Who is "Egidio"?

Hello, I'm David Egidio Carmazzi and I'm a freelance photojournalist based in Lake Tahoe California. I was born and raised in San Francisco, and at age 17,  moved to the small town atmosphere of Lake Tahoe's north shore. I skied, rode my bikes, and finished high school at North Tahoe High School in Tahoe City. I then went on to earn a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Environmental Science at Sierra Nevada College in Incline Village, a small private four year accredited college on the Nevada side of north Lake Tahoe.

It was at Sierra Nevada College where I first developed my interest in the visual arts and writing. I worked as an editor and photographer of the school's newspaper, was elected Student Activity Director, and took numerous art classes in addition to the Environmental Science courses.

During the mid-eighties I created and organized (d.b.a. Off-Piste Productions) some of the first ever mountain bike races in the Tahoe area including the Tahoe-Roubaix (which averaged over 200 riders every year), and the unique Donner Pass Stage Races which included a cross-country race, hill climb time trial, downhill time trial, and observed trials, all scored together.

I'm here on the world's first-ever production mountain bike - the 1982 Stumpjumper by Specialized. I'm racing in one of the first Flume Races put on by Max Jones. That's my left pedal in my hand, the original TA cranks of the first Stumpjumper were notorious for snapping off at the pedal end, thus I had to abandon the race. (photo: Paul Johnston)		My six seconds of fame: As seen in a 1987 Warren Miller film - this was one of the first mountain bike sequences to ever appear in his films. This shoot took place at Donner Ski Ranch with cameraman Brian Sisselman. (photo: Dan Dominy)

I also traveled on the Professional Speed Skiing Tour for several years. I raced in France, Sweden, and the United States. My highest recorded speed was 108.5 mph (174 kph) in 1982 at Storm Peak, just outside of Silverton Colorado. This was my average speed for 100 meters at an elevation of over 11,000'. Later that day (and from a higher starting point) Franz Weber of Austria set a new world record of over 126 mph! 

This was taken at Arapaho Basin Colorado (1984), the only time we had to race in near whiteout conditions. Photo: Karen Zarate	In 1984 Les Arcs France was one of the first K.L. (kilometer lance) courses to be within a ski area with lift access. 235 to 240 cm. skis, rubberized suit, leg fairings, and a aerodynamic "trout head" helmet are used in this very specialized speed event. (photo: Sal Monforte)	In April 2003, I'm high atop Volcan Misti (19,000') just outside of Arequipa, Peru. Chachani, directly behind me, is over 6000 meters high (20,000'+) Hat is made by Jeff Tesch.

I've also been fortunate to have the freedom to travel and intimately document some amazingly beautiful landscapes and colorful cultures including Costa Rica, Peru, and parts of Europe.

Obviously my name hints at a bit of an Italian heritage for which I must thank my father Rinaldo A. Carmazzi. He is also responsible for inspiring my desire to travel, photograph, and write. It is his father who was the original Egidio Carmazzi, a native of the Tuscany region of Italy. I would also like to thank my mother, Mary Courtney, the rest my very large family, and all of my friends who have supported me in innumerous ways over the years. For without them, these images would never have been possible.

Gian Franco and David Egidio Carmazzi prepare for a ride to Pisa at the family restaurant in Viareggio, Italia. (circa 1983)		Myself, 4 brothers, 3 sisters, and Super Mom.

So, a quick thank you for visiting my website and please enjoy! Keep in mind that this is only a small sample of what’s available, please call or e-mail me for any special requests. I can also quickly post requested images on this site for your review.

Ciao!

David E. Carmazzi

	2006 Olympics -Torino, Italia The Big Hill ski jumping - SEE THE SKIER? He's coming over the roll at top (in red). Then he lands at the lines near the bottom of the hill. At this event I ran into a couple I knew from Truckee and we were approached by a gentleman from who saw our flag and offered us tickets to the next night's USA vs. Russia hockey game - at face value $50 USD. We promptly took him up on his offer. It was a "Miracle".

Made it all the way down here and still need to know more about me? Click here for some more fun photos from my personal collection!

All images within this site are © David E. Carmazzi / Egidio and are fully protected by copyright.