Brothers of the Mountains: Arturo and Oreste Squinobal – From the Alps to the Himalayas
Author(s):
Cometto, Maria Teresa
Copyright: 2020, US
Specifications: 1st Eng trans, 8vo, pp.211, 25 bw photos, wraps
Condition: new
Brothers Arturo and Oreste Squinobal led an exciting life: they were carpenters, alpine guides, mountaineers, and protagonists of exceptional climbing exploits in the Alps and the Himalayas in the ‘70s and ‘80s. In an era when expeditions to the most famous peaks in the world have become a commercial business that often ends in tragedy for the sake of publicity and profits, their experience helps us put things into a new perspective.
The highlight of the book is their ascent of Kangchenjunga, the third highest mountain on Earth, 8586m. Oreste made it to the top in 1982 without supplemental oxygen. While in Nepal the two brothers reassess their roots, the Walser culture of the Gressoney Valley in Italy where they grew up and what they have in common with the Sherpas. When they come back home, they decide not to leverage their fame to become full time professionals in the great circus of sponsorships. They prefer to keep enjoying the mountains together with friends and family. “Climbing the Everest or hiking on an easy path, you have the same opportunity to find that ‘something’ that you are looking for.”