Sometimes a small detail — like the color of a ski helmet — can change everything. From Albissola to Cervinia.
What started as a simple way to stand out on the slopes has turned into a story that reached the pages of Il Secolo XIX and even the world of professional skiing.
I’m Riky Varaldo — born in Albissola, Italy, and now a full-time ski instructor in Cervinia, where my pink helmet has become a symbol recognized on and off the mountain.
The Beginning: A Pink Helmet and a Lot of Passion
When I first started wearing a pink helmet, I didn’t imagine it would spark so much attention. I was simply looking for something that represented me — colorful, unconventional, and fun.
Then came the videos: short clips filmed during my lessons with international clients in Cervinia. Some people loved them; others didn’t quite get them. But the mix of reactions only made the story grow. What began as a bit of controversy quickly turned into a sign of authenticity and individuality.
Over time, I refined my content — mixing ski lessons, lifestyle, helicopter rides above the Matterhorn, and the unique experiences of skiing with clients from all over the world: American entrepreneurs, film actors, even a few billionaires.
And then, something completely unexpected happened.
A Call from Marco Odermatt’s Team
One day, I received a call that truly left me speechless. It was from the staff of Olympic champion Marco Odermatt — one of the world’s most decorated skiers, with multiple World Cup titles and an Olympic gold medal in giant slalom.
They told me they were working on a commercial for a well-known eyewear brand and wanted me to take part. My role? Playing Odermatt’s ski instructor from his childhood.
At first, I thought it was a joke. But it wasn’t. Soon after, I found myself filming in Zermatt, on the Swiss side of the mountain I know so well.
It was an unforgettable experience — working with one of the greatest athletes in the sport, surrounded by a professional crew, and bringing a bit of my signature energy to the project.
🎥 Watch the video here:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eC0pYa4PNxk
From the Slopes to the Screen
This wasn’t my first experience in front of the camera.
Thanks to my online presence — and my pink helmet, of course — I had already been contacted by Rai Uno for a show called “La Porta Magica”, aired in 2024.
In each episode, the main guest had to confront their biggest fear.
For me, that fear was horses. It took some convincing (and a lot of courage), but in the end, I faced it — and the episode concluded with me riding on horseback. Definitely a very different kind of challenge compared to skiing!
Turning a Passion into a Career
My path started far from television studios and luxury helicopters.
I graduated from Liceo Linguistico Chiabrera Martini in Savona and competed as a skier from a young age. Over time, I realized that my true calling was teaching — sharing my love for skiing with others.
But I also understood that, in today’s world, passion isn’t enough. You need to be an entrepreneur of yourself.
That’s exactly what I did. By blending professionalism with creativity and storytelling, I managed to transform my lessons into unique experiences that resonate with people across the world.
Looking Ahead: Beyond the Slopes
I’m proud of how far this journey has come — from the beaches of Albissola to the glaciers of Cervinia, from teaching beginners to skiing alongside champions.
But I’m not stopping here. My goal is to expand from the world of skiing to that of entertainment and film, continuing to develop this character that people recognize — the ski instructor with the pink helmet.
My audience today is mostly international, and I focus on clients who want something beyond a simple ski lesson:
private heli-ski experiences, fine dining on the slopes, and unforgettable adventures in the mountains.
As I said in the interview, I’ve even skied in the desert with some clients. And who knows — maybe next time, it’ll be on a movie set.
Discover More
📖 Read the full article on Il Secolo XIX:
👉 https://www.ilsecoloxix.it/savona/2025/10/20/news/albissola_riccardo_varaldo_cervinia_odermatt-15359341/
🎥 Watch the official commercial filmed in Zermatt with Marco Odermatt:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eC0pYa4PNxk
If you’d like to experience Cervinia in a unique, unforgettable way — from exclusive ski lessons to helicopter adventures — visit my website www.skiwithriky.com or write to me at info@skiwithriky.com.
See you on the slopes
Riky