Snowsports

Celebrating a trailblazer as Dave Ryding announces retirement

Published August 3, 2025

Updated August 29, 2025

Posted By

Paul

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Dave Ryding has become synonymous with British alpine skiing excellence, a story of perseverance and breakthrough achievements that have redefined what is possible for British athletes in a sport traditionally dominated by alpine nations.

Following the news that the 38-year-old will call time on his trailblazing career at the end of the 2025/26 season, we’re reflecting on an inspirational journey that has spanned nearly two decades on the imposing slopes of Europe and beyond, inspiring a new generation of British skiers and elevating the profile of the sport across the UK. Not bad for a lad who began on the unheralded dry slopes of Lancashire.

Here then, are five defining highlights that encapsulate Dave Ryding’s historic and remarkable rise to the top of alpine skiing.

1. World Cup Victory at Kitzbühel (2022)

In what remains a landmark moment in British sporting history, Ryding triumphed on the legendary Hahnenkamm slope in Austria, becoming the first British skier to win a World Cup alpine event. This victory was not only a personal milestone but a seismic moment for British skiing, symbolising the breakthrough of an underdog on the sport’s grandest stage, and inspiring future generations of British skiers.

2. Four-Time Olympian (2010 – 2022)

Ryding represented Team GB at a remarkable four Winter Olympic Games, spanning 12 years from 2010 in Vancouver to 2022 in Beijing. Ryding performed consistently but was unable to muscle onto the podium, coming closest at the 2018 PyeongChang Games when he was only half a second outside of the medals. His top-10 finish in the slalom was the best Olympic result for a British alpine skier since 1988. In 2022, his Olympic legacy was cemented when he was selected as the Team GB flag-bearer for the opening ceremony, alongside curler Eve Muirhead.

3. Silver Medal at Kitzbühel (2017)

Five years before his historic World Cup win, Ryding’s second-place finish at Kitzbühel announced his arrival among the world’s best. This podium marked Britain’s first top-three World Cup finish in men’s slalom in over three decades and he became only the fourth Brit to take a World Cup podium in history. Ryding had a taste of the top and it set the stage for his future success.

4. Consistent World Cup Contender (2010 – 2025)

For an astonishing 15 seasons, Ryding has regularly competed in the World Cup circuit’s top tier, including seven podium finishes. Even more impressive is the standard he’s maintained even late in his career, with his seventh-placed finish in the slalom World Cup standings in 2024 representing his best-ever finish.

5. Europa Cup Slalom winner (2013)

This 2013 win at the start of Ryding’s career demonstrated to the world that this Brit was ready to compete on the big stage. The Europa Cup is considered the second tier of global ski racing, and is a proving ground for future potential. By claiming the season-long slalom competition he became the first British skier in history to win a title in the series.