INTRODUCTION
The fascinating topic of the
"Mezzalama" has gripped the imagination of many writers.
Over a long period of time they wereon the look-out for every
bit of information on it, so as to distinguish myth from actual
reality.
The Mezzalama sheds light on a small slice of our past which
has involved great commitment from extraordinary human beings,
who dedicating their energy and passion to alpine mountaineering
and approached it in their own way-an approach both novel and
enthralling.
In reality a published literary
work on the subject is sadly lacking, one which sums up all the
events which took place over the course of the years, embracing
both the technical and human aspects, of the most gripping alpine
ski contest of them all.
The idea, approved by members of the Foundation, became one of
the constitutional aims. Authors received especially favourably
the suggestion of contributing their energies towards a publication
which would preface an introduction to the 11th edition of the
Mezzalama Trophy, planned for spring 1995.
This portfolio was to show the principal motives which animate
the entire project, to be presented to public administrative
bodies, sponsors and all concerned in the area, as a timely reflection
on a moment of our sporting history which otherwise would be
most unjustly abandoned to oblivion.
The planned volume won't be strictly monographic in character
but expansive, and perhaps with presumption on the part of its
authors, will pursue its aim of introducing the reader into the
world of skiing, from its very early beginnings up to the present
day, as well as drawing attention to aspects of it which fall
under the categories of tourism, sport, and endurance. It will
outline the evolutionary stages which have paved the way to today's
mass audience sport and finally introduce the figure of a personality
both unique and symbolic, Ottorino Mezzalama, who in the decade
from 1920 to 1930, before falling victim to an avalanche, invented
a new style of getting about in the mountains: alpine ski-mountaineering.
A detailed history of the previously mentioned ten games will
also be included in the publication: the first six, which took
place between 1933 and 1938 respectively, are separated from
the later series of four games, in 1971, '73, '75, and '78, distanced
from one another by thirty two long years of silence.
The book will contain previously
unedited photographic documentation, together with the stunning
imaginary of the alpine photographer David Camisasca, with his
astounding talent for presenting new and arresting aspects of
the mountain.
So, it will be an evocative, historical piece of work, which
manifests through words and images, the succession of events
and the people , as well as facts about the mountain itself.
It also aims to motivate everybody possible, to join forces and
give a boost to the Mezzalama Trophy, which has now been neglected
for sixteen years.
PATRIZIA GUICHARDAZ
UMBERTO PELAZZA
ANTONIO VIZZI
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