Winter is just around the corner, and snow and mountain enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting their first trips to the mountains. Snowboarding, mountaineering, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and off-road running are the most popular sports this season.

Oxyburn produces a line of socks, underwear, and accessories designed forwinter and mountain sports, so we understand the needs of these athletes well. Thermoregulation, reduced fatigue, prolonged aerobic and muscular endurance, and shorter recovery times are the qualities sought in technical snow gear.

Mattia Zontini is one of the most talented and versatile athletes on our brand ambassador team, and he’s currently preparing for his competitive mountaineering season. A triathlete in the summer, he focuseson endurance ski racing in the winter. We asked him a few questions about how his training is going and his expectations for the season.

So, Mattia, moving straight from triathlon to mountain climbing without a break? Have you had a chance to rest a bit, or are you already in the thick of your winter training?

Yes, from triathlon to mountaineering without a break… as soon as the last duathlon races were over and the off-season began, I immediately took advantage of the first snowfall to go have some fun in the snow…I say “have fun” because, during these weeks—since I wasn’t doing any specific, high-intensity training—I had the chance to appreciate the mountains, spend time with friends (since I always train alone), and indirectly build up a bit of strength in my legs (given the strain on my feet and the fairly steep slopes).

What kinds of sessions make up a training plan for mountaineering?

During this period, as we approach the specific training phase for 2018, almost all of my sessions have been light, except for one high-intensity workout per week, to allow me to fully recover both physically and mentally.

Could you tell us more about a typical week?

A typical week at this time of year consists of 2 running workouts, 2 cycling workouts, 2 swimming workouts, and 2 ski mountaineering sessions…One double session per week and a single workout on the other 6 days…soon it’ll go back to 12 sessions as usual, so 5 double sessions and 2 single sessions—obviously not all of them will be high-intensity or high-quality, but they’ll include some recovery, though always active recovery.

What do you like most aboutOxyburn clothing?

In addition to the incredible quality of the materials, I really appreciate the ongoing pursuit of the best possible performance for athletes; the constant focus on providing the greatest possible comfort combined with peak performance. The unmistakable style of the colors and finishes is undeniable!

Like Mattia, more and more endurance athletes enjoy switching up their activities depending on the season or have chosen increasingly dynamic disciplines. Experiencing the mountains by relying solely on one’s own strength and energy is a thrill shared by more and more people—which is why we’ve developed the winter sports collections with the specific needs of these activities in mind—activities practiced in the most hostile and variable environmental conditions.