Progetto Icaro at Santa Caterina, Italy

This teeming bundle of colours, laughter and chatter marked the start to the second year and the second edition in Alta Valtellina of Progetto Icaro. A highly successful second edition, with 120 youngsters ready to experience the mountains aware of what they were getting themselves into.

Those who took part in the vent were not only the young Santa Caterina ski club members, but also ski mountaineering teams and others who didn’t necessarily belong to ski clubs. Simply youngsters who live in the cities and who wanted to find out more about this wonderful world. But let’s hear what some of those who took part have to say.

Simone Porta, Mountain Guide:
"This was my first Progetto Icaro and I’m really happy to be a part of because in addition to the what these youngsters gave me, I noted a real desire to find out more about mountain safety and boundless joy."

Robert Antonioli, Ski Mountaineering World Champion:
"Fun coupled with loads of teaching. It’s an exceptional project that involves mountain pros, the Mountain Guides, donating their time and sharing their knowledge with the new generations. It’s a great way to talk and do something about accident prevention."

Francesca Sambrizzi, Ski Club Alta Valtellina:
"Progetto Icaro is about being with others, learning a lot, fun and adrenaline."

Beatrice Besseghini, Ski Club Sondalo:
"A beautiful experience because it gave me the opportunity to be with others who share the same love and enjoy a great day of learning."

David Calcini "Toio":
"We got involved in Progetto Icaro a bit because we were curious, a bit because of the desire to freeride that’s an integral part of every skialper, and also because one can always learn something new! It was a fun day out but at the same time very interesting indeed! I think everyone, in particular youngsters, appreciated the approach to taking to the mountains, not as bold and reckless skiers, but as connoisseurs and explorers of the snow pack that must always be respected properly… all this thanks to the professionalism of the guides who accompanied and instructed us!”

What can I say? What can I add? All of us, children of Zio Icaro, are extremely proud and happy to see the flowers bloom, to see his dream come true. Because this project, we believe, is the best way not only to remember him, but also to thank him for the great things he did!

Heartfelt thanks to:
The Progetto Icaro mountain guides: Massimo Faletti, Massimo Tamborini, Andrea Rosà, Simone Porta, Luca Martinelli, Raffaele Cargasacchi, Davide Spini, Alberto Marazzi, Giuliano Bordoni. Rosy Compagnoni of barr Caffè la Fiamma for the use of the bar and logistical support, Frame Visual (Andrea Salini and Francesco Andreola) for the video documentary, Andrea Salini and Davide Canclini for the photos and Crazy Idea, Black Diamond and Pieps for providing us with the gear.



PROGETTO ICARO
The initiative, based on an idea by Corrado "Icaro" De Monte, that aims to raise awareness among young freeriders about the importance of mountain safety.