Michele Gisin. 32, is slowly but steadily recovering after a severe training crash in St. Moritz in December 2025. The Swiss two-time Olympic champion suffered multiple injuries, including a torn cruciate ligament, a complex wrist injury, and a cervical spine injury that nearly led to paralysis. Her condition stabilized after emergency surgery and hospitalization in Zurich, according to the Swiss Ski Federation.
First Return to Skiing
On May 3, 2026, Gisin took her first steps back on skis in Engelberg, nearly six months after the accident; she shared the news at the Swiss Ski Night in Zurich-Oerlikon, where athletes were honored for their achievements over the past winter. Speaking at the event, Gisin said, “I’m getting better and better. I’m making slow but steady progress. That’s the most important thing.”
Her return to skiing was limited to a few turns, but she described the experience as “wonderful.” The complexity of her injuries remains a major challenge in her recovery. While cross-country skiing and hiking on touring skis are working well, activities like cycling are difficult due to wrist and shoulder pain.
Personal Milestones and Future Plans
Beyond her rehabilitation, Gisin has personal milestones to look forward to. She will attend the wedding of her friend Filip Zubcic in Croatia before marrying her fiancé, Luca de Aliprandini, on June 20, 2026, at Lake Garda. The couple has been together since 2014 and became engaged two years ago. Gisin and De Aliprandini live together on Lake Garda and spend a lot of time there, according to SportNews.bz.
De Aliprandini expressed excitement about the wedding, saying, “We are looking forward to it immensely. It will be a big party.”
Uncertain Comeback Timeline
Gisin has not yet set a timeline for her return to the World Cup. She plans to make a decision after her full recovery in the fall. For now, she is focusing on rebuilding her strength and coordination. Her progress includes strength training and low-impact skiing, such as cross-country and touring skis.
The accident occurred during high-speed training when Gisin lost control and crashed into a safety net. Despite the severity of the impact, she did not lose consciousness and was immediately assisted on the slope. The Swiss Ski Federation confirmed her stable condition and noted that the full extent of her spinal injuries would be assessed once her condition is stabilized.
Before the crash, Gisin had set a strong time in the first training session in St. Moritz, according to ANSA Latina. The crash, however, put her competitive season on hold. She had planned to compete in two freeski races before the Super-G event in December 2025.
Gisin’s return to skiing, both personally and professionally, remains a key focus. Her determination and progress offer hope for a potential comeback in the near future.
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