Every era brings its own great challenges. Major climate change, rising mass consumption, overcrowding of natural sites, the pressure on purchasing power. So how, as an outdoor enthusiast or mountain professional, do you find the balance between passion and reason? At Cimalp, the path is clear: "the mountains are changing, and we are evolving with them".
Surrounding ourselves with committed practitioners
Mountain rescue workers and high-altitude guides, climbing champions, extreme adventurers and climbers — these are the profiles that make up the Cimalp mountaineering team's ambassadors. But beyond representing the French outdoor brand in line with their values, they are above all true lovers of the peaks, acutely aware of the economic and ecological challenges facing the mountains. They care deeply, mobilise and look ahead — each in their own way — for the future of their activity, the massifs and the territories.
While some, like Fred SOUCHON — a member of the PGHM in Chamonix for 20 years — watch over the safety of mountain practitioners, others venture into them, climb them and carve their own line. Among them: Pierrick FINE, Piolet d'Or 2021 winner; Kilian MONI, member of the Groupe Excellence Mountaineering National; and Ilona SERRAR, Vice-Champion of France in ice climbing, who puts it plainly:
"Mountaineering and climbing are opportunities to discover different places and share great moments. They are not polluting activities in themselves, as long as we take care to leave no trace of our passage. What is harmful to our climate is travel. We think about how to perform in the mountains without flying around the world, how to use alternative means of transport, how to stay longer in one place and travel less".
Cimalp athletes climb mountains, yes — but they also study and protect them deeply. A new generation of experienced and thoughtful climbers.
Equipping yourself sustainably
Taking a more responsible and committed approach to outdoor pursuits is a starting point. But commitment to the mountains also means making considered choices about your equipment.
Since 1964, Cimalp has been developing durable and accessible protective clothing. "Our working philosophy is first and foremost to respond to the needs and usage of practitioners, not to chase novelty in a highly competitive market, explains Régis Dabo, head of Product Development. Our users are committed and in search of comfort and durability."
With over 60 years of commitment to mountain enthusiasts, this expert in textiles dedicated to mountaineering and hiking — today regarded as one of the flagships of French outdoor* — is a pioneer in responsible outdoor clothing design: PFC-free DWR treatments, selection of recycled or certified materials in compliance with health and ecological textile quality standards (bluesign®, Oeko-tex® certifications).
"This responsible approach is now applied to all new products. We pay close attention to fabric waste rates, traceability, manufacturing conditions and repairability, Régis continues, in line with the brand's core philosophy. Extending the life of products means reducing their environmental impact. In 2025, Cimalp opens its Réparerie — a workshop dedicated to repairing used garments — an ambitious CSR project with a strong social impact. In parallel, its new headquarters, Le Refuge, is designed to be a fully energy-autonomous building.
Choosing the right equipment means respecting nature and your own values and commitments. And it is only together that we can sustainably preserve our summits.
*No. 2 in outdoor e-commerce according to Capital
