High-Up in the Aosta Valley

Patrick Raspo, an Italian High Alpine Guide, and his girlfriend are very familiar with the Aosta Valley's many climbing spots. In fact between them they've enjoyed many first ascents. Patrick was on "rope duty" when this photo was snapped, close to his home in the small town of Saint-Pierre. He was off to the pub to watch the Italy Vs England World Cup game after the climb so he chose a Pally'Hi longsleeve that wouldn't raise too many eyebrows (or nostrils for that matter) at his local watering hole.

Merino is a great fabric for keeping climbers at the right temperature as the mountain temperatures change and the intensity of the climb varies.