A Learning Journey to New Heights
Pure Academy started in the winter of 2019 and has now existed for five years. It’s time to briefly reflect on the fantastic journey we have made. As the principal of this popular ski mountaineering school, I have seen how we have developed and become a respected education for those who want to take their ski mountaineering to the next level. As a mountain guide, I have always had a passion for teaching and learning. Being a guide is not just about leading a group, it’s about sharing knowledge and helping others grow. Our goal with Pure Academy has always been to convey the skills needed to become stronger, safer, and more independent in ski mountaineering. The demand and interest in education in this field have only increased over the years. Many people don’t just want to go on ski tours, they want to understand more aspects of the mountain, from avalanche safety to ski mountaineering techniques. Building Pure Academy from scratch has been a challenge, but at the same time, an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable experience.
Experts as Teachers
It was clear from the beginning that we needed a structured curriculum. With the help of our partners and network, we developed a multi-year education that covers everything from the basics of off-piste skiing to high-alpine tours. Each part of the course builds on the previous one and is offered annually, which gives participants the opportunity to fully plan their education based on their own conditions. With Pure Academy, we wanted to create a ski mountaineering school where participants could learn from the best. Each part of our curriculum is therefore taught by an expert in the specific area, such as mountain guides, avalanche instructors, ski instructors, first aid instructors, training experts, and climbing instructors. These experts share their knowledge and experiences through workshops and specialized courses. Pure Academy would not have been possible without the support from our partners and network. The inclusion of SVELAV’s avalanche courses, Freeriding 1 and Freeriding 2, for example, has been very successful. The SVELAV courses focus on personal risk management, which is crucial on every ski tour.
A Three-Part Curriculum
Pure Academy is divided into three different stages with a clear progression. Each part builds on the previous ones and gives the opportunity to develop skills at a pace that suits everyone by simply following the order in the curriculum. The first stage is called “From Off-Piste to Ski Touring” and focuses on developing basic techniques and safety. Participants learn to handle different snow conditions and terrain, as well as to use avalanche safety equipment and follow safety protocols. In the second stage, “From Ski Touring to Ski Mountaineering,” we delve into techniques and strategies for more technically demanding terrain, such as glacier skiing, rappelling, and light climbing. Participants learn to use alpine climbing equipment and navigate in high-alpine terrain. This stage gives participants the opportunity to develop their endurance and technique in more challenging situations. The third and final stage, “From Ski Mountaineering to High Alpine Mountains,” is an applied multi-day tour between huts with technical elements. Participants plan and carry out the tour themselves with the guide as a mentor. Elements included are navigation in difficult terrain, handling of exposed passages, and advanced climbing techniques. We also focus on developing participants’ ability to make safe decisions in difficult conditions.
An Exciting Future Awaits
Personally, I think ski touring is the best activity there is. The exercise, the fresh air, the sense of adventure, beautiful environments, meeting people, the meditative aspect of the ascent, the rhythm of the downhill skiing, and that indescribable feeling when there are no other ski tracks. For many, however, ski touring can feel like a threshold. With Pure Academy, we want to help more people cross that threshold, and we are passionate about teaching about ski touring. The first five years have been an extraordinary journey. We have seen participants grow and develop, become independent ski mountaineers who can tackle any mountain challenge. I am proud to have been a part of this, and I am really looking forward to the next five years. Read more about Pure Academy here