Mikaela Shiffrin’s Fiance Aleksander Aamodt Kilde Back in Hospital After Ski Crash.
The skiing world was rocked in early 2025 when Norwegian alpine star Aleksander Aamodt Kilde suffered a horrific crash during the Lauberhorn downhill race in Wengen, Switzerland. The accident, which saw him careen into the safety netting at high speed, left him with significant injuries, including a dislocated shoulder and a deep laceration to his calf. While initially, the extent of the damage seemed to be contained to these injuries, Kilde’s road to recovery has proven to be far more arduous and punctuated by unexpected setbacks, including a return to the hospital months later due to a severe infection.
Kilde, the fiancé of American skiing legend Mikaela Shiffrin, was airlifted from the scene of the crash on January 13, 2025, and immediately underwent surgery in Bern. The initial reports from the Norwegian team indicated no fractures, but the dislocated shoulder and calf cut were serious enough to sideline him for an extended period. Shiffrin, who has often spoken about their supportive relationship, was by his side in the hospital, a testament to their deep bond.
The immediate aftermath of the crash was described by Kilde as “the lowest of lows,” with extreme pain in both his shoulder and leg, requiring him to remain still for long periods. What seemed like straightforward injuries, a dislocated shoulder and a deep cut, turned out to be far more complex. The deep cut to his calf caused significant blood loss and nerve damage, necessitating immediate surgical intervention. Furthermore, torn shoulder ligaments required a subsequent surgery, during which damaged nerves in the shoulder were also discovered and repaired.
Despite the immense physical and mental challenges, Kilde showed remarkable resilience. By June 2025, he had even managed to get back on skis in Oslo, a promising sign for his return to competitive racing. However, this glimmer of hope was soon overshadowed by a significant setback. In July 2025, Kilde experienced increased pain in his repaired shoulder, which initially seemed like a normal reaction to increased training load. However, it was soon diagnosed as an “angry infection” that had caused damage, a major blow to his rehabilitation.
This infection required him to return to the hospital and undergo a lengthy course of treatment, including six weeks of daily intravenous antibiotics administered through a PICC line in his arm. The severity of the infection was such that it had “eaten away at his bones,” and two muscles in his shoulder were not attached, requiring another complex reconstructive surgery. This unforeseen complication dashed any hopes of Kilde competing in the 2024-25 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup season.
In an update shared in October 2025, Kilde confirmed he would miss the entire season. His focus shifted entirely to full recovery and preparation for the 2025-26 season, with a long-term goal of being ready for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. He underwent what he described as a “very, very complicated surgery” to reconstruct his shoulder, where doctors used a graft from his hamstring and part of his trapezius muscle. This procedure itself required Kilde to build up his leg muscle in preparation.
Throughout this challenging period, the support of Mikaela Shiffrin has been invaluable. Their relationship, which became public in 2021, is often cited as a source of strength for both athletes, particularly given the demanding and often perilous nature of their sport. Shiffrin herself faced injury challenges during the same period, making their shared experience a poignant aspect of their journey.
As of early 2025, Kilde continues his rigorous rehabilitation. He has expressed optimism about the latest shoulder surgery, noting that while it’s smaller than his other shoulder, it’s “at least in the right position,” a positive sign. His determination to return to the sport he loves, and to do so competitively, remains unwavering. While the path back has been fraught with difficulties and unexpected hospital stays, Aleksander Aamodt Kilde’s resolve, bolstered by the unwavering support of Mikaela Shiffrin, continues to drive his journey toward a full and triumphant return to the slopes.
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