Recap | Fjällräven Campfire Academy

Day 1 - Arriving, unpacking, setting off

My train left for Zurich at 7:40 am. Uncomplicated and relaxed. The meeting point was the Fjällräven Store Zurich, where the Fjällräven Bergtagen Campfire Academy group gathered for the first time. After a short round of introductions, the equipment was handed out. Then it was time to get changed, activate ski touring mode, put on ski boots and repack the backpack - for the next three days at the hut.

The shuttle bus took us on to Chäppeliberg. There we boarded a tiny transport gondola in small groups - depending on our weight and size. Nostalgically beautiful, airy and with a view of Lake Uri, we floated to the top. Once at the top, we briefly put on our skins and then it was a ten-minute walk to the Lidernenhütte, our home for the next three days.

The Lidernenhütte belongs to the Mythen section of the Swiss Alpine Club and lies at an altitude of 1,727 meters above the Riemenstaldner Tal valley. From here, the view to the west opens up to Lake Uri. Further south, the gentle hilly landscape gives way to rocky peaks - Rossstock, Fulen and Chaiserstock dominate the panorama. A varied terrain, both for families and ski tourers.

We were welcomed with a sumptuous snack plate, a glass to toast, a round of introductions and dinner together. We were then divided into groups and briefed on the tour planning for the next day. Then we soon went to bed - after all, the hut is closed at 10 pm.

After a few meters, we stopped to repeat the basic functions and applications of avalanche equipment. Beacons, probes and shovels were explained and practiced. Our group of ten was then divided up according to ability level. As skiing ability and terrain determined the possibilities, there were only five of us left that day with mountain guide John from Sweden - an incredibly likeable guy.

John's motto: "Mountain guides don't like fixed plans." So we went where it seemed safe and sensible. A few hairpin bends and metres in altitude later, we reached the summit area after around 500 meters in altitude, where we took an extended break for a snack.

This was followed by a short descent. The snow conditions were rather mixed, but the fun factor was still high. Further down, a glance at the map showed us that we needed to continue - skis on the backpack and on foot through playful, sometimes rough terrain. At some point, we returned to the hut. Cappuccino or cold drink - both felt well deserved. Some took advantage of the clearing weather for an additional short tour.

This was followed by a presentation on the Fjällräven Bergtagen collection, the brand's philosophy, its approach to sustainability and the thoughts behind individual details. It was particularly exciting to see how well thought-out even small details such as buttons or hangers are. Since then, I've worn my Fjällräven clothing more consciously - and with more appreciation for what's behind it. What I found particularly thoughtful as a woman were the zippers integrated into the back of the bib shorts. They ensure that going to the toilet on the mountain no longer looks like an awkward acrobatic feat and that neither contortions nor a urinella are necessary - instead, everything is quick, uncomplicated and relaxed.

Afterwards we had dinner together. We then planned the next day and deepened our knowledge in a short theoretical unit on avalanche awareness. We talked about the various snow problems, the slope gradient at which avalanches can be triggered, how to behave correctly in an emergency and how important it is to adapt decisions to your own condition on the day - and much more. So we were well prepared for the day ahead, when we would finally get to practice.

At 10 p.m. sharp, it was time to switch off the lights.

Day 3 - Shovels, shifts and silent lines

Drrrrrrr.
6:30 am. A new day. Get dressed, have breakfast, skin up - and off we go.

On the agenda today: How do I dig a snow profile? How do I behave in the event of an avalanche? And how do I organize myself as part of a group?

We looked for a suitable, flat spot with sufficient snow. Fortunately, it had snowed heavily overnight, so we quickly found what we were looking for. We started digging and sawing. Using all our physical strength, we quickly laid out a complete snow profile so that we could assess the individual layers and possible weak layers. We checked the stability of the snow cover by tapping it with our hands, forearms and whole arms - it looked pleasingly solid that day.

We then repeated and deepened our knowledge of the correct procedure in the event of an avalanche. We practiced searching with the beacon, probing and finally digging out again. This exercise took up almost the entire morning.

Afterwards, we returned to the hut briefly to gather our strength, eat something and fill up again - because now we were going on tour in search of fresh lines. The snow trickled, the wind whistled, and the anticipation of the descent grew with every meter of altitude. It was playful, powdery and simply great fun. We had to skin up one last time to finally earn the final run back to the hut.

After this day, everyone really did feel "Bergtagen". The exhaustion put a satisfied smile on everyone's face. Back at the hut, a sumptuous plate of snacks and a presentation by the two Fjällräven Ambassadors awaited us. They talked about their personal careers, their path to winter sports and what it means to them. They also gave insights into their connection to the Fjällräven brand and its values.

After dinner, it was time for bed at 10 p.m., just like the days before.