Karpos Renews as Main Sponsor of Pierra Menta, the iconic ski mountaineering race

Rewarding results have led Karpos to renew its partnership with the Pierra Menta, the iconic ski mountaineering race that takes place every year in the mountains of Arêches-Beaufort in Savoie, France. Sometimes referred to as the "Tour de France of ski mountaineering," the race has enabled Karpos to strengthen its value proposition and positioning within the racing world, the culmination of significant work that began with the ongoing partnerships with the Italian national team and the sports section of the Italian army.

"The renewal of our partnership with the Pierra Menta is the natural continuation of a journey that is giving us great satisfaction," said Giuseppe Lira, Karpos brand manager, "both because the environment and spirit of the Pierra Menta align with the principles that have always guided Karpos and because the event is a sporting monument where the champions of ski mountaineering compete. With the Pierra Menta, we have the opportunity to preview the future, to experiment and envision the highest-performance ski mountaineering garments, positioning ourselves as industry leaders. This is also, and above all, thanks to our research and development department, which works with athletes of all levels to continuously improve the garments in the pursuit of lightness, breathability, and protection."

So the Pierra Menta will sport Karpos green for another 3 years. As main sponsor of the event, Karpos will supply the technical clothing for the organization’s staff, which is critical to the ability to work on-site even in adverse conditions, and the race packet for both the main and youth events.

The extension of the partnership represents the continuation of a synergy that has been strengthened and enhanced over the past few years, allowing Karpos to raise its profile in the French market, both among those who love competition and among those who prefer a more exploratory approach to ski mountaineering.

This is the spirit that ensured immediate synergy between the Pierra Menta and Karpos: an international approach that looks to a wider audience — as demonstrated by the "Étape de la Pierre," where amateurs and enthusiasts have the opportunity to test themselves and have fun on the same route, on the same lines, as the great champions. The same spirit of passion and fun that our brand has embraced from the very beginning.

The Pierra Menta
More than 600 participants, 4 days, 10,000 meters of elevation gain. They say the Pierra Menta is the "Tour de France of ski mountaineering." On the mountains of Arêches-Beaufort (Savoie, France), where the race is held every year, sweat and effort mix with the joy and pleasure of the ski mountaineers. At first it was a bet among a group of friends. This was how the Pierra Menta started in 1985, described by the creators as "Dakar on the snow." A slightly crazy idea that, over the course of several months, became the route that is now iconic, touching 15 peaks between 2,000 and 2,687 meters of elevation, with exhausting climbs and dizzying descents. In March 1986, everything was ready for the first edition, in which 15 teams, all French, participated. From that moment on, the history of the Pierra Menta was enriched with stories, challenges, and anecdotes that quickly transformed it into a legend. The numbers grew rapidly, to the point that in 2006, 20 years after the launch, there were 175 registered teams and more than 4,000 spectators climbing up to enjoy the show. Meanwhile, many things happened, ski mountaineering stars were born, and the heroes of the Pierra were celebrated, including Fabio Meraldi, who would win the race 12 times. But also Kilian Jornet and the athletes from the sports section of the Italian army, like Matteo Eydallin and Damiano Lenzi.

Info: www.karpos-outdoor.com