Austrian snowboard cross athlete Luca Hämmerle has announced his retirement from competitive sports at the age of 27. The Montafon native, who enjoyed a successful career in both the World Cup and European Cup circuits, made the decision after reflecting on his recent seasons and overcoming significant injuries.
Career Highlights
Luca Hämmerle gained recognition in April 2016 when he won the Junior World Championship in Rogla, Slovenia. This victory propelled him into the Snowboard Cross World Cup, where he achieved three top-ten finishes, with his best overall ranking being 25th in the 2019/20 season. In the European Cup, Hämmerle secured two victories and five additional podium finishes, finishing second overall in the 2017/18 season.
Challenges and Reflections
Despite recovering from two serious injuries—a concussion in December 2019 in Cervinia, Italy, and a fractured vertebra in November 2021 in Secret Garden, China—Hämmerle entered the last two seasons in peak physical condition with high hopes. However, his results did not match his expectations, leading to frustration and a decline in motivation.
“I felt better during this time than ever before, but unfortunately, it didn’t translate into the results, which was very frustrating,” Hämmerle shared. “Recently, I’ve realized that the fire is no longer burning as it used to. The drive is just gone, so I’ve decided to end my active career.”
Hämmerle represented Austria in two World Championships, finishing 36th in Solitude, USA, in 2019, and 17th in Bakuriani, Georgia, in 2023.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
Reflecting on his career, Hämmerle expressed gratitude for the valuable experiences he gained as a snowboard cross athlete. “The experiences I’ve had on my journey as a snowboard cross racer have been incredibly valuable. I wouldn’t trade them for anything. The races at the home World Cup in Montafon will always remain special to me—they fulfilled a childhood dream. It was also a privilege to share many unforgettable moments as an athlete with my brothers Alessandro and Michael.”
Hämmerle also extended his thanks to his family, partners, sponsors, and the Austrian Ski Federation (ÖSV) for their unwavering support. “Without their support, I wouldn’t have made it to the World Cup,” he emphasized.
As he steps away from competitive snowboarding, Hämmerle plans to explore new interests. He has begun training with the football club Spielgemeinschaft Hochmontafon and has recently taken up golf, even earning his golf license.
Luca Hämmerle’s retirement marks the end of an era in competitive snowboarding, but his contributions to the sport and the memories he’s created will continue to resonate. The FIS wishes Luca all the best in his future endeavors and thanks him for his dedication and passion for snowboarding.
