With great sadness, the CERN Ski club bids farewell to Renzo Riva, an extraordinary person who passed away on 24 March2025 at the age of 82. He was not only a key figure in the club for over four decades but also a dear friend, mentor, and leader whose contributions continue to shape the club’s spirit and activities.
Renzo was born on July 26, 1942, in Cavaglià, a town in the Italian province of Biella. In the early 1970s, he began working at CERN and became a ski instructor in 1979. It was in this role that he first gained recognition within the club, where his natural patience and warmth made learning an enjoyable and rewarding experience. His former students—many of whom later became instructors and Ski club Committee members—fondly remember his teaching methods as sometimes unconventional but always fun and effective. They improved without even realising it and always laughed a lot.
Beyond the slopes, Renzo took on leadership roles, serving as the Head of the Alpine Skiing Section and later as President of the club. He was always fully committed and never did things halfway. His keen analytical mind and pragmatic approach helped to optimise resources, improve student participation, and launch new initiatives. It’s now hard to imagine the club without post-course outings guided by instructors or the most popular weekend trips to Italian resorts such as Courmayeur, Pila, and Sestrière—none of which would have happened without Renzo, his passion, his extensive network, and his ability to secure the best deals.
For Renzo, skiing was never just about the sport; it was also about the shared experiences off the slopes. He welcomed every member with open arms, regardless of skill level, making them feel at home and part of the club. He only considered a shared pleasure as a true pleasure. The meals he organized for the club were legendary, including the unforgettable feast at “Chez Filippo,” which he arranged at the last minute for 50 skiers when the Courmayeur resort was closed due to excessive snowfall.
Even though Renzo retired from the Ski club several years ago due to declining health, he stayed in touch with the Committee and the instructors, and his impact remained.
On behalf of the CERN Ski club, we extend our deepest gratitude to Renzo for his dedication, generosity, and the countless memories he gifted us over the years. He may no longer be with us on the slopes, but he will always remain in our hearts.
Messages in support for the family can be left here.
CERN Ski club