Dominique Gisin: Snow sports remain her passion

Dominique Gisin (32) retired from top-class sport almost three years ago. She now spends most of her time on the ETH campus and at the airfield. But skiing is still the great passion of the Olympic champion from Engelberg. We spoke to her about her skiing habits and the ideal snow day.

Since Dominique Gisin retired from spirtzing, her life has changed: "Between November and December is the worst time. That's when I always feel the urge to get on a plane and go skiing and training in America." This is the phase in which the ski teams prepare intensively for the Ski World Cup season. That time is over for Dominique Gisin. She announced her retirement around three and a half years ago, with three victories and four podium places in the Ski World Cup and a gold medal at the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi in her pocket. But skiing still remains the big topic in her life, and not just because of the professional careers of her siblings Marc (29) and Michelle (23).

"That's when I really understood why snowboarders ski the way they do. It was a great experience!"

"I still go to the slopes every weekend. At least one day a week, sometimes two or three," Dominique Gisin tells event. - "I don't have any lectures on Fridays this semester." Gisin is currently in her fifth semester of physics at ETH Zurich. At the weekends, Gisin can already be found on the first rides on the mountain railroads in her home town of Engelberg. "When I hit the slopes, it's always very early - also out of consideration for the other skiers." Because: "I can't ski on a full piste at the speed I usually do," she explains.

Tolerance is important on the slopes

An integral part of a day's skiing in Dominique Gisin's home town of Engelberg: Älplermagronen with apple sauce.

However, Gisin doesn't get upset about lurkers or beginners on the slopes, on the contrary: "Tolerance is important on the slopes. Especially in my position, it's up to me to be considerate." Last year, Gisin stood on a snowboard for a day for the first time in her life. "That's when I really understood why snowboarders ride the way they do. It was a great experience!" And the Olympic champion has no objections to après-ski skiers either: "I don't care if they're already sitting in the pub at lunchtime," she says with a laugh. She herself is less likely to be found in the après-ski bars in Engelberg: "If I am, it's in the evening, but when I'm on the slopes, I concentrate on skiing!"

Such a beautiful panorama! Dominique Gisin enjoys the view of the Swiss Alps from the suspension bridge on the Titlis summit.

What Dominique Gisin appreciates most about the ski resort in her home town of Engelberg is its variety: "There are very difficult slopes at the top of the mountain and beginners' slopes in the village. So everyone can find what they like." Every day is different, she says, she usually goes to the slopes early, sometimes she goes cross-country skiing and sometimes even into the deep snow away from the slopes. "But I only do that if I have experienced friends with me, I check the avalanche bulletin in advance and have the right equipment with me."

Gisin advises winter sports beginners to attend a sports school, especially for adults: "But it's also ideal for children or people who want to improve their skills." Choosing the right ski resort is also important: "The terrain has to suit your abilities."

Dominique Gisin is now commentating on the women's ski races.

The Älplerseilbähnli is the best place to ski on empty slopes in Engelberg in the morning.

In addition to studying physics and training as a professional pilot, Dominique Gisin has joined the SRF commentary team as a skiing expert. She has been commentating on selected women's ski races since December 8. "I had to think about whether there was still room for all this in my busy life," she says. A unique opportunity to be back on the ski circuit and at the Olympic Games: "That was one of the main reasons. It allows me to experience all the emotions and experiences from a different perspective." In order to be prepared for the new task, Gisin had to commentate on the women's ski races live in the SRF studio - not on television, however, but for a special SRF training program. It's not strange for her to commentate on her sister Michelle's races: "Of course I'll be cheering her on. But the viewers know that it's my sister and will certainly understand."

Where does Gisin see her path? "I want to combine studying physics, flying and skiing. In aerodynamics, for example." One thing is certain: you'll be seeing her on the slopes for a long time to come.

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