“Limits exist only in the souls of those who are short on dreams.” – R. Baldini
BIOGRAPHY
He has a smile on his face and the upward gaze of someone who has big projects in mind. Rocco Baldini represents the new generation of Italian ski mountaineers. A clear talent, the boy born in Sondrio on January 12, 2002, initially divided his time between parish soccer pitches and ski mountaineering outings with his teammates from Polisportiva Albosaggia. The confidence of his coach, the legendary Ivan Murada, and the achievements of his hero Robert Antonioli soon tipped the scales in favor of the sport that had recently become an Olympic discipline.
Just like the four-time World Cup winner, Rocco demonstrated from a very young age that he was destined for greatness, finding in the sprint the race that best highlights the power of his engine uphill, his precision in the transitions, and his speed downhill. In this specialty, he won the Italian championships in the cadet category in 2019 and, notably, the first-ever gold for Italy in ski mountaineering at the Winter Youth Olympics (Lausanne 2020). Despite his young age, the experience he gained in the youth category has allowed him to compete with the greats of the ISMF Skimo World Cup in the 2022/2023 season.
Beyond skis and boots, Rocco loves all activities that allow him to experience rock and ridges. In the summer, when he isn’t tending the vineyards and fields cultivated by his family, he sets aside his skis to devote himself to mountain running, mountaineering, and climbing. He’s an all-round athlete whose eyes reflect the joy of physical effort and the happiness of those who experience the freedom of life at high elevations.
A BRIEF CHAT WITH ROCCO BALDINI
Rocco, how did you fall in love with ski mountaineering?
During my adolescence, listening to the stories of my grandfather, who, as an Alpine Rescue volunteer, often found himself doing back-country operations using skins. So one day I decided to try climbing up the meadows just above our house, and I fell in love.
What are your goals for the future?
Participating in the Olympics is definitely my lifelong dream. It won’t be easy because my teammates are performing at a really high level, and entry into the senior category was a big step up for me. I’m also thinking of the specialty World Cup and victory in some of the classics, like the Trofeo Mezzalama.
When you’re not skiing, how do you spend your free time?
I’m a motor enthusiast, and I like taking care of the Vespa that I rode throughout my adolescence.
What’s your favorite Karpos product?
It’s hard to choose just one. Definitely all the products in the Alagna line. I wear them whenever I train because they always help me stay cool or warm, depending on the conditions.
HIGHLIGHTS
2019 First, sprint race, Italian Championships, cadet category
2019 Bronze, individual race, Ski Mountaineering World Championships, Villars-sur-Ollon
2020 Gold, sprint race, Winter Youth Olympics, Lausanne