Dream of Corsica

The hour was early, and the March breeze at 4 am still reminded us that winter was not yet gone. We meet at Bolzano Airport for a flight on a 4 person plane, so small that an extra bag at the back made the thing tip back! The three of us, traveling to check the possible location for Oberalp’s company trip, at first sat silently and just contemplated the Dolomites around us from the unique perspective of a small plane. Myself a foreigner, recently arrived in South Tyrol, could not avoid to be dumbstuck by the austere beauty of the Dolomites. Hardly did I know that in 3 hours we would be landing in a different paradise, Corsica’s north coast.

The chosen place for Oberalp’s company trip was idilic, and ideal. The mix of traditional and French culture can be seen everywhere, from the architecture to the food. The extensive coast is home to some of the island’s most beautiful beaches, which we shared with livestock. Indeed cows and wild pigs living in that paradise might be some of the most lucky animals on the planet! We were set to camp near Sallecia beach, with some planned activities (climbing, hiking, stand-up paddle, beach volley, etc.), local food and drinks, and total liberty for everyone to find his or her perfect relaxation and entertainement.

The beginning of this adventure was peaceful and introspective, silently soaking in the magic peace of that place. While preparing for the arrival of 250 colleagues, spreaded in two groups, each for a length of 5 days, we (the organisation team) knew that the party was about to start. Setting up Salewa’s base camp was no easy task: it turns out three people can assemble more than 60 tents in a day working nonstop. Not to mention sourcing the beer needed for a crew of that size, which put Corsica suppliers in over demand.

The piece quickly switched into party with the arrival of the colleagues, who were brave enough to face busses, ferries, busses and ferries again and yet a significant hike to Sallecia. The long travel was the price to pay for a private paradise. Within a few hours and a few drinks, participants from different offices, origins and functions started to bond more than we could had expected. This summer-camp-flashback concept was really a hit: chill or exercise during the day, party at night, socializing throughout.

For me,  the highlight of these dream-like days was forming totally new connections around some of my favourite activities. It is true that some sports such as climbing, surfing and slackline have their “tribes” and attract specific profiles, which we get used to in time. However, in Corsica many colleagues could discover these activities or practice with people from other backgrounds. The exchanges within these casual groups was absolutely fantastic exactely because of their diversity and open mindness, given that all were there to bond and relax. The smiles of people going up a stand-up paddle or a slackline for the first time made me remember that we all have our kid-selves for life.

In contrast to the various activities and relaxations during the day, the evenings saw the groups gather around good food and wine, and even better laughs. After dinner participants would gradually make their way to the bonfire to listen to some acoutic guitar, dance, tell stories, etc. Those evenings really gave a special final touch to the event: the simplicity of a life of other times, on which very little other than great companionship and pure nature suffice to our happiness.

The Corsica trip had a longlasting mark on me: much more than just a couple of relaxing weeks, it granted me a serenity that I was long looking for. Having lived the last many years wandering left and right, I thought that I was searching for a home at the mountains, which are very important to me. Instead, the Corsica experience made me see that I was actually looking for a family. Thus the serenity: here at Oberalp, I found not only home at the Dolomites but can also truly say I’ve been adopted by an amazing family. A huge thanks at first to Stephanie Völser, who recruited me to this dream job of organizing the trip; to all the Oberalp colleagues who shaped this amazing experience, and to the Corsica friends who worked hard to make this happen (Bruno, Laura, Nico, Ricky, Sarah, etc.).