the top 20, and by the time of the 2018 PyeongChang Games, he was a top-10 threat every time he took to the hill. Yet it was on the World Cup circuit where Ryding truly made his mark.
In January 2022, at the age of 35, he made history by winning the slalom in Kitzbühel, Austria—one of the most prestigious races on the alpine calendar. In doing so, he became the first British skier to win a World Cup event, an accomplishment that sent shockwaves through the sport and made headlines far beyond the ski world. I’ve given everything to this sport Ryding said in a recent interview. To stand on top of the podium at Kitzbühel, to represent my country at the Olympics—it’s been an incredible ride. But now it’s time to give everything I’ve got for one last Olympic run, and then step aside.
A Fitting Finale in Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026
Ryding’s decision to retire after the Winter Olympic 2026 is both strategic and sentimental. The Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026 Games will be his fifth and final Olympic appearance. It’s an extraordinary feat of endurance and excellence. Although he has yet to win an Olympic medal, Ryding has remained a perennial contender. He is also an inspiration to a generation of young British skiers.
He’s already looking ahead to Cortina d’Ampezzo, the host of the slalom and technical events in 2026. The Italian resort, steeped in alpine history, will be a fitting location for Ryding’s Olympic swan song. You Can Read Winter Olympic 2026: Women’s Olympic Alpine Skiing Season Review Brignone’s Brilliance and Shiffrin’s Century
It would mean everything to go out on a high, Ryding said. Whether that’s a medal or just knowing I left everything on the hill, I want to finish on my terms. His retirement will leave a significant void in British Winter Olympic alpine skiing, where he has been both a competitor and a mentor. Ryding has long advocated for increased investment in the sport and has taken an active role in developing junior talent. In recent years, he’s been a vocal supporter of young British racers like Billy Major and Laurie Taylor, who are poised to carry the torch into the next Olympic cycle.
Alpine Skiing: A Sport of Margins
In Winter Olympic alpine skiing, the difference between glory and obscurity can often be measured in hundredths of a second. It’s a sport that demands precision, courage, and an almost obsessive commitment to detail. Ryding’s career exemplifies all three.
Slalom, his specialty, is the most technical of the alpine disciplines. Races are decided over two runs on courses filled with quick, tight turns requiring flawless timing and footwork. Over the years, Ryding earned a reputation for his ability to dissect a course and deliver clean, consistent runs—even under pressure. Dave has always been a student of the sport, said British Ski and Snowboard head coach Paul Telling. He’s meticulous in his preparation and mentally as tough as they come. That’s what’s allowed him to compete with the very best for so long.
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Ryding’s success didn’t come from raw talent alone. His rise was built on discipline and a relentless work ethic. Unlike many of his rivals who had access to world-class facilities from an early age, Ryding had to fight for every inch. He famously trained with a low budget and often self-funded parts of his early career. That underdog story has made his achievements all the more resonant.
Beyond the Finish Line: Ryding’s Vision for the Future of British Skiing
While Ryding’s results have earned him a place among the elite of the sport, his legacy transcends numbers. He has inspired a new generation of skiers in the UK. His career shows that it’s possible to reach the top without being born into the alpine establishment. His historic World Cup win at Kitzbühel will always be remembered. It marked a turning point for British Winter Olympic alpine skiing.
Following his retirement, Ryding has hinted at staying involved in the sport, possibly as a coach or mentor. He already plays an informal coaching role with younger athletes on the British team. He has also expressed a desire to help build a stronger development pathway for future Olympians. There’s so much untapped potential in British skiing, he said. I want to help young athletes believe that it’s possible—because it is.
Ryding also hopes to work with British Ski and Snowboard (GB Snowsport) to improve infrastructure, increase funding, and expand access to quality training environments. His firsthand experience gives him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities within British winter sports.
A Lasting Legacy in Winter Olympic Alpine Skiing
As he embarks on his final competitive season, Ryding remains focused and driven. He has stated that his goal is to stay healthy, enjoy the process, and finish strong. As the 2025–26 World Cup season approaches and, in addition, with one last Olympic Games on the horizon, he’ll have plenty of chances to enhance his already impressive résumé.
Fans around the world—and especially in Britain—will be watching closely as Ryding takes his final turns on the international stage. Even if he doesn’t capture that elusive Olympic medal, he will still, without a doubt, leave the sport as one of its most respected and admired figures.
For a country with little alpine tradition, Dave Ryding has proven that passion, persistence, and belief can defy geography. As he prepares to bring the curtain down on his remarkable career, one thing is certain: British Winter Olympic Alpine skiing will never be the same.
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