"The moment has come for me to end my sports career. It's not that I'm fed up with skiing, but the main reason for me saying goodbye are numerous injuries. There is also fear that I might suffer a more serious injury with more serious consequences," Kostelic told a news conference on Mount Sljeme overlooking Zagreb on Thursday.
"But I would also like to say, 'Never say never', because some athletes have returned to their careers after a lengthy pause," she added.
During her career Kostelic won four Olympic gold medals, five world titles and three World Cup titles. She won six Olympic medals - four golds and two silvers - and scored 30 World Cup victories.