We are back from the 2nd stage of the Mountain Academy, which took place from August 23 through the 30th.
From the left to the right : Ines, alpinewear buyer and Reiner, general manager of Sport Schuster, the whole Mountain Academy team and Ueli Steck
Robert Jasper presenting his last expedition
The 2nd stage of The Mountain Academy took place from the 23rd until the 30th of August, between Austria and Germany, to discover the limestone cliffs of Wilder Kaiser, from Lofer to Berchtesgaden.
This 2nd stage began with a full day in Sport Schuster, where our athletes Ueli Steck and Robert Jasper presented their last expeditions and the Mountain Academy candidates.
The winner of the climbing contest receiving his prize from Robert Jasper
After this exhausting but very successful day, we arrived in Lofer, Austria, to settle the base camp...under the rain. Luckily, the sun was there the day after and stayed with us all the week.
This 2nd stage focused on rock climbing and was really a success, due to the very good conditions and the amazing possibilities we had in terms of cliffs around Lofer.
Tito, the Italian candidate, making his effort...
The girlie roped party...
...watching the film they just made
During this 2nd stage, the goal for the candidates was lo learn a variety of techniques for different styles of rock climbing, from short single pitch to high Alpine. The program was quite full: sport climbing technique, traditional technique such as fixing nuts, cams and slings, multi-pitch abseil descents, setting-up "bombproof" belays, moving together and short-roping, itinerary planning and topo interpretation.
How to learn how to work together...
David Ravanel, a professional photographer (and mountain guide), already with us on the 1st stage, was there. This time we also added Bertrand Delapierre to the team who made some videos. These 2 guys made some quick training to our candidates, on how to take pictures and videos...The days were so fully booked!
Fred found a new job...
Some slackline activities after a long day
Neil Grisham and Klemen Preml who joined us during this 2nd stage fully played their role of mentor by telling stories, experiences to these young people. The atmosphere between the young selected candidates is really friendly and the team spirit is now very strong. Everybody really improved their skills and the weather was excellent to round-off a very positive week.
Summit is reached!
The cliffs of the Wilder Kaiser are really attractive with some routes opened by legendary climbers, such as Dülfer and Hinterstoisser. We really felt respect for these early pioneers in front of such great mountains. You can find modern routes with bolts, but also very classical routes. Whatever the level, the climbing is really amazing there.
A very positive week so...Can't wait the 3rd stage!