SAMAYA IN COGNE: A LOOK BACK AT THE 2024 ICE OPENING

 

From December 12th to 15th, Samaya participated in the Cogne Ice Opening, the essential annual gathering for ice climbing enthusiasts. For four days, the small town of Lillaz hosted climbers and professionals who came to celebrate the start of the winter season. Ideal weather conditions, with dry cold and well-formed lines for the time of year, provided the perfect setting for exploring icefalls while keeping avalanche risks low due to stabilized snowfall.

 

 

The team set up its base camp in the heart of the valley. The initial icefalls provided the ideal backdrop for showcasing our equipment. The fresh ice, with its crystalline purity, was as beautiful as it was unpredictable, sometimes shattering like glass under crampons.

 

For three days, Samaya ran a dedicated booth, allowing climbers to test backpacks from the ULTRA range:

 

 

These backpacks, which are ultralight, durable, and waterproof, demonstrated their full potential for use on icefalls and gullies, where every gram counts and equipment is subjected to demanding, damp conditions.

 

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

 

 

In parallel, the Samaya team took advantage of the event to test equipment in real-world conditions. New products for the upcoming season were put to the test on iconic lines such as Cold Couloir and the Lillaz Icefall, 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 while he was already familiar with Dyneema® products, he had doubts about their durability and cost. To him, the material sometimes seemed too fragile for intensive mountain use.

 

Between two ice climbing pitches, Tom took the time to share his feedback: "These packs are impressive. They are extremely light and inspire confidence. This bag is minimalist yet versatile; it lacks nothing."

 

For a guide like him, accustomed to extreme conditions and gear that must be reliable in all circumstances, these bags provide a real answer to the demands of the field, combining innovation and functionality.

 

Comfort during approaches, lightness during ascents, and practicality at belays: these are all decisive criteria for designing gear that is perfectly suited to the activity.

 

This feedback allowed us to gather constructive criticism, ideas for improvement, and precise comparisons with existing gear, whether regarding tents or backpacks.

 

 

These few days reinforced the relevance of field testing, thanks to the demanding winter conditions in Valeille. We extend a big thank you to Francesco Ratti, who guided on behalf of Samaya, and to Matthias Scherer for organizing the event.

 

Manu Moreau (Petzl) managed to light up the dance floor at the Cascate, the local bar (literally), where hearts and bodies warmed up. It was a pleasant moment of relaxation after the effort, where all participants could chat and enjoy a moment of conviviality. It was a great way to close out this intensive weekend, mixing work, passion, and the joys of the mountains.

 

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

 

The 2025 edition is already looking promising… and might just have a few surprises in store!