The Austrian made the surprise announcement before the Super-G event at the Alpine Skiing World Cup leg in Bormio.

"Last season was fantastic with the third Olympic gold medal and I have started well in the new season and I'm satisfied," Mayer told Austrian broadcaster ORF.

"But it's enough.

"I've done my last course inspection today and that's it.

"I don't have that fire anymore.

"The sport is very important for the people and it should go on, but for me it's OK."

Mayer won his first Olympic title in the men's downhill contest at Sochi 2014 before winning consecutive Super-G golds at Pyeongchang 2018 and Beijing 2022.

In the Chinese capital, 32-year-old Mayer also picked up a bronze in the downhill which made him Austria's most decorated Olympic male skier.

He overtook Toni Sailer who won three gold medals at Cortina d'Ampezzo 1956 in the men's downhill, giant slalom, and slalom events.

"We didn't shared [sic] that much podiums but you inspire me a lot!" wrote three-time Olympic medallist Alexis Pinturault of France on Twitter.

"All the best for your next chapter @matthiasmayer_ ! 🎩🎩👏 the @head_rebels family [sic] will miss you around ! #legend"

Despite his Olympic success, Mayer was unable to win a single World Championships medal in his career, with a fourth-place Super-G finish at the 2015 edition in Colorado his best result.

Since his debut in 2009, Mayer competed in 219 World Cup races and won 11 times, including classic races in Kitzbühel, Wengen and Bormio.

His best season came in 2021 when he achieved an overall third place in the Super-G division and second in the downhill.