A unique path to becoming an all-round alpinist
The Expeditie Academie is an initiative by the Royal Dutch Climbing and Mountaineering Association [NKBV]. The program offers young, ambitious mountaineers the opportunity to develop into independent, all-round alpinists over the course of two years. The training includes a wide range of disciplines: alpine climbing, rock, mixed, and ice climbing, as well as expedition planning, risk management, avalanche science, first aid, and mountain rescue.
The final expedition marks the culmination of the learning journey and is intended to be a technically challenging expedition in the Greater Ranges. This is the fourth team to take on this challenge.
Zanskar: Untouched terrain full of possibilities
After extensive research, the team chose a remote valley in the Zanskar region. The selected valley features spectacular, unclimbed peaks ranging between 5,500 and 6,100 meters in elevation. The mix of snow, ice, and rock makes the area ideal for adventurous, varied climbs. As far as known, the mountains have never been climbed before.
Key reasons for selecting this location included:
- High rock quality and diverse terrain
- Strong potential for first ascents
- Relatively accessible basecamp (approximately one week on foot)
- Climbing options of various difficulty levels
Upon arrival in Delhi in mid-August, the team will travel over four days to reach basecamp. The following 3.5 weeks will be used for acclimatization, exploration, and making multiple ascents. Their return to the Netherlands is scheduled for late September.
The team: young, motivated, and well-prepared
The Expedition Academy IV team consists of nine enthusiastic alpinists:
Jules de Ruiter, Mael Durand, Laura Oldenburger, Alexander Sternfeld, Claartje Meijs, Jan van der Meulen, Folke Drost, Karlijn de Wit, and Joris Timmermans. Together, they form a close-knit, self-directed team that has been intensively coached by five experts: elite alpinists Court Haegens, Niek de Jonge, and Bas Visscher, team coach Eveline van Tuinen, and UIAGM mountain guide Boris Textor.
From left to right: Laura, Court, Folke, Mael, Joris, Alexander, Jan, Niek, Jules, Claartje, Karlijn
More than an expedition
The NKBV's Expedition Academy is more than just a sporting challenge. lt is a training program in which young alpinists learn to responsibly venture into remote mountain areas well-prepared, independent, and mindful. With a focus on sustainability, the team aims to travel with as light a footprint as possible: by using gear smartly, choosing transport and logistics responsibly, and collaborating with local communities in the area.
The coaches who support the team do so voluntarily during the training weeks and the final expedition, passionately passing on their knowledge and experience to a new generation.
Diversity within the team and personal development are central themes, with the goal of not only training skilled alpinists but also cultivating conscious mountaineers who inspire through their respect for nature, culture, and each other.
Follow their adventure
Curious about Expedition Academy IV's adventures in the high mountains of Zanskar? Follow their journey via NKBV's social media channels and stay updated at www.nkbv.nl.