Picabo Street: The Reigning Queen of American Downhill Skiing

Picabo Street: A Legacy Forged in Speed and Resilience

(Photo: McCade Gordon) Before the names Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin became synonymous with American women’s Alpine skiing, there was one name that captivated the nation: Picabo (pronounced “peekaboo”) Street. She wasn’t just a skier; she was a phenomenon.

The Golden Era of Picabo Street

Picabo Street dominated downhill racing in the 1990s, amassing an impressive record of 13 World Cup wins, two world titles, and culminating in a glorious gold medal at the 1998 Olympics. Her fearless approach and undeniable talent made her a national hero. However, her career wasn’t without its trials. Street battled a relentless series of injuries, including multiple ACL tears and a fractured femur – a testament to the extreme demands of the sport.

Retirement and Beyond

Following a courageous comeback attempt at the 2002 Olympics, Picabo Street officially retired from competitive skiing. But her passion for the sport didn’t fade. She transitioned into a role as a TV analyst for NBC during the Winter Olympics, sharing her expertise and insights with a wider audience. She also established an academy dedicated to supporting NCAA athletes, giving back to the next generation of skiers.

“We quit when our bodies won’t give us what we ask of [them]. Because in order to simply be safe during our sport, while expecting a certain level of performance, our bodies need to be healthy. We could die out there.” – Picabo Street

The Physical and Mental Toll

Street’s decision to retire wasn’t easy. She reflects on the moment she realized her body and mind were no longer aligned, particularly while recovering from a severe femur and knee injury. The challenge of returning to peak performance, of holding 8G of force during a downhill turn while unable to perform a simple squat, proved insurmountable.

The allure of speed, the “magical” feeling of precise turns, and the constant awareness of looming danger were all part of the thrill. “It’s hard to let go of,” she admits. She found a parallel to the constant challenge in skiing in everyday life: “All of the self-help books I read say that part of personal evolution is doing something every day that scares you. In ski racing, it’s like, how about every single run?”

The Art of Micro-Adjustment

Street describes ski racing as a constant series of micro-adjustments, akin to walking on a beach where the sand firmness changes with each step. But instead of a leisurely stroll, these adjustments happen at 80 miles per hour, navigating ever-changing snow conditions. Racers rely on an almost intuitive understanding of the snow’s response to their skis, a level of detail that’s often underestimated.

A New Perspective on Skiing

Now, Street prioritizes enjoyment and quality over quantity in her skiing. She focuses on “pleasant and fun and pleasurable” experiences, embracing the joy of the sport without the pressure of competition. She enjoys skiing with her family, acknowledging her youngest child’s growing skills. Her philosophy is to “quit with two good runs still in my legs,” ensuring she always looks forward to the next day on the slopes.

This article is from the Winter 2025 issue of Outside magazine. To receive the print magazine, become an Outside+ member here.