One of Lombardy's most popular figures of recent years has been the 3 times Olympic Gold skiing champion Deborah Compagnoni.
She was born and raised in Santa Caterina di Valfurva, the self titled 'ultimo paradiso bianco', the last snowy paradise. It's a beautiful Alpine resort about four hours drive from Milan, and very close to the border with Switzerland. Deborah speaks of the mountains with love, recalling happy memories of idyllic summers and exhilarating winters spent building up her world-class skiing skills.
Today she has retired from professional skiing, and is concentrating on starting a family. Her first child, soon to be born into a family of skiing fanatics, will be happy to know that a tiny pair of skis is ready, waxed and waiting!
Deborah says that one of the most important things she has to teach her child is an appreciation and respect for the natural things that surround us. She's particularly concerned about the environment around her, the valley and the mountain she loves so much, and is concerned that the growth of ski tourism doesn't damage it. This isn't just selfishness on the part of the rich and privileged, upset that the tranquillity and beauty that they enjoy might be spoilt by the presence of the masses. Deborah says she's keen to welcome tourism to the area, but wants to make sure it's controlled, and the woods and the meadows she knows so well are not damaged in the rush to meet growing demand!
Links
Deborha Compagnoli fan club
Official website for the Deborah Compagnoli fan club.
Santa Caterina online
The Santa Caterina site, with information on summer and winter activities and photographs of the town.
Go Ski Italy
More information about skiing in Italy, with details on the best resorts, expert advice, and how to get there and away.
These links do not constitute an endorsement by the BBC of the companies, their services or products. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. 
Queen of the Italian slopes