December 19, 2024

Vermeer Italia Wins “Best Dealer 2024”

Hoy nemo a vedar il Fitz Roy!

We wake up early—perhaps too early, considering the wind hasn’t stopped and it’s still raining, contrary to all forecasts.

Despite everything, we decide to proceed with a challenging 23 km hike.

As soon as we get off the camper, which had taken us to the starting point, we realize we’re in the middle of a storm with icy wind and snow. We promptly retreat and climb back into the camper.

“Do we stay here playing briscola with five players all day or go see Fitz Roy?”
Alberto resolves the debate: “But how can we play briscola with five if we’re only four?”
“Well then, let’s go!”

We pass the entry fee checkpoint, following the ranger’s instructions from the previous day.

We ascend through a beautiful valley with untouched forest and stunning views of the glacier and Laguna de las Piedras Blancas, accompanied by a noisy group of Americans, including a limping woman who moves faster than us and keeps striking up conversations.

We reach the base of the final kilometer of the 11 km outward journey. Upon arriving at the ridge crest, a unique spectacle unfolds before us. Here, the question is inevitable:
“Is it true that the Dolomites are the most beautiful mountains in the world?”

Fabio responds: “Both are spectacular, but different. Still, the Dolomites remain the most beautiful!”

After countless souvenir photos, we make our way back to town, passing through Laguna Capri with some difficulty.

And then comes the happy surprise: Pierluigi shares the news of Vermeer Italia’s third consecutive triumph as Best Dealer EMEA 2024. A celebratory evening awaits us in a local venue—organized, unbeknownst to us, by the CEO.

Tonight’s main dish is el disco, a kind of rice-less Argentine paella, which Pierluigi—thrilled by both the Fitz Roy climb and the award—treats us to, along with three excellent bottles of wine.

Thank you, Pierluigi! We look forward to an equally delicious reward in 2025 and to conquering the Mirador Maestri at Cerro Torre, planned for Saturday.