SAMAYA IN COGNE: A LOOK BACK AT ICE OPENING 2024

 

From December 12 to 15, Samaya took part in the Cogne Ice Opening, the unmissable annual event for ice climbing enthusiasts. For four days, the small town of Lillaz welcomed climbers and professionals to celebrate the opening of the winter season. Ideal weather, with dry cold and well-formed lines for the period, provided perfect conditions for exploring icefalls, while minimizing the risk of avalanches thanks to stabilized snowfalls.

 

 

The team set up base camp in the heart of the valley. The first waterfalls were the ideal backdrop for showing off the equipment. The new, crystal-clear ice was as beautiful as it was unpredictable, sometimes breaking like glass under crampons.

 

For three days, Samaya had a dedicated stand where climbers could try out the bags in the ULTRA range:

 

 

These ultralight, tough, waterproof bags have proven their worth for use in waterfalls and ice chutes, where every gram counts and equipment is subjected to demanding, wet conditions.

 

It was also an opportunity to exchange views with other partner brands, such as Scarpa and Petzl, as well as with athletes working with Samaya : Francesco Ratti, François Cazzanelli, Benjamin Ribeyre and of course Matthias Scherer, the event organizer.

 

 

At the same time, the Samaya team took advantage of the event to test equipment in real-life conditions. Next season's new products were put to the test on emblematic lines such as Cold Couloir and Cascade de Lillaz, under the critical eye of professionals, including guides from the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix.

 

One of the guides, Tom, shared his experience, explaining that he was already familiar with Dyneema® products, but had doubts about their durability and cost. For him, the material sometimes seemed too fragile for intensive use in the mountains.

 

Between two lengths on the ice, Tom took the time to describe his feelings: "These bags are impressive. They're extremely light and inspire confidence. This bag is minimalist yet versatile, lacking nothing."

 

For a guide like him, used to extreme conditions and equipment that has to be reliable in all circumstances, these bags are a real response to the needs of the field, combining innovation and functionality.

 

Comfort on the approach, lightness on the ascent and practicality at the belay station are all decisive criteria in designing equipment that is perfectly suited to your needs.

 

This feedback provided us with constructive criticism, suggestions for improvement and precise comparisons with existing products, whether tents or backpacks.

 

 

These few days reinforced the relevance of the field tests, thanks to Valeille's demanding winter conditions. Many thanks to Francesco Ratti, who guided on behalf of Samaya, and to Matthias Scherer for organizing the event.

 

Manu Moreau (Petzl) set the dance floor alight at La Cascate, the local bar (literally) where hearts and bodies warm up. A pleasant moment of relaxation after the effort, where all participants were able to exchange and share a moment of conviviality. It was the perfect way to round off an intensive weekend of work, passion and mountain pleasure.

 

Leaving Cogne with the impressions of the guides and athletes, we were able to see the equipment in a whole new light. These moments of exchange confirm just how much every detail counts, and how a simple, well-thought-out product can really make a difference in the field. Feedback is invaluable, and every experience is an opportunity to continue optimizing our products.

 

The 2025 edition is already looking promising... and could well hold a few surprises!