In Pictures: Mikaela Shiffrin's finance Aleksander Kilde visits Solden after announcing withdrawal from 2024-25 World Cup season

Mikaela Shiffrin's fiance Aleksander Kilde shared updates from the World Cup season opener, showcasing his experience despite navigating a challenging decision to stay away from competing. Kilde is set to undergo surgery after suffering a devastating crash earlier this year.

On January 13, 2024, Kilde encountered a devastating crash during downhill in Wengen, Switzerland. The Norwegian skier endured intense injuries including severe cut and nerve damage in his right calf, and two torn ligaments in his shoulder.

Kilde had to be airlifted from the place of the event and has since then updated his fans about the recovery process. In recent developments, he took to social media to announce his decision to stay away from the 2024/25 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup season due to an upcoming shoulder surgery.

"There's not gonna be any racing season for me this year," he said. "I will have to do the surgery and do I think three-four months with rehab with shoulder before I could put any load on it. But you will still see me around. I will definitely be at some races so you'll see this sometimes."

As announced, Kilde graced the season-opener of the 2024/25 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup in Sölden, Austria, the glimpses of which he shared on his Instagram stories.

Screenshot of Aleksander Kilde's Instagram story.

The 32-year-old was also seen spending time with Marcel Hirscher, who made a comeback to the slopes, and fellow Norwegian skier Alexander Olsen, who became the top finisher at the race with 2:09.50.

Screenshot of Aleksander Kilde's Instagram story.

Screenshot of Aleksander Kilde's Instagram story.

Mikaela Shiffrin pens touching message for Aleksander Kilde following his withdrawal from 2024-25 season

Aleksander Kilde and Mikaela Shiffrin attend the 2023 ESPY Awards in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Getty Images)

Mikaela Shiffrin made a comeback to the slopes after recovering from the injury she sustained during the downhill race in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy on January 26, 2024.

However, her fiance Aleksander Kilde remained dormant from the season opener. Shiffrin reflected on Kilde's challenging phase and acknowledged his determination and positive attitude.

“As you all know, it’s been a summer of ups and downs," Shiffrin wrote. "Though I’m heartbroken for Aleks as he continues to deal with lingering injuries related to his horrific crash in Wengen, I am SO inspired by his drive, positivity, and overall attitude as he’s dealt with obstacle after obstacle."

"We could all learn some valuable lessons in perseverance and resilience from Aleks…he’s such a wonderful, inspiring human being and I’m just incredibly thankful to have him in my life," she added.

Mikaela Shiffrin finished in fifth place at the 2024-25 season opener race in Solden, Austria.