The three-day 2026 Italian Absolute Championships in Sestriere concluded with a strong display of competition and high technical standards. Following the awarding of the Giant Slalom titles, on Friday 3 April the two Slalom races took place on slopes in optimal condition for this season finale in the Vialattea ski area.
Once again, the Kandahar Giovanni Alberto Agnelli slope—an iconic venue of international skiing and host of major events—provided the ideal stage for top-level racing featuring leading athletes from the Italian national team.
In the men’s event, the winner of this final day was Alex Vinatzer, who claimed the 2026 Italian Slalom title, repeating the achievement he had already secured at the 2022 Championships in Sestriere. The skier from Val Gardena won with a clear margin of 1.20 seconds over Stefano Pizzato (Fiamme Oro), who delivered an impressive comeback, gaining four positions in the second run and finishing ahead of Corrado Barbera (Centro Sportivo Esercito), who was 2.06 seconds behind.
In the women’s field, Anna Trocker was the dominant force, achieving a double victory on the slopes of Sestriere. After her win on the opening day in the Giant Slalom, the very young athlete, born in 2008, repeated her success and also claimed the 2026 Italian Slalom title, showing great skill in both runs. Behind her, 0.46 seconds back, Alice Pazzaglia (Centro Sportivo Esercito) confirmed her first-run result. Third place went to Celina Haller (Fiamme Gialle), 0.75 seconds behind.
“This three days of competition concludes with great satisfaction,” said Gualtiero Brasso, head of the Organising Committee of the Sporting Club Sestrieres. “Sestriere and the Vialattea have once again been key players in Italian alpine skiing, reaffirming the area’s vocation for hosting major sporting events. Competitions such as the Italian Absolute Championships represent not only a sporting moment but also an important promotional opportunity for our mountains, with positive effects for the entire Vialattea area and for Piedmont.”
Skiing on the well-covered slopes of the Vialattea will continue until Sunday 12 April.
Photo Credits: fotograficasestriere.com
