About Me
From Alpine Heritage to Mountain Mastery: My Journey
Introducing
Bart
I am Bart, an avid mountaineer and trail runner. The journey that led me to this point has been a combination of luck, dedication, and hard work. It all started when my grandfather stumbled upon a captivating photo of the Matterhorn in a calendar. This single image ignited a family tradition of spending summers in Termen, Wallis, Switzerland. They rented a quaint cottage from the local baker through a simple advertisement, and this charming spot became our annual retreat.
As I entered the world with a roar, the tradition of mountain vacations continued, and I was introduced to the mountains before I could even walk. Once I learned to stand on those two legs, I would accompany my father on day trips during our vacations. I had the privilege of choosing a mountain to conquer for the day, although they were far from technical ascents. Yet, my love for the mountains was firmly rooted.
Of course, there came a time when the mountains faded into the background. I joined the world of football, nights out with friends, accompanied by ample alcoholic beverages, and even took up smoking. My life was a stark contrast to what it is today. Yet, my fascination with the mountains, especially the Alps, always simmered beneath the surface.
Climbings
Trail runs
Peaks
Awakening the
Mountain Passion
The moment of reckoning came during a sunny day in 2017, while I was sitting on a terrace in Chamonix. Across from us, a group of mountaineers leaned against their backpacks, celebrating a successful climb with beers in hand. And then, it struck me – that was it! It was the missing piece of my life’s puzzle. I needed to do more with my fascination for the mountains.
In 2017, my life took a different trajectory. I sought a suitable mountain to embark on this new journey and purchased a pair of trail running shoes to explore the forests. Living near the Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park, it seemed like the perfect place to train. Running through the woods was undeniably more peaceful than the bustling city – the fresh air, encounters with deer and birds, picturesque viewpoints, and the thrill of navigating hills were all-encompassing. I immersed myself in various training methods to enhance my performance, devouring books on the subject.
Before long, I had completed a half marathon, setting a strong foundation for what lay ahead. I also designed a fitness regimen to strengthen my body for the varied challenges of mountaineering – ascending Mont Blanc requires a different approach than tackling a steep ice route.
Training through Summit Ascents
Before I had a foolproof training plan tailored for specific routes, I embarked on my first summits. This training was a byproduct of acquiring mountain skills through hands-on experience.
I chose the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak at 2,963 meters, as my first target. It was a significant learning experience. My preparation was far from optimal, and the weather was less than cooperative, denying me the summit. The climb took place in October, with heavy snowfall higher up. We made it to the glacier but were forced to turn back. It was a grueling 12-hour journey, yet I held up physically. But no summit meant no success.
The following year, I registered for a guided ascent of the Dufourspitze (4,634 meters), Switzerland’s highest peak, through an Italian guiding agency. This was a remarkable challenge, and the full account of that climb is a story of its own.
My Gallery
On top of
the world
I cherish the mountainous terrain, and the images below encapsulate the essence of my love for these majestic landscapes. Experience it firsthand.
Get In Touch
Ready to embark on your next adventure or looking to enhance teamwork and cooperation within your organization through exhilarating experiences? Feel free to contact us. We’d love to discuss how Bart Van Bemmel’s expertise in mountaineering and extreme sports can create unforgettable journeys and valuable lessons tailored to your needs. Get in touch today to start your unique adventure or team-building experience.