New Coaches and Equipment for Ledecká’s Season
Ester Ledecká, the three-time Olympic champion, has announced significant changes to her coaching team and equipment for the upcoming winter season, according to [iROZHLAS]. These updates, reported by multiple Czech outlets, mark a strategic shift as she prepares for the 2026 season.
Ledecká Joins Pichler and Switches to Head Skis
Pichler, who also contributed to the success of Liechtenstein’s Tina Weirather, expressed enthusiasm about working with Ledecká, citing her “positive energy and dedication” during their initial meetings, as reported by [Sport.cz]. The athlete also confirmed her transition to Head skis, replacing her previous brand, Kästle. Ledecká, who had been without a ski contract at the end of the 2025 season, stated that Head’s “huge range of options” and technical support made the partnership appealing. “It’s a huge honor to compete for Head,” she said, according to [Denik]. The switch involves extensive testing of ski models, with Ledecká working closely with Head’s technician, Tobias Geiger, to fine-tune her equipment. At the end of last season I found myself without a ski equipment contract, so I waited to see which team would contact me. As is known, wizards are chosen by their magic wand and skiers are chosen by their skis. Head skis have chosen me for the upcoming season,
she said, highlighting the brand’s prestige.
Training in Chile and Team Dynamics
Ledecká’s preparation for the new season began in Chile, where she and her new coaches undertook an intensive training camp. The team shared an apartment, fostering close collaboration, as described in [ČT sport]. We spent a lot of time together in the southern hemisphere and even shared an apartment,
Ledecká noted, highlighting the importance of teamwork. Grasser praised her “unbelievable determination,” whether on skis or snowboards, while Pichler emphasized her “high-level professionalism.” I knew she was a top athlete I wanted to work with,
Pichler said, referencing his previous work with German skiers and Tina Weirather of Liechtenstein. Grasser, who competed at the European Cup level, first registered Ledecká in 2015 when she became the first snowboarder to win world titles in two disciplines.
The training also involved adjustments to her ski boots, with Ledecká visiting the Head factory to oversee modifications. It’s a long process, but the communication between the team and the factory is great,
she said, per [Denik]. This attention to detail shows her commitment to optimizing performance. Manager Patrick Rimmel from Red Bull called me to say that Ester was looking for a coach and if I was interested,
Pichler recalled, explaining how he joined the team after a phone call in March. The duo, described as a “sehrané duo” (well-matched pair) in [Sport.cz], includes 75-year-old Karlheinz Pichler, who previously coached German skiers like Emma Aicher and Kirra Weidle-Winkelmanová, and 44-year-old Gernot Grasser, who worked with the Austrian women’s team in the World Cup.
Ledecká Balances Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding for 2026
Ledecká’s 2026 season will include both alpine skiing and snowboarding events, with her first major competition scheduled in Beaver Creek, Colorado, in late December. She plans to balance both disciplines, though the overlap with snowboard events in Italy’s Cortina d’Ampezzo poses logistical challenges. It’s about fifty-fifty,
she acknowledged, according to [ČT sport]. The athlete also confirmed the addition of Slovenian technician Tadej Trdina as her ski service manager and Czech physiotherapist Šimon Tomeš, who joined despite recent knee surgery. I got a tip about him and called him to say he could come with me for the season and he told me he was in it for surgery and there was a small catch,
Ledecká said. He received a letter of apology from Professor Beznoska and a brace and was able to leave for us,
she added, describing how Tomeš was approved to join the team.
New Equipment and Coaching Aim to Improve Results
Ledecká’s changes follow a season where she finished 17th in the World Cup overall standings and failed to medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. Her focus on speed disciplines like super-G and slalom remains unchanged, but the new coaching structure and equipment aim to strengthen her competitive edge. Ledecká’s partnership with Head, a brand with a storied history in alpine skiing, highlights her ambition to compete at the highest level. Racing for the Head team is a great honor,
she said, expressing pride in joining a “famous company of world-class skiers.”
What’s Next?
As the 2026 season approaches, Ledecká’s success will depend on how well her new team and equipment perform under pressure. Key questions remain: Will the coaching duo and Head skis translate to podium finishes? How will she manage the demands of competing in two disciplines? For now, Ledecká’s focus is on refining her preparation, with her next major test set for December in Beaver Creek.
The coming months will reveal whether these changes mark a turning point in her career. For fans, the anticipation of seeing her on the slopes—whether on skis or a snowboard—remains high.
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