Ganong Announces Retirement
Two-time Olympian and World Championship silver medalist Travis Ganong announces his retirement from alpine skiing after 17 years on the Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team. The Stifel America’s Downhill in Aspen will be his last domestic race. His final race will be in Soldeu, Andorra at World Cup Finals.
“I achieved my goals by winning World Cups, earning a medal at the World Champs, fighting for podiums at multiple Olympics, and capping it off last month in Kitzbühel with a podium on the Hahnenkamm was an honor,” said Ganong. “Being an American Downhiller for almost 18 years has been a wild ride!”
Ganong’s list of accomplishments in the sport is unwavering. He is a two-time Olympian and just missed earning a medal in the downhill in Sochi, finishing fifth. And in the 2015 FIS World Alpine Ski Championships, Ganong rocketed down the downhill at Beaver Creek, Colorado to win a World Championships silver medal in front of the home crowd.
After making his World Cup debut in 2009, Ganong went on to win two World Cups in Santa Caterina, Italy in 2014 and in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany in 2017, and have six podium performances ranging from 2014 to 2023. Most notably, he podiumed this season on the famous Kitzbühel track, securing third place in the downhill—a long-time career goal for the veteran racer.
“It’s time to transition from ski racing back to the place it all started: a true love for skiing and experiencing an adventurous life lived outdoors,” said Ganong. “I am excited to continue this journey with the partners who have supported me throughout my career.”
Ganong is also a staunch advocate for the environment, acting as a Protect Our Winters athlete alliance member to lead the charge toward change within the alpine ski industry. He will be speaking on a panel about sustainability at the Stifel America’s Cup in Aspen this weekend alongside Aspen Skiing Company’s SVP of Sustainability Auden Schendler, among others.
The 34 year old plans to continue celebrating his love for the outdoors and skiing by pursuing more backcountry-centered adventures in his home of Truckee, California with his fiancé and longtime partner—and fellow World Cup skier—Marie-Michèle Gagnon of Canada, who is also retiring.
“As an organization, we are so proud of what Travis has accomplished in his long and successful ski racing career,” said U.S. Ski & Snowboard President and CEO Sophie Goldschmidt. “His consistency and talent have always shown through, and we wish him all the luck in his future endeavors. He will always be a part of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard family.”
Ganong retires alongside his longtime teammate and friend Steven Nyman, who announced earlier in the week that he will be retiring at the Stifel America’s Downhill at Aspen.
