Ski embrace in memory of Elena Fanchini: Brignone, Goggia and Pirovano also expected

The third edition of Elly Fanchini Day, the day dedicated to the memory of Elena Fanchini, the alpine skiing champion who died prematurely in 2023, a few weeks before her 38th birthday, is now only a few days away. The Pontedilegno‑Tonale ski area is preparing to welcome more than a thousand people to the Tonale Pass slopes on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in an event that over the years has become a symbol of affection, remembrance and solidarity.

Many fans will be present, but also prestigious names in alpine skiing: in fact, Olympic champion Federica Brignone, specialty World Cup winners Sofia Goggia (Super-G) and Laura Pirovano (downhill), Italian legend Deborah Compagnoni, but also Ilaria Ghisalberti, Nicol and Nadia Delago, Roberta Melesi, and Elena Curtoni are expected to attend. The event is organized by the Elly Fanchini ODV Association, born out of the commitment of former teammates reunited in the DH Lions, who continue to carry on Elena’s spirit and values.

“For the Pontedilegno‑Tonale area it is an honor to host Elly Fanchini Day,” said Michele Bertolini, director of the Consortium, when presenting the event. “From a tragedy a moment of celebration and solidarity was born, with the goal of supporting research. In these three years we have seen extraordinary participation from young people and ski clubs.” Bertolini also emphasized how valuable the presence of the World Cup athletes is: “The fact that those who competed with Elena want to be here every year makes this day one of the most important events of our winter season.”

Nadia and Sabrina Fanchini, Elena’s sisters, also skiing Azzurre and, respectively, vice-president and president of the Association, instead told about the feelings that accompany each edition: “Elly Fanchini Day gives us more and more intense sensations. This year we were moved even before we put the skis on our feet. For us it is not just a sporting event: it is a way to feel Elena still on the slope with us. Seeing so many people choose to be there means that her spirit, energy and smile continue to unite and generate something concrete.”