Federica Brignone (back) and Karoline Pichler enjoy a day at the beach. © Instagram

With South Tyrolean ski colleague: Brignone lets the soul dangle

Federica Brignone is fighting her way back from her serious injury, receiving special support from a South Tyrolean friend.

September 29, 2025

From: sportsnews

Federica Brignone (35) is currently going through the most difficult period of her sporting career. In a horrific crash in April, the reigning overall World Cup champion sustained severe leg and knee injuries, putting her participation in the Olympic Games in Italy in serious jeopardy.

One person who has been particularly supportive of Brignone during these turbulent times is Karoline Pichler (30). The former World Cup competitor is one of the Aostan native's close friends. The two have known each other for years, having been members of Italy's national ski team together, sticking with each other through thick and thin. Even after Pichler's injury-related retirement in April 2024, their friendship continued.

Beach vacation and training

And so the two ski aces are currently spending a few relaxing days away from the mountains. In an Instagram post, Pichler sent holiday greetings from a beach that is clearly in Sardinia. Brignone herself took the opportunity to run a few laps on a nearby soccer field, with Pichler cheering her on.



Brignone and Pichler already enjoyed a break in the South Tyrolean mountains at the beginning of September. Together with former South Tyrolean skier Lisa Agerer and physiotherapist Seraina Pazeller, they relaxed at the Hotel Moseralm on the Karer Pass. Of course, a snapshot against the picturesque backdrop of the Rosengarten was a must.

Lisa Agerer, Seraina Pazeller, Karoline Pichler and Federica Brignone on holiday in South Tyrol.

Friends who stand by you even in difficult times – that's exactly what Brignone needs right now. It's uncertain when the giant slalom world champion will be able to ski again. "It takes some people two years to recover from an injury like that. I don't know when I'll be able to ski again." So it will be a race against time for Brignone, as the Winter Games in Milan and Cortina begin in just over four months.