A story of evolution, mountaineering and self-discovery.
It is spelled NXT but pronounced next, like the next goal, like what comes next and is new by definition. A story that looks both to the past and to the future of the Salewa brand. It is a story about the brand itself the NXT collection dedicated to a multi-disciplinary style of mountaineering that goes from approach to scrambling to real mountaineering: NXT is also the story of a very special meeting between generations that Salewa wanted to portray on video - one between Luca Andreozzi, a young climber, fan of skateboarding and indie rock music, and Hanspeter Eisendle, a historical South Tyrolean mountaineer and mountain guide.
THE NXT STEP is a story of a cultural transition, a bridge between the world of urban climbing and the tradition of mountaineering. Luca, a climber with strong ties to urban culture, decides to take an evolutionary leap and tackle the historic Piaz route at the Torri del Vajolet, one of the most iconic and striking walls in the Alps. To do so, he turns to Hanspeter, a mountain man who represents the wisdom and experience of the generation that wrote the history of mountaineering.
In the encounter between the two worlds, Luca will be guided by Hanspeter’s precious advice, which will teach him to experience the mountain in all its nuances. From the approaching scramble, to the difficulties of the wall, this story showcases the most technical and challenging climbing passages. The idea behind THE NXT STEP is to help lead a climber to discover mountaineering in its purest form with a ‘fast and light’ approach. It is precisely in this meeting of opposites that the essence of the NXT collection for fast mountaineering is revealed, a perfect marriage of heritage and futurism expressed by the lightness and versatility of each garment, precision and comfort, minimalism and versatility.
The route Piaz, a symbol of the Dolomites’ rock, becomes the perfect stage to test both the products and Luca’s growth path. From the preparation to the actual ascent, each step is a step that brings him closer to a deeper understanding of the mountain. Together with Hanspeter, Luca discovers a different way of experiencing climbing - a more intense, more meditated type, but at the same time capable of releasing a vital charge rooted in the heart of nature.
With THE NEXT STEP Salewa addresses young climbers with a collection that meets the needs of the new generation, (which, just like Luca) is constantly evolving and ready to respond to the most modern challenges. A journey that starts in the gym, moves on to the crags and arrives at the mountain routes. In this ‘fast forward story’, the mountain becomes accessible without ever losing its charm and strength.
An invitation to young climbers to make their own NEXT STEP, a step towards a mountain that is not just a place, but a place for self-discovery.
