JOHANNA TIENSUU STÅLNACKE

CLIMBING INSTRUCTUR, SKIER

Johanna always loved the mountains. It began when she was four years old, in her local slopes around Kiruna in the very north of Sweden, then continued in Riksgränsen and the Alps. At 16 she discovered mountaineering and climbing, which was to replace ten years of gymnastics. Climbing came naturally to her. She was already strong and enjoyed steep slopes.

At 153 centimetres above sea level, she can hardly boast about her reach, but she has turned it into a challenge to find alternative routes up the mountain side. She uses technique and cunning, teaching the body to use small handholds and making heelhook moves and dynos to compensate for her height. This has only served to reinforce her fascination for the experience of climbing as a lifestyle. Not losing focus and keeping her wits about her at all times, in all situations, irrespective of position, weather or exposure; all this, as well as taking good care of herself and her friends in the mountains, is what has made climbing so very rewarding.

Skiing is her second passion. In winter the skis come out, and the climbing skins and crampons give her full access to the alpine environment and its range of adventures. In short: She likes to climb up and ski down. That is the way she wants it to be, forever.