Avalanche disaster: Ski world mourns former Azzurra

A former Italian ski racer has died in an avalanche in Valdidentro, Lombardy.

February 26, 2026

From: sn

An avalanche struck Monte Cornaccia on Thursday morning, claiming the lives of two people. The victims were 26-year-old Alberto De Maron and 28-year-old Marika Mascherona. Mascherona was a former Italian ski racer who competed in the European Cup between 2019 and 2022. Four years ago, Mascherona, who specialized in slalom, ended her competitive career and became a ski instructor in her hometown of Bormio. Her sister, Katia, is a member of the Italian ski mountaineering World Cup team.

According to the rescue workers and a report by Corriere della Sera According to reports, Mascherona and her companion were climbing the southwest flank of Monte Cornaccia when a cornice broke off beneath their feet. A third climber witnessed the accident and alerted rescue services. However, it was too late to save Mascherona and De Maron.

Keywords Winter sports Alpine skiing Marika Mascherona Avalanche