Francesca Ponchia

I first put on skis at just two years old, taught by my dad, before joining ski clubs from the age of four and fully committing to the sport. I was born in Turin, but ten years ago I moved to the mountain village of Bardonecchia to dedicate myself to skiing every day. From the age of three and a half, I followed a competitive path, training daily and racing on the FIS circuit in all four disciplines until I was 19.

When I decided to step away from competition, I discovered a new way of living this sport through the journey to become a ski instructor, followed shortly by qualifying as a coach.

In my free time, I love experimenting with all kinds of skiing, always curious to explore every side of the mountain. My happiest memories are almost all linked to skiing, but my favourite moments are those early mornings after heavy overnight snowfall, when everything is white, the snow is soft, and it feels like swimming through nature. I became an instructor above all to share my love, knowledge, and passion for skiing, the mountains, and the natural environment.

What I enjoy most is helping people reach their goals, seeing their confidence grow, and sharing in the satisfaction that comes with their progress. Outside of winter, I spend my summers travelling with my family—a tradition we’ve kept for years—studying, and working with children at summer sports camps. I love all kinds of sport, from tennis and volleyball to swimming and climbing, but my favourite pastime is taking long, peaceful walks in the mountains with my dog, Kim.

Alongside skiing, I hold a bachelor’s degree in interpreting and translation and plan to continue my studies in economics and marketing.