February 3, 1956 – February 7, 2025

The following elegy is in remembrance of Ewald J Zirbisegger who passed away on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, just 4 days after his 69th birthday Feb. 3, 1956. Ewald was residing in Sunrise Beach, TX at the time of his death from cancer. His boundless love, courage, determination and indomitable spirit have left an everlasting imprint on the hearts of all who had the blessing of knowing him.
Ewald, the first of three sons which included Werner and Dieter, was born in Styria Austria to Johann and Stephanie Zirbisegger. He was a loving son, loyal and supportive brother and uncle, longtime soulmate to Addie, and devoted to his many friends. During his life, Ewald skied 12 yrs on the Austrian Ski Team, 4 years on the Japanese Pro Tour and, in 1981, moved to Winter Park Co, to ski the US Pro Tour for 6 years. Following his competition career, he furthered his contribution to the sport, as National Head Coach for the US Paralympic Ski Team. He was once quoted at Park City Ut, during the 2002 Paralympic Winter games, as saying ” The best of the disabled skiers times are just seconds from those of Olympic athletes . And the US Disabled Ski Team is the best in the world! ” Ewald ran the Olympic torch into Manitou Springs Co in 2002, later saying that he ran to honor those athletes.
Ewald was a very positive person. He started each new day with ” Happy good morning “. He was a true force of inspiration and had the ability to touch the hearts of his family with love, friends with loyalty, and his fans with passion and purpose.
Ewald, now in spirit, has skied beyond the horizon. He is looking back, yelling, ” Alles in ordnung” meaning “everything is alright ” and that a horizon is nothing but the limit of our sight!