Pure Academy Three

The highest mountain in the Nordics

Jotunheimen is a mountainous region in southern Norway and forms a part of the Scandics mountain range which crosses the Scandinavian peninsula. Jotunheimen National Park, which covers a third of the Jotunheimen region, was founded in 1980 and is about the same size as the UK’s Peak District National Park, or half the size of the Swedish island of Gotland. Jotunheimen is the home of Galdhøpiggen, which at 2,469m asl is the highest peak in the Nordics. No fewer than 24 peaks in Jotunheimen reach above 2,000m asl, more than any other region in northern Europe.

To walk the Jotunheimen Haute Route — The High Route — is a five-day randonée ski tour in the heart of the National Park. The route crosses eight glaciers and seven summits above 2,000m, including Glittertind and Galdhøpiggen. Each stage is around 15km long, and we’ll ascend on average 1,300 vertical meters per day. The landscape is dramatic, and nature is still wild and untouched here. High summits and steep cols follow on from exposed ridges. The majority of the Mountain Huts in the area are situated at around 1,000m altitude. Our accommodation is full-service Mountain Huts with showers, sauna and restaurant facilities. See the route profile.

Pure Ski Touring only hires IFMGA Mountain Guides

What is a Mountain Guide?
A Mountain Guide is a specially trained and highly experienced professional who is certified by authorities or mountain guide associations. They are considered experts at a high level and are hired to instruct or lead individuals and small groups in mountain environments that require this advanced expertise. The profession of mountain guide originated in the mid-19th century when alpine climbing became recognized as a sport.

IFMGA Certification
The title IFMGA Mountain Guide is reserved for individuals who have received full certification through their country’s national mountain guide association, whose curriculum and training are approved by the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA). Certification is obtained through a rigorous examination process that includes rock climbing, alpine climbing and ski mountaineering. Certification usually takes between three and seven years to complete.

Swedish Mountain Guide Organisation
The Swedish Mountain Guide Organisation (SBO) is Sweden’s only professional organisation for mountain guides. SBO trains and examines guides and offers further training. The organisation promotes the interests of its members nationally and internationally and administers information, fees and meetings. The requirements for authorisation are high and include technical skills, teaching and leadership skills. SBO cooperates with other organisations and is a member of the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA), which gives Swedish guides the right to work internationally according to the federation’s standards.

Read more here:
SBO
IFMGA

Our IFMGA Mountain Guides at Pure Ski Touring Camp are