Michael Schumacher is being brought out of his coma and is “responding to instructions”.
The seven-time Formula One champion has been in a Grenoble hospital with severe injuries since the accident on December 29.
His manager, Sabine Kehm, said in a statement that the 45-year-old was slowly being woken from his induced coma and he has been “responding to simple instructions”.
“Michael’s sedation is being reduced in order to allow the start of the waking-up process, which may take a long time,” Ms Kehm said.
“For the protection of the family, it was originally agreed by the interested parties to communicate this information only once this process was consolidated.”
“The family of Michael Schumacher is again requesting for their privacy, and the medical secret, to be respected, and to not disturb the doctors treating Michael in their work.”
“At the same time, the family wishes to express sincere appreciation for the sympathy they have received from around the world.”
The slope on the Saulire Mountain where Schumacher suffered the accident
Investigators probing the reasons for the accident in which Schumacher smashed his head against a rock have ruled out faulty skis, inadequate signage and excessive speed.
Schumacher appears to have skied on a partially-covered rock, lost his balance and fallen on another rock further down, according to the prosecutor in charge of the investigation.
The impact was so strong it split his helmet in two.
Schumacher dominated Formula One before retiring in 2012, winning more titles than any other driver and enjoying 91 Grand Prix victories between 1994 and 2004.
Updated 5 May 2015
Ski accident on Dec 29 2013 left him in a coma in Grenoble Hospital. His manager confirmed on June 16 2014 that he had left hospital and is no longer in a coma. He went home to a special rehab room in September 2014.
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