Olympic slalom champion Giuliano Razzoli will go the whole year without a holiday after already knuckling down to pre-season training despite Italy's blistering summer heat.

Instead of treating himself to a well-earned break after his surprise gold in Vancouver in February, the 25-year-old has shunned the glitz and glamour to fulfil media commitments and keep himself in shape.

"I won't get a holiday this year," Razzoli told Reuters looking slightly bemused at the prospect.

"As a skier, you only really get April off."

Razzoli has become a big personality in Italy after taking the nation's only gold in an disappointing Games for a traditional winter sports powerhouse.

His victory made him the first Italian man to win the slalom title since ski great Alberto Tomba 22 years ago to the day.

The idea of a skiier training in 30 degree heat may sound strange to some but the onset of artificial pistes both inside and out mean Razzoli never goes far without his ski boots on.

"Training is a mix between skiing and work in the gym," he added. "Then we will go to Chile for some Southern Hemisphere snow."

The World Cup season begins again in October.

"Hopefully I can have a holiday next year," Razzoli beamed, his prodigious muscles twitching at the thought. (Reporting by Mark Meadows; Editing by Pritha Sarkar; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)