FROSTBITES & SUMMIT HEIGHTS

Was this your first climb?

Riccardo: No, this wasn’t my first climb. My journey into climbing began back in Italy, where I was introduced to trekking early in my life. It really took off during my time at the Germany-HQ, where my boss connected me to a group of climbers, and we were tackling the Frankenjura trail together. The experience fueled my interest, leading to numerous mountain trips in the Alps. Before Covid, I went to Nepal, conquering the Three Passes Trek and I fell in love with the region. My highest climb was the summit of Island Peak. It was during this ascent that Mount Amadablam caught my eye, and I was totally captivated by it. So, I set it as a personal goal for the future to climb that mountain.

Was this the hardest journey you ever took?

Riccardo: Yes, without a doubt, this was the hardest trek I’ve ever done. The physical and mental demands were unbelievable, making it the most challenging thing I’ve ever done in my whole life. Months of rigorous training prepared me, but the climb itself, with its intensely technical mix of rocky and icy terrains, pushed me to my limits. When crossing the 6000-meter mark, my body began to protest, and the struggle to resist the urge to give up became overwhelming. It turned into more of a mental battle than a physical one, and meditation became my anchor through the journey. With only 40% of the oxygen available, the climb became exponentially more difficult, adding another layer of complexity to an already exhausting journey.

Can you tell us more about the mental battle? What were your emotions at that time?

Riccardo: The mental aspect during the climb was an emotional rollercoaster. On one hand, there was the excitement of living the dream and experiencing profound sense of freedom that comes with accomplishing something of this magnitude. It felt remarkable to be on such an extraordinary journey; a dream-come-true. However, alongside these positive emotions, there were moments of uncertainty and negative feelings, as I recognized the significant risk involved in such an expedition. The constant struggle between my body and brain played out in the harsh conditions such as sleeping in tents and freezing temperature – pushing and pulling both my physical and mental limits. There were times when thoughts echoed in my mind – “I hate this, it sucks, this is extremely hard, I haven’t showered in 18 days, I want to go back home.” These were the internal battles I faced, grappling with discomfort and fatigue while also navigating the immense satisfaction of pursuing a dream against all odds.

What are your greatest learnings and takeaways from this incredible trip?

Riccardo: It made me realize my gratitude for the relationships in my life, both personal and professional. The support I received from loved ones and colleagues made this ambitious climb not just a personal endeavor but a collective achievement. I’ve also come to appreciate the routine I have in my everyday life—the ability to cook my own meals and live life on my terms. Simple pleasures gained new significance against the backdrop of such a challenging expedition.

But most importantly, I am extremely thankful to be a part of an organization like PUMA. The unwavering support that allows me to pursue my dreams and goals, it just aligns so well with the company values – to be brave, determined, joyful, and confident. This experience reinforced the importance of working in an environment that fosters personal growth and encourages employees to reach the summit, both in their careers and personal pursuits.