The North Face Offtrail Expedition
WORDS → Simone Bertelli
DATE → 2026-09-21
Two days immersed in nature, Base Camp life, and Trail Running.
The premise was clear: two days backpacking at the foot of the Fellaria glacier in Valmalenco, ensuring the necessary comfort in the field. Nothing more, nothing less. It is in this spirit that The North Face chose to present the new collection inspired by the historic 1989-1990 Trans-Antarctica Expedition: a journey of over 6,000 kilometers designed to document climate change and the state of polar ice. The flagship of the line is the new Offtrail Ultra, a shoe developed for the most technical terrain thanks to an aggressive sole with 5 mm lugs, a breathable mesh upper, and an integrated gaiter designed for non-stop movement.
The journey kicks off on Saturday from Milan, with equipment handed out by Crusher Running: technical kits, footwear, and a bag containing everything needed for meal management. After reaching Lanzada following a three-hour bus ride, the route undergoes its first change due to a landslide along the road. The group continues on foot along a steep path to bypass the blockage, before boarding a shuttle toward Campo Moro. From here, the ascent resumes toward Base Camp 1, located near the Bignami Refuge at an altitude of 2,400 meters. Despite the weight of the packs filled with overnight gear, the first camp is reached in just over an hour. During a brief stop, Davide Barone, Product Expert at The North Face, explains the technical specs of the Offtrail Ultra and other models in the collection.
As the light begins to fade, the expedition moves toward the site of Base Camp 2, situated on a small plateau next to a stream. The visual impact of the Fellaria glacier is immediate, accompanied by the roar of an ice block breaking off and crashing into the lake below: an event that instantly brings attention back to the fragility of high-altitude ecosystems and the consequences of global warming. Once the tents are pitched, the group takes advantage of the last glimpses of light for a short sunset run on rocky terrain using headlamps. The evening continues with dinner preparation using camp stoves and freeze-dried meals provided by AKTA, braving the rapid drop in temperature within the base camp before the night’s rest.
The next morning, the wake-up call comes at dawn. After breaking camp, the day begins with a team race aimed at reaching four checkpoints located within the glacier’s moraine. Equipped with maps and compasses, the teams tackle a technical and steep course on terrain once covered by ice. At each checkpoint, participants recover an object containing a clue. Once back at Base Camp 1, the teams reveal the final phrase of the puzzle: “United for the future of our glaciers,” a clear reference to the protection of the Fellaria glacier. The day concludes with the return to the valley and the drive back to Milan. Two intense days of trail running and camp life, designed to rediscover the value of disconnecting and a deep respect for the mountain environment.
