Even though Matteo is Italian, he has carabiners in his blood, spikes in his fingers and learned the ropes before eating spaghetti. Even at a young age, he was a nature lover. He enjoys playing outside and is curious about rocks, trees, insects, and animals. Matteo started rock climbing at 16 years old and at 22, he joined the Mountaineering School of the Italian Alpine Club as an instructor. He has taught rock climbing, ice climbing, and mountaineering to hundreds of people over the years.

Matteo has a background in geology and completed a master thesis on glacier hydraulics focused on the glacier mills (moulins). For about 8 years, he led a company of rope access work before moving to Iceland and joining Icelandic Mountain Guides. In his free time and after taking care of family, he tries to ice climb during the winter and trail run during the summer. He likes to enjoy the Icelandic mountains as much as he can. In fact, he is so enthusiastic when it comes to talking about glaciers and mountains that he sometimes gets back a little late from the tours.

Education and Qualifications

• Wilderness First Responder

• Jokla 3

• Fjalla 2