The Ski Racer & Olympian

From Switzerland to the Olympics

Before Stefan Kaelin became a household name in Aspen or a pioneer in ski gear innovation, he was first and foremost a world-class athlete. Born and raised in the alpine village of Einsiedeln, Switzerland, Stefan’s passion for skiing was sparked on the slopes near his home—and it quickly became clear he had a rare talent.

By 1960, he had taken up racing competitively. Just two years later, his speed, technical precision, and relentless drive earned him a spot on the Swiss National Ski Team, one of the most elite programs in the world. It was the beginning of a remarkable career that would put him on the global stage.

Olympic Excellence

In 1964, Stefan represented Switzerland at the Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria, competing in the slalom and giant slalom events. That same year, he was crowned Swiss National Champion in Giant Slalom and Combined, and took second place in Slalom—cementing his status as one of the top alpine skiers in the country.

He remained a fixture on the national team for several years, competing internationally through 1968 and continuing to represent Switzerland at the highest level.

A New Chapter Begins

After nearly a decade in the sport, Stefan retired from competitive racing in 1970—but not from skiing. He moved to the United States and joined the Head Ski advisory team, bringing his deep understanding of performance and gear design to a broader audience.

He later starred in the televised Killy Challenge, a head-to-head giant slalom series sponsored by Hertz, United Airlines, and Chevrolet. The exposure—and prize money—helped him launch his next adventure: building a business that would blend European innovation with American ski culture.