It doesn’t get any better than this. The weather is a perfect 20 degrees with beautiful sunshine, a slight breeze, and spectacular views. I’ve just completed my first two pitches and set up a ‘standplass’ (belay station). Right then, I get a notification on my phone reminding me it’s time to be real. The timing couldn’t be better. But how did I get here?
How It All Began
My interest in climbing began shortly after I started working as a staff officer in the army and collaborating with subject matter experts (SMEs) to implement safety policies for working at heights. While most of my focus was on industrial settings, such as vehicle maintenance and construction, I also worked with mountain leaders. This inspired me to take up climbing. Because how could I understand the challenges if I’d never hung in a harness myself?
I started climbing at Bjoeks in Groningen with a top rope course. It quickly became clear that to excel, I needed to build flexibility, grip strength, and, most importantly, conquer my fear of heights, which remains my biggest obstacle.
Soon after I started climbing, a new bouldering gym called Apex opened in Groningen, conveniently located near my home. It provided the perfect venue to work on my climbing technique. When working from home, I would combine strength training with 20-30 minutes of bouldering, which significantly improved my skills.
Climbing in Norway
About a year later, I moved to Norway for a full-time study in Risk Analysis. This opened up the opportunity to climb outdoors. I started with top-rope climbing, then progressed to sport climbing on bolted routes, and now, I’ve embarked on my first traditional (trad) climbing route.
The combination of technical skill, physical challenge, and the beauty of the surroundings is unmatched when climbing trad. Placing your own cams and nuts really makes you become one with your surroundings. It forces you to really study and move ‘with’ the mountains.
The Next Challenge
After six rounds of the Nijmeegse Vierdaagse, I need a new physical challenge. Something that fits with my life here in Norway, something that pushes me beyond my comfort zone. Climbing the Seven Summits of Norway isn’t an official challenge like the Vierdaagse; there’s no medal waiting at the end, no crowds cheering you on. It’s more in line with Norwegian outdoor culture: personal, understated, but meaningful.
These seven peaks range from 2,368 to 2,469 metres, all in the spectacular Jotunheimen National Park. Five are advanced hikes requiring glacier crossings, and two, Store Skagastølstind and Store Styggedalstind, demand proper technical climbing skills at Grade IV+.
It’s what the Japanese call a Misogi, a challenge with about 50/50 odds of success. Uncertain enough to be transformative, but not so reckless that it crosses into dangerous territory. Will I manage all seven? I honestly don’t know. But that’s precisely the point 🙂
What’s your Misogi? What challenge makes you uncertain but excited? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.
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