RELY ON YOUR BEST FRIENDS

THE ORTLES FAMILY


Salewa shares the story of climber Gabriel Tschurtschenthaler, a tale of a climbing and mountain enthusiast who states the philosophy where the mountain is not just something to look at but rather something to experience. "Feeling the mountain", Gabriel Tschurtschenthaler climbs the Hintergrat on the Ortles and gives us his feelings about this outdoor experience. For anyone inspired by such stories, it is crucial to have quality climbing gear that is truly adapted to the practice. This testimony makes us want to feel the mountain differently than through our eyes.


SALEWA ALPINISM


► Breathtaking landscapes?

"Breathtaking landscapes" is certainly the saddest and most mundane way to describe the mountain. If you couldn't see the mountain, would you still go there? Beyond the "breathtaking landscapes", is there anything else for those who go to the mountain?
Gabriel moves forward with small, steady steps. The path climbs over a scree; finding stability underfoot is not always possible. Vittorio precedes him by two steps while Matthias follows closely. "Root to the left", murmurs Vittorio. Gabriel immediately understands and slightly changes his trajectory to avoid the obstacle. Behind, Matthias ensures that the change in trajectory is sufficient to bypass the obstacle.


► Shadows and lights

Have you ever tried to feel the mountain, to perceive how it really is beyond the "breathtaking landscapes"? Such is Gabriel's universe, his perception of the mountain. For Gabriel Tschurtschenthaler, the "breathtaking landscapes" simply do not exist. Since childhood, he understood that his eyes were different from others. In adolescence, things did not improve, quite the opposite: his world became increasingly opaque, blurry, and reduced to a jumble of shadows and lights. That is why Gabriel loves dawn and dusk, not for the hues that the sky takes on, not for the unreal shades of the rock, but because it is at that precise moment when there is less light that he can distinguish shapes.



► A proven protocol

The protocol of the three companions repeats, step by step, stone by stone, to avoid stumbling. Their destination is clear. Imminent and obvious, it is in front of them: a steep and sharp ridge that splits the sky. But for Gabriel, it is above all a feeling, an anticipation. The Hintergrat, one of the most beautiful ridges of the Ortles. A long sequence of channels and rocky paths. Some sections are vertical, others frozen, but it is far from being a problem for the three friends. Gabriel loves vertical ice, and it is precisely while climbing on ice that he met Vittorio and Matthias. On the rock, you have to find the holds and uncover the supports, interpreting them in a logical sequence to cross in balance with your body. On the ice, when you are strong, you have to strike both the ice axes and the crampons well, relying on those few centimeters of steel planted in the water. For those who wish to progress, do not hesitate to buy climbing crampons to ensure your safety and performance. Everything is a matter of trust.

► An exceptional rope team

Have you ever focused on the wind blowing in the mountains? It is different from the one that blows freely in the plains. And on the sensations of your feet on the ground? On the balance of your body?
If this seems trivial to you, you should know that these sensations are everything, and you must learn to trust them. Learn to listen to them, to read them clearly and quickly. Trust what your feet, your skin, your inner ear tell you. Also trust your companions, a total trust that goes beyond, if possible, a classic rope team. In fact, we are talking here about an exceptional rope team. When Vittorio leads, Gabriel and Matthias climb closely, especially on the rocky passages. When Matthias leads, it is Vittorio who climbs alongside Gabriel, providing him with the cues that his feet, his skin, and his inner ear cannot grasp. Do not forget that to equip yourself, quality climbing harnesses remain essential, just like a reliable selection of climbing ropes to ensure the safety of the rope team.


► Feel, do not contemplate

Next time, do not forget to close your eyes. Have you ever tried to feel the vastness of the earth? To feel the rock, the walls, the ice, to feel and not to contemplate? No matter the time spent in the mountains. No matter if it is a recent discovery or an old love. No matter: try to fully feel the moment, to feel beyond your eyes. It will be as different as it is surprising. Something that will make you feel alive.
That is why Gabriel, Matthias, and Vittorio form an exceptional rope team, because their bond is not just a simple rope. There is this total and necessary trust when it is impossible to see, and there is the possibility of learning to see, but not with the eyes. And that’s not all: from the streets of cities to the summit of the Ortles, passing through the wild peaks of Patagonia, where the three companions recently made a series of remarkable ascents (including Cerro Torre), there is the conviction that tenacity, determination, and motivation can overcome any obstacle.
Our limits? Only those we impose on ourselves. That is what you learn once you have learned to feel the mountain. Before any significant ascent, it is advisable to opt for affordable but reliable climbing gear, and why not complement your equipment with affordable climbing equipment, so you never feel limited by the gear.




SALEWA




THE NEW EDITION OF THE FALL WINTER 2022/2023 COLLECTION
« ORTLES » BY SALEWA



In close consultation with athletes, Salewa has completely redesigned its functional "Ortles" collection for the fall/winter 2022/2023 season and has elevated it to a new level of performance.
This collection also corresponds to the brand's desire to evolve with mountain sports. Salewa's textile creators combine their technical know-how with the experience of their partners, alpine institutions such as Aiut Alpin Dolomites rescue helicopters.

Behind Salewa's "Alpine Mountaineering" collection lies a concept of ingenious clothing offered to both men and women, developed for high-level mountaineering and usable all year round. It is worth noting that it is possible to get technical mountaineering clothing to equip yourself according to the most extreme conditions.

The products from the Ortles line are the highest representatives of the brand's technical expertise, which uses premium quality materials from manufacturers such as Gore-Tex, Schoeller, and YKK Zips for this collection. To complete your experience, do not hesitate to buy climbing shoes suited to your practice.

In addition to the Ortles 3L GTX Pro Stretch jacket and pants, the collection also includes fleece and down products. The Ortles Ascent Mid GTX shoes complete the outfit.


SALEWA


contact us alpinstore