What is going on with SCARPA® now is a real revolution, triggered by the introduction and combination of materials and high-tech, environmentally friendly, the result of more sophisticated research.

1990

A MARKET-ORIENTED BUSINESS

The consolidation of the business under the new generation carries renewed optimism, innovative ideas and fresh targets to reach.

New markets open in Finland, Greece, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Korea, India and Taiwan. Investments in research and development grow as well as funds injected into design and state-of-the-art production technologies.

The need for a strong market oriented strategy results in remarkable growth of the collection proposal, which tops 100 different models. The Ladakh boot is launched and gains extraordinary market success which it maintains even today. The Zanskar and the Chamalleont models with their removable shoe [replaceable with one made from Gore Tex® one] also join the product line. These are the years which see the revival of ski mountaineering with the Denali and the invention of the Terminator boot, the revolutionary plastic Telemark ski boot which achieves worldwide patent status.

In 1992 the SCARPA® business changes into a joint stock company. Investments in communication grow. The brand is invigorated and its image coordinated through catalogues, packaging, PoP material and a concise communications strategy. The “No Place Too Far” pay-off is created. The SCARPA® advertising campaigns are now mentioned in textbooks and in business communication thesis.

Image: SCARPA® Ladakh (1990)

1992

THE TELEMARK REVOLUTION

Again Luigi has one of his great creative revelations. While observing the rubber covering of the shock absorbers of cross motorbikes, he believes he can create a sort of Telemark bending stress- resistant bellow. The result of the fruitful cooperation between SCARPA®, Paul Parker and the great Pietro Aimonetto results in one of the most revolutionary concepts in the technical ski footwear sector: the first Telemark system plastic hull produced worldwide. This innovation will place SCARPA® at the helm of the Telemark and agonistics skimountaineering sector, where the same manufacturing technology is applied.

When we began implementing our project almost everybody said we were crazy. A Telemark boot in plastic? The concept was unthinkable and without a market. Yet, we went straight ahead and did it. We devoted time, manpower and energy to our 'new idea'. And once again we succeeded.

From the very first prototypes, to the finished products and the current models it's years since the project began with years of experience, quality and perfected skill. The competition can try to follow us: we smile, sure that some of our secrets will never be discovered.

1993

THE REVIVAL OF SKI-MOUNTAINEERING

Ski and ski-mountaineering have roots in the SCARPA® company DNA since the very beginning. At the start of the '40s most of the production consists of skin & leather ski boots, a true work of art, cross-country ski boots and Telemark boots.

In the '70s the ski boot world market becomes increasingly oriented towards plastic fabrics. SCARPA® concentrates its efforts on those sectors of excellence where the company is strongly specialized and the ski line is discontinued, except for the Telemark leather boots. In the '80s, with the discovery of the Pebax fabric and its potential, SCARPA® enters the ski-mountaineering market with its “Rally” model garnering very good feedback for a few seasons.

Then, again a standstill. It's thanks to the cooperation and the positive role played by Romolo Nottaris, a devoted friend, all-round mountaineer and Swiss distributor that SCARPA® re-discovers its true vocation. In 1993 the Denali boot is created: it represents a passion for extreme. It's a striking market success and opens the doors to new investment in research and development. The product evolution and Romolo's excellent support have allowed SCARPA® to emerge as the winner in a market where the game appeared to have already been played.

Today, SCARPA® is constantly growing its market share and counts 18 different models in the Free-Ride and Alpine Touring collections.

A very special thanks to Romolo!

“The first time I crossed the gate of the SCARPA® old headquarters was in 1980 and I was with Renato Casarotto, just before we left for the first winter attempt on Makalu , the 8478 metre-high Himalayan giant. (…) Destiny wanted that in 1986, after six years during which I frequently climbed in many mountain chains all over the world, Francesco opened the doors for me to enter a brand-new world, offering me to manage the sales of his products in the Swiss market; that was the beginning of many adventures in creating new products together…”

Romolo Nottaris, technical consultant, friend and distributor

Image: SCARPA® Denali (1993)

1996

A JUMP TO GAIN ALTITUDE

This is the year when new offices and operative headquarters are opened. The existing area is extended from 2500 sqm to the current 6000 sqm. A historical event, crucial in the growth and development of a new entrepreneurial spirit ready to tackle the challenges of the new millennium challenges.

The year 1997 sees the official opening of the moulding department within the company with a 2500 sqm area. Later on other areas are established: the new Multimedia Meeting Centre and the Warehouse Centre together with the Finished Products Centre account for 3500 sqm.

Image: S.C.A.R.P.A. new offices and operative headquarters.

2000

THE CHALLENGE OF GLOBALIZATION

These are the years of complexity, international competition, continuously changing purchasing behaviours and outdoor industry giant multi-national companies.

SCARPA® faces the challenges of globalization with the firm aim not to surrender to the illusions of an easy business. The consumer's trust in the absolute quality of SCARPA® technical products cannot be betrayed. Therefore, 80% of production comes from Italy since nobody in the world can match SCARPA's® high, exacting standards.

During these years, the Company grows: in terms of people with its 165 employees and its 100 outside co-operators; its the 80% market share in exports; its 145 different models, 32 of which belong to the “snow” Phantaplastic collection with technical boots for High Altitude and Ice, Ski-Mountaineering and Telemark.

A Free-Ride new line also gains immediate market success as does the technical innovation with the New Telemark Norm NTN system which receives many awards.

Also new is the Approach line with its excellent Zen: another innovative range for climbing in association with the mythical Heinz Mariacher.

The umpteenth rivolution by SCARPA® in the mountaineering world belongs to these years: the Phantom family that, with the Lite model, opens a new worldwide market.

2005

IT IS BETTER TO CONQUER INSTEAD OF BEING CONQUERED!

September 2005: SCARPA® North America Inc. is established with head offices in Boulder, Colorado. This is an investment aimed at the direct management of the marketing and sales disciplines with an ambitious strategic plan for the Company positioning and growth under the direction of Andrea as its executive chairman.

Image: SCARPA® North America Inc.

2006

THE TURNING-POINT IN CLIMBING

Friedrichshafen 2006: The New Climbing Line is presented with diversified and technologically advanced solutions. The collection has been developed in cooperation with Heinz Mariacher, an energetic, vital and excellent mountaineer and climber, with 20 years' experience in research & development for climbing footwear. The XTension System™ and the Bridge System are now introduced: two unique systems by SCARPA® which assure high performance, protection, power, precision, tightness and safety with no equal. Eighteen models for each technique, each style, each slope, and each climbing experience.

Thank you Heinz!

“Climbing is soon evolving and becoming more and more athletic and involving sports activity: to overcome these new exciting limits, the shoe is by far the most important tool. Being able to give my contribution in a research & development path which I believe will mark the future in this sports sector is a source of great satisfaction to me.”

Heinz Mariacher, climbing product manager

2008

HERE COMES THE TIME FOR CELEBRATION

Challenges never end and SCARPA® is ready to take them all on. This year marks the 70th anniversary since its foundation and it's time to celebrate with the Company's special friends: its colleagues, partners and distributors, its customers, athletes, employees, its co-operators, friends and those who have helped lead SCARPA® to paths, meadows, deserts, woods, snowy peaks, slopes and white descents all over this wonderful blue planet.

We dedicate to them the international accolades our products have been awarded during these 70 years of company history, the latest of which we would like to mention as follows.

Image: The Parisotto Family.