The ski mountaineering athletes and the mountaineers in the High Mountain Military Section of the Italian Army represent the crème de la crème of Italian sport. The ski mountaineers are the strongest in the world, and the High Mountain Military Section lends prestige to Italian and international mountaineering. A group of champions who make the Army star shine.

The relationship between Karpos and the Army has deep roots and arises from shared dreams and ambitions. It embodies the principles that have always been part of our DNA: exploring and overcoming one’s limits, searching for new goals and new horizons. Our close teamwork is based on a rich tradition; we have the manufacturing experience, and they bring a history of successes and sporting achievements.

We believe strongly in teamwork and are proud to support talented young people by offering them the highest-performing products on the market. A foundation on which to build their future.

The High Mountain Military Section (Sezione Militare di Alta Montagna, SMAM) was established with the 2013 renaming of the High Mountain Military Group. It brings together a group of experts and proficient mountaineers tasked with performing notable mountaineering feats, testing and implementing new techniques, and imparting their experience and skills to future instructors and to various Alpini units.

Over the years, SMAM service members have completed expeditions around the world, creating new itineraries or repeating prestigious routes on the vertical faces of the Patagonian mountains, as well as in the Himalayas and Karakoram. Carrying out mountaineering expeditions outside Europe is essential to ensure that the SMAM mountaineers maintain a high level of preparation, to gain training and educational benefits, and to maintain Italy’s leading role among the friendly and allied nations that operate mountain military schools.

The Army’s ski mountaineering group includes some of the best Italian skiers — world-class champions, capable of competing at the highest levels both nationally and internationally. They represent a pool of talented athletes who grew up within the Sports Center, from which members of the Italian national team have often been selected. A group that today, with the recognition of ski mountaineering as an Olympic discipline, is broadening its horizons and looking toward new goals.

The Army ski mountaineering group has had, and still has, a key role in maintaining, promoting, and growing the discipline, ensuring that young people with the ability and inclination have the opportunity to transform their talent into a bright star capable of giving luster to our country.