Crash
Industry News
Italian ski star Federica Brignone was airlifted off the slope in Val di Fassa on Thursday, April 3, following a crash during the second run of the women’s giant slalom at the Italian National Championships. The incident occurred after Brignone straddled a gate midway through her second run, just hours after clocking the fastest time in her opening run. An initial report confirms that she was transported by helicopter to medical care, though the extent of her injuries remains unknown. According to a message from the Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI), Brignone is undergoing examinations at a hospital in Trento, with ongoing communication between doctors and FISI’s medical team. An official update is expected once her condition is fully assessed.
The crash casts uncertainty over what has been a dominant season for the 34-year-old veteran. Brignone recently returned from the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Finals in Sun Valley, Idaho, where she capped off a career-defining year by winning three Crystal Globes: overall, downhill, and giant slalom. She overcame a late-season points deficit to secure the GS title in the final race, edging out rival Alice Robinson. It was a season filled with both grit and glory—and one that further cemented her legacy in the sport.
Brignone’s status is particularly significant given the countdown to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. With the Games now less than a year away, Brignone had been widely seen as one of Italy’s top medal hopefuls heading into a home Olympics. A three-time Olympic medalist and two-time world champion, she holds 10 national titles across multiple disciplines and remains one of the most decorated Italian skiers of all time.
Thursday’s race was set to be her final competition of the season. Now, instead of celebrating another national title, Brignone and her supporters are left waiting for answers.
More information will be released by FISI as medical assessments continue.
