Gardino Roberto

A former physical education teacher, Gardino has combined his pedagogical vocation with a deep passion for the mountains.

The focus of his recent activity is the foundation of the ‘Compagnia della Cima’ (Mountain Company), which was informally established on 6 June 2005 following a group ascent of Rocciamelone. This organisation, which has no bureaucratic structures and is based on friendship, pursues two main objectives: to experience the mountains in company and to accompany young people (often large groups) to high altitudes, educating them through shared effort and the beauty of creation.

Author and editor, Gardino recounted twenty years of these experiences in the book and exhibition “La Compagnia della Cima – Storie di amicizia in montagna” (The Compagnia della Cima – Stories of friendship in the mountains), presented at the Rimini Meeting in 2023. His editorial output also includes school textbooks: he is co-author of the text “A tutto campo: sport, espressione, salute” (2002) and of volumes on physical education and the state exam.

An active mountaineer and hiker, Gardino continues to explore the Western Alps; among his achievements is the first complete traverse of the south-east ridge of Punta Girard, accomplished in July 2018 with Marco Blatto. He has ties with big names in mountaineering, such as Patrick Gabarrou, who wrote the preface to his book and with whom he shares a vision of the mountains characterised by wonder and authentic religiosity. Through his association’s website, he documents itineraries and promotes safety in the mountains.