Snow leopard, our prestigious ambassador
Kayland has always been synonymous with technicality and performance, and for this reason we decided to forge a link with one of the most famous and important climbers of our era, known all over the world for its extreme achievements and for its ability to always reach new goals and destinations: Denis Urubko.
Born in the Soviet Union in 1973 and formed among the peaks of Kazakhstan, Denis became the fifteenth man in 2009 to complete the ascension of all fourteen eight thousand in the world, and only the ninth to achieve this feat without the help of oxygen. His expeditions to the conquest of the highest peaks of the planet began in 1999, when Urubko completed the five seven thousand in Russia in a period of just 42 days, being therefore awarded with the Snow Leopard. In 2000 then begins its conquest of the eight thousand peaks, from the highest one, the Everest, and continues until 2009, when he manages to complete all eight thousand, opening a new route on the southeast wall of Cho Oyu. This challenge, recognized and celebrated also internationally, is worth the attribution of the important Piolet d'Or award in 2010.
His commitment to the most difficult and challenging peaks does not end here, in fact, together with his friend Simone Moro, he realizes the first winter ascensions of Makalu (2009) and Gasherbrum II (2011).
The collaboration with Kayland also involves Denis' partner, María José Cardell "Pipi", who is also a mountaineer of international level. The couple is motivated by the opportunity to work with Kayland and contribute, with experience, sensitivity and knowledge of all aspects of the mountain, to the development of new products for mountaineering and expeditions. Also for this reason, Denis and Pipi wanted to be linked to our brand with an important multi-year agreement, which will allow them to follow every step of designing and developing shoes and contributing to the affirmation of the brand all over the world.