Paolo Caruso

Alpinist, educator, writer, inventor—with several registered patents, including the climbing method that bears his name—mountain guide… who is Paolo Caruso? Many labels could be used to describe him, yet none, on its own, can truly convey his personal journey. How would he answer the simple—and at the same time complex—question, “Who are you?”

History of the Method

When I first started climbing in 1978, no one was talking about “technique.” In fact, rock climbing was not even recognised as a sport in its own right, having only recently emerged as an offshoot of mountaineering. This became clear—at least to me— when the Italian National Olympic Committee organised its first training course for climbing instructors.

An Innovative Rock Climbing Shoe

Among climbing gear, only shoes directly shape movement—and therefore technique. For decades, precision has been equated with pain. But is that really true? While working with Boreal, I sought to develop a climbing shoe that combined performance and comfort. To make this possible, however, I had to strike out on my own. That is how the Paradigma shoes were born…

The Method in Climbing

In rock climbing, the Caruso Method® is founded on the principles that underlie ideal movement in the vertical dimension. These principles have made it possible to define the most effective techniques and progressions for developing capacity and motor intelligence.

The Movement Matrices

The Movement Matrices took shape at the end of a long journey of experience and reflection. As my exploration of climbing technique deepened, I naturally began to recognise the elements it shared with ice climbing, skiing, and—just as importantly—walking.

An Innovative Rock Climbing Shoe

Among all pieces of climbing gear, shoes are the only ones that directly shape movement—and therefore technique. For decades, climbers have believed that precision necessarily comes at a cost: pain. But is this really true?

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The Caruso Method® for skiing

The Method has led to significant progress in understanding—and therefore in teaching—the principles governing weight management on skis, both in ski mountaineering and off-piste skiing, as well as in adapting to the typical conditions of untracked snow.

The Method on Snow and Ice

The principles of movement on snow and ice are the same as those of rock climbing, with two main differences that limit the range of possible movements:

  • ice is generally more uniform and regular than rock and does not allow for friction;
  • crampons and ice axes generally result in a frontal stance to the face, with the feet on the front points

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