Eugenio Bonicco

Genio Bonicco started skiing at the age of 15 and soon went on to win Italian titles in second and third categories after which he was promoted to the first category of Italian skiing and, in 1943, won nine downhill and slalom events, beating some of the country’s best skiiers, like Zeno Colò.

After World War II, Bonicco continued with success, and in 1947 was Italian giant slalom champion, and was a regular member of the Italian national team. At the 1948 Olympics, he competed in the downhill, but was unlucky when one of his skis broke. After retiring, he became an instructor and coach of young skiers, and for 15 years directed the Ski School of Frabosa Soprana. Also, he played a part in deciding the route of the ski lift on the Monte Moro which, when inaugurated in 1948, was the longest in Europe. In December 2007, when the ski lift was renewed, a monument was erected in Bonicco’s memory and it bore the five Olympic rings and the words Eugenio Bonicco Olimpionico di Sci Alpino.