Born in Bormio in 1954, Raffaele Occhi holds a degree in engineering and has always been attracted by mountains, not least little known places with a special allure. He is passionate about literature and the history of mountaineering and has undertaken extensive research into numerous pioneering explorers of the Valtellina, Grisons and Tyrolean mountains, writing biographies and translating original accounts of first ascents. He has initiated and supported various initiatives aimed at disseminating knowledge of all aspects of the mountains.
 He is an Academic Member of the GISM (Association of Italian Mountain Authors) and has published numerous articles in specialised periodicals ranging from the Rivista del CAI (Italian Alpine Journal) to Le Montagne Divertenti (to which he is an assiduous contributor).

Married with 3 children, Raffaele Occhi lives and works in Milan.