Laura Dahlmeier honored with German ski award and friend’s tribute on death anniversary

The German Ski Association (DSV) marked the first anniversary of Laura Dahlmeier’s death by launching the €5,000 Laura Dahlmeier Prize, to be awarded in October to a young athlete who has overcome significant challenges. Board member Stefan Schwarzbach said, “Laura fehlt uns einfach. Jeden Tag,” emphasizing her humility and lasting influence on the sport.

Dahlmeier, a seven‑time world champion and two‑time Olympic gold‑medalist, died on 28 July 2025 after a falling rock struck her on Laila Peak in Pakistan during a descent from 5,700 m. Her friend and former teammate Maren Hammerschmidt recalled their last conversation about a planned climb of the Zugspitze and described Dahlmeier’s habit of travelling with Palo Santo. Hammerschmidt visited Germany’s highest mountain on the anniversary, saying, “Es wäre richtig schön gewesen, es mit ihr zusammen zu machen.” The tribute and prize aim to keep Dahlmeier’s values alive in the next generation of athletes.