Roger Federer bid an emotional farewell to professional tennis at the Laver Cup in 2022, but retirement has been anything but quiet for the Swiss Maestro. From courtside at Formula 1 races to shooting hoops at the Met Gala and making magical memories at Disneyland, he’s been embracing life beyond the game with full enthusiasm. While his longtime rival Novak Djokovic is battling for the Miami Open title and matching Federer’s record of 20 straight seasons with a tour-level final, Federer is far from the action. Instead, he’s soaking up a different kind of thrill— sleighing (and slaying) through the snow on a breathtaking ski trip.
Skiing has always been a special activity for the 43-year-old. In 2023, he shared a long-awaited moment and revealed, “The last time I was on skis was in 2008. Then the kids appeared on the scene and they’ve never seen me ski. So it was really a dream come true for me to hit the slopes with them.”
And it looks like he’s keeping the tradition alive. Federer recently posted photos from a winter getaway to the Alpine mountains, sharing the experience with his wife, Mirka, and their dog. The Instagram post featured snapshots of him skiing, enjoying a bonfire, and relishing a delicious meal. His caption? “Alpine mode: on ”
Federer’s skiing adventures have led to some unexpected moments. In 2024, the 20-time Grand Slam champion hit the Swiss slopes with alpine skiing legend Lindsey Vonn. This wasn’t just a friendly outing—it was an inspirational one. Vonn, a four-time overall World Cup champion, retired in 2019. But after spending time with Federer on the mountains, she felt a spark reignite. “I pushed myself as hard as I could. But I feel like I have more juice in my lemon now,” Vonn revealed about her decision to return to competitive skiing. She also recalled a conversation with Federer, where he said he had “squeezed every drop out of the lemon.” Unlike the Swiss legend, who was content with his retirement, Vonn felt she had more to give. That moment on the slopes with the Swiss icon gave her the motivation to chase another shot at glory with Team USA in the Audi FIS Ski World Cup.
Federer’s mountain trips don’t stop there. He took a trip from the tennis courts to the summit with none other than his fiercest rival and friend Rafael Nadal.
When Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal reached the summit together
In May 2024, Roger Federer reunited with Rafael Nadal—not on the tennis court, but on the peaks of the Dolomites in Italy. The two legends were part of a luxury campaign for Louis Vuitton, photographed by the renowned Annie Leibovitz.
The breathtaking shoot, set 3,000 meters above sea level, was part of the brand’s “Core Values” series, celebrating resilience and ambition. And who would be better than the two legends?
Federer and Nadal, layered up against the freezing conditions, sat on a Vuitton trunk as they reflected on their careers. “I am not used to the snow like Roger. I don’t feel my ears, but I am enjoying a lot the shooting and I’m having fun,” Nadal joked.
Federer summed up the moment and said, “I think it embodies, here, everything. We’re sitting here on the peak of the mountain. I’m very proud and happy of my career and playing days, but I’m also so happy it’s over.” He also acknowledged Nadal’s greatness, adding, “Obviously also Rafa has reached his peak and tennis immortality with his career.I think being out in the elements in a complicated situation is one we’ve had to endure for over 20 years. Doing the photo shoot together, for us, is definitely very meaningful and special.”
The two champions also took a moment to reminisce about their first match in Miami in 2004 and many more iconic moments!
Roger Federer may be retired, but his adventures are far from over. Whether he’s skiing with his family, inspiring legends to make a comeback, or posing for iconic photoshoots, he continues to make headlines. What’s next for the Swiss Maestro?
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