The 2025 edition of Apreski – Milano Mountain Show has turned the spotlight on a central theme for the future of the Highlands: the dialogue between art and mountains as a tool for enhancement, identity and sustainability. At the center of the scene, during the panel dedicated to Oasi Zegna, the works and vision of the artist Daniele Basso, called to tell how creativity can become a bridge between man, nature and alpine culture.
Basso described his participation as “an honor, a pleasure, but also a responsibility”. It was a symbolic and real crossing of the Alps — from the Dolomites to Oasi Zegna — to demonstrate how art can raise awareness about protecting the territory, highlighting the natural and social heritage of the mountains. In his speech, he addressed key themes such as sport, beauty, tourism, contemporary landmarks, the identity of mountain communities, and the alpine lifestyle — elements that interweave like the pieces of a complex and vital system. A system that, as in the forward-thinking projects of Ermenegildo Zegna, looks to the future with a vision of balance between humans and nature.
On stage, moderated by Andrea Ronchi, deputy director of Sciare Magazine, exceptional protagonists from the world of skiing and alpine culture took turns: the champions Max Blardone and Giuliano Razzoli, the former coach of the Italian national team Claudio Ravetto – now head of the Oasi Zegna Ski Racing Center –, the professor and researcher Chiara Andra and the CEO of Oasi Zegna Riccardo Capo. A round table full of visions, experiences and mountain stories that made the discussion even deeper.
Among the audience, a prestigious parterre: athletes from the Italian national alpine ski team and some of the biggest names in mountain sports such as Stefania Belmondo, Federica Brignone and Sofia Goggia, personally met by Basso himself. An atmosphere that transformed the meeting into a moment of not only artistic but also human sharing.
During the panel, some of the artist’s most significant works were presented, true symbols of contemporary Alpine culture:
– Gigant, created for the 30th anniversary of the FIS Ski World Cup Alta Badia Dolomites;
– Enrosadira, dedicated to the 50th anniversary of Dolomiti Superski;
– Quintino, for the 150th anniversary of CAI Biella;
– Tucc Blue, symbolic work of the 96th National Gathering of the Alpini in Biella;
– Monkey Business, created for SA Servizi Associati SpA and photographed by Stefano Ceretti at Oasi Zegna.
An artistic journey that tells the story of the mountain not only as a physical place, but as an identity, community and lifestyle. A living heritage, made up of stories and visions, which is preparing to be the protagonist in 2026 with the Milan-Cortina Olympics.
INFO/PHOTO CORTESY: Daniele Basso; www.skiworldcup.it; www.dolomitisuperski.com; www.caibiella.it; www.bps.it; www.anabiella.it; www.saserviziassociati.it; www.oasizegna.it
