Italo, Fabio, Nicolò. And if we add the surname Pedroncelli, thoughts immediately turn to winter sports. Three generations of the very same skiing family, with Nicolò, at just 11, the latest family member to take on the mantle of his grandfather. Italo, born in 1935 became the most illustrious and charismatic of winter sports greats from Madesimo and the valley, thanks in no small way as a boy to parish priest Angelo Mazza who pointed local youngsters towards both church and ski slope. Italo’s sporting career, under the guidance of Stefano Sertorelli and local instructors soon took off. A star-studded future beckoned: a classy, speedy slalom performer with great technique, he represented his country for 13 seasons taking in the Olympics at Cortina 1956, mSquaw Valley 1960, Innsbruck 1964 and the World Championships in Chile 1958. His championship exploits are too many to mention and he was runner up no fewer than 9 times in Italian national competitions in a range of disciplines. His racing career finally at an end he adopted the prestigious role of Federal coach. Two years with the women’s national side, then that of Brazil and subsequently technical director for the legendary Spalding company – Chiavenna’s Persenico - responsible for the designing of the very first Italian test track (for skis and boots) at Madesimo. And on retirement from his glittering sporting and technical career, he understandably returned to his beloved Madesimo to turn his attention to the valley’s younger generation. He would galvanize a love for skiing with many of the local youth, highlighting the healthy and enjoyable nature of winter sports activities, leading them towards competition without putting undue emphasis on results. He was President of the Madesimo Ski Association for some years before his untimely death in 1992 at the age of 57. His memory certainly lives on. Clearly a difficult act for son Fabio to follow, who had - in a less “flexible” age - to balance the demands of both education and sport itself, the latter having a decidedly more natural attraction. Somehow Fabio managed both well enough. And now the competitive baton has been passed on to grandson Nicolò, who despite his tender years is demonstrating a potential to re-run the glory days of nonno Italo.