Lou Escapes Style Police in Bozen, Italy
Weather turns against us again so we decide to take a day off from skiing and head south. I am happy to slip on a cute little dress from Krimson Klover and hop in the car. Our destination is Bozen, Italy, where we will visit friends at Salewa’s new corporate headquarters. But first, a walk through the old part of town.
Tourissmo: Mr. and Mrs. WildSnow take off their ski boots. Originally established by Romans in 15 BC, taken over by Bavarians in 700 AD, and annexed by Italy in the 1920s, Bozen (Bolzano if you're Italiano) is an interesting mix of wurst and vino.
Lou looks a bit out of place in his bright red rain shell. I duck in a shop to buy him black casual wear but he swipes my credit card faster than the clerk. Good to have someone around to protect the travel budget.
At one of many sidewalk cafes, we have lunch with fragrant Wisteria drooping lovely over us.
After our leisurely lunch, we walk a few paces before stopping for a caffè. An afternoon serving is a ceremonial formality: the caffè is served with a small silver spoon to the right. I splurge and order something fancy. Squisito!
Bolzano's Piazza dell'Erbe: fresh produce, nuts, meat and cheese: a daily celebration of what's in season.
Gypsy street person or style police? Lou hides safely behind a Fiat. Note the distinct lack of bright red clothing on the locals.
Bozen is a bike town with many nice road tours in the area. Next time we'll bring our wheels along.
This beauty caught my eye. Italy, the land of design and good taste.
Lisa and Lou outside Salewa corporate headquarters. We tried to think of an equivalent to these guys in the U.S. Perhaps you'd combine REI with Black Diamond, or something like that. Quite interesting to see the outdoor gear industry taken to this level. Pluses and minuses of course, but overall Salewa seems to be doing what they do with lots of skill and grace. When the CEO works on the grapes in his own vineyard, how could it be otherwise?
Reflecting the mountains in a silhouette of giant rock crystals: HQ
Sipping our tenth espresso of the day, we 'relax' at the employee coffee shop and watch the wall. This is how they climb the corporate ladder at Salewa. Not unlike some of the other outdoor companies around the world where how you climb is as important as how well you rock a spreadsheet.
Two football fields of rooftop photovoltaic panels generate twice as much power as the buildings need.
A typical cubicle for a Salewa desk jockey. Doesn't look that bad. There's also a fitness center, childcare facility, free-of-charge electric recharging station for hybrid vehicles, park with pond and bistro, cafeteria serving local foods, and espresso machines around every corner.
Outdoor indoor climbing walls are open to the public as well as employees.
Inside HQ. Is Glen Plake everywhere?
If you’re interested in Krimson Klover clothing, click here for their website.
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21 Responses to “Lou Escapes Style Police in Bozen, Italy”
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Yes, Glen Plake is everywhere. I just saw him at Mammoth Mountain in California. He was buying french fries. I said, “Glen Plake eats french fries?” He smirked and said, “all day long”. It’s like seeing Wooly. Everyone smiles and waves.
looking for a job at Salewa Italy right now…
Do Glen Plake sightings outnumber Elvis sightings?
lc: good luck! I thought about applying for a job too.
Elvis is everywhere, Glen Plake is only at every ski resort on the planet.
I have a sweater from Krimson Klover that I wear alot and it still looks new. I love it and I didn’t know they made summer dresses. I’ll have to get one!!. Thanks for the link. I like your style!
Jane
Thanks, Jane. It’s a great travel dress made out of high quality, super comfy material that doesn’t wrinkle. Very nice!
@ Lisa, I wish I spoke excellent Italian, German and had a working knowledge of English. Not to mention Italian labor laws, etc. then I might have something. The office space at Salewa looks unbelievable. How cool would it be to ask your boss for a belay after work?!
lc: Italian labor laws indeed. I believe if you work there for 5 years you have to apply for citizenship. Would be a super place to work though.
I love the pic of the hair-challenged guy with his arm around the great looking gal. Hope springs eternal.
Keep rockin’ the rainshell, Lou. It’s pointless to try and keep up with Italians when it comes to fashion.
Loving these TR’s from Europe. The mix of skiing, culture, style and history makes it so interesting and inspires me to make my own plans to get back there again before I get too old.
Rob, as I think I’ve mentioned before, it is amazing how inexpensive it is to fly over there in comparison to the history of international travel. For example, I read that in the early days of air travel it cost nearly a year’s average wages to fly to Europe! Way different now! The trick is staying on a budget once you’re there. Lots of tricks to that of which I know only a few as I’ve never done the total “vagabond” style of travel in Europe. Many websites with tips. Main one from me is that the best deal for doing ski mountaineering is probably the Alpine Club huts in Austria, stay in the lager and do half board for food. No need for reservations during non-holiday times, and they have to give you a place to sleep no matter what so nothing to worry about if you’re flexible and willing to sleep on a dining room table. Remember to have alpine club membership for discount. Join Austrian club through UK English language site, or join American Club. I’ve done both, actually prefer joining Austrian club as that’s who subsidizes the affordable huts, they are much more ski alpinism oriented, and you get their cool stuff in the mail. Lou
@Lou: “Elvis is everywhere.” Mojo Nixon lyrics perhaps?? That just made my day!
Yeah, I listen to Mojo as little as possible (grin). But that song just sticks in my head, and I even saw Elvis yesterday.
The presence of Yanks in bright colors just reminds folks who’s really running things….
Great to see you are global. Very nice shots.
I have been enlightened by the Europeans, especially when it comes to politics!
Totally phun – you guys rock!
People talk as if Salewa is growing quite quickly as a brand in America. I think they have some great products, so lets keep an eye on where this leads.
Let’s see if Joe will build us some of those bike seat stools! So wonderful to meet you this past weekend.