The company MDV Marker Dalbello Völkl invited to an event at their Dalbello factory in Asolo Italy. In a factory tour we retailers could see how the ski boots are manufactured and adjusted for professionals. Workshops introduced the new collection to us and explained new technologies. Besides the company insight we enjoyed the Italian cuisine and got cultural impressions of the region.

 

Potential projects

After a long journey from Passau to Asolo, we were already expected at the Hotel Asolo and welcomed by the other Dalbello staff. Montebelluna is known for its large ski boot industry or shoes in general. The next day we went to the Dalbello factory, where we were first shown the new collection for Winter 23, including the Reboot series for kids, which will be released this winter for the first time.

Dalbello is a partner of the LIFE RESKIBOOT project and, together with other European partners, plans to increase production to 90 percent recycled raw materials and reduce plastic waste.The material for children's shoes is taken from production surplus material and from old ski boots. Old boots are collected from ski boot rentals or other projects where worn-out boots can be dropped off. In the grinding machine the remains are ground and can be used immediately. As many dark shoes are produced, especially in the adult sector, and the granules extracted can no longer be separated, this collection remains black. Unfortunately, currently the material is not yet sufficient to also produce the adult shoes completely from recycled materials.

Overall, the European production is more sustainable than the Asian production because European social standards for employees are not only much higher, but the compliance is also more controlled. In addition, short distances in the sourcing of materials and the products after production significantly reduce emissions of CO2.

Innovative technologies

In addition, we were shown the new technologies that are already introduced in the current season. For example, the Bi-injected Shell in the Veloce, where the harder plastic guarantees better power transmission. Moreover, a better wearing comfort is supposed to be created by the new Autofit technology. The tongue is made of a special memory foam that minimizes pressure by fitting perfectly to the tibia.

With the Contour 5, a proven technology has been further developed and offers even more fit. Many models are now pre-shaped at five special points so that the shoe adapts to the anatomical contours of the foot and offers more space at critical points. Especially in the ski touring area, it often came to problems, because here a lot of frictions arise due to a lot of movement. The new Quantum Evo now offers not only a good fit, but also the necessary stability for the descent. Furthermore, it is extremely light at 1000 grams.

Insights into the production

But the most exciting part was the production itself. Only when you see how many steps are necessary for just one article, you understand how it comes to these prices. In fact, it's quite surprising how a product doesn't have to be more expensive if it has to go through all these stations until it ends up ready for customers at our retailers.

Together with the factory in Bulgaria, where the liners for the ski boots are produced, Dalbello's production alone employs over 350 people. The machines run 24 hours from Monday morning to Saturday evening. Only the buckles are produced externally, otherwise everything is made in the own factory.

In the Boot fitting, the racing shoes of the pro athletes are specially adapted. They also provide important input for the development processes. The feedback from the experts helps the product developers improve the performance of the shoes.

While athletes are all about performance, the focus for the regular consumer is on comfort and fit. Therefore, Dalbello places particular emphasis here on constant further development. For an example, shoes for women are designed differently than those for men. In addition to different fits, the buckles on women's models are also made for easier handling.

Culture and sightseeing

In the afternoon we visited the UNESCO World Heritage Site Villa di Maser. Two Venetian brothers hired the architect Andrea Palladio to build the villa around 1550. The building was constructed on a hill to overlook the surrounding land and was constructed with the lateral wings destined for agricultural use. The glorious halls in the main house show paintings on the walls and ceilings, representing not only gods but also the former life of the residents. In our guided tour we were also allowed to visit the impressive carriage collection, where about 30 vehicles from the 19th and 20th centuries are located.

Before having another delicious meal, we had the opportunity to take a little walk in the charming old town of Asolo, from where we could enjoy a great sunset.