Federico Giacomel

Growing up in a small town near Belluno, right in the shadow of the Dolomites, skiing was never really a choice for Ico – it was just part of life. He clipped into skis for the first time at age 4, taught by his dad, before joining a local ski club and moving onto the race circuit at 8. For the next ten years he trained two or three times a week and raced most Sundays, competing until he was 18. He’ll admit racing was never quite his passion (at 15 he even thought about quitting, when the pressure got to him) but he stuck with it, and that stubborn streak is part of what shaped him. With two older brothers who are also ski instructors, it’s safe to say skiing runs in the family.

After 14 years on snow and the technique to match, Ico decided it was time to pass on what he’d learned rather than chase race results. Easygoing and outgoing by nature, he loves putting people at ease – especially those who come to lessons feeling a bit nervous – and there’s nothing he enjoys more than watching a client have fun while visibly improving, all while working outdoors in the mountains he grew up in. He’s now been instructing for 11 years, holds the Italian ski instructor qualification, and also has a degree in environmental engineering.

Off the clock, Ico is just as happy carving with friends on the slopes or skiing with family back home at the end of the season. Ask him for his best memory and he’ll struggle to pick just one – though the day he passed his ski instructor exams is right up there with the family and friend ski days he treasures most. Summers take him hiking in the mountains, relaxing by the sea, or occasionally helping out at his dad’s office. He’s a big volleyball fan (watching and playing), loves a good city break, and never misses a ski race on TV.