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ROMSDAL Academy
With HOUDINI SPORTSWEAR
[Eva Karlsson Interview]
With HOUDINI SPORTSWEAR
[Eva Karlsson Interview]
Somewhere in the middle of Norway lies a place called Romsdalen.
For some, it’s just another spot on the map – but for others, it’s a legendary hub for climbing – an iconic destination for world-class skiing and mountaineering – and the training ground for some of the best trail runners on the planet, including Kilian Jornet.
Each year, in this stunning landscape, the Romsdal Academy takes place – a one-of-a-kind festival celebrating the spirit of mountaineering – supported by Houdini Sportswear.
For some, it’s just another spot on the map – but for others, it’s a legendary hub for climbing – an iconic destination for world-class skiing and mountaineering – and the training ground for some of the best trail runners on the planet, including Kilian Jornet.
Each year, in this stunning landscape, the Romsdal Academy takes place – a one-of-a-kind festival celebrating the spirit of mountaineering – supported by Houdini Sportswear.
The transition between spring and summer is a magical time in Norway’s coastal mountain range – and for lovers of mountain sports, it’s nothing short of paradise.
The idea behind Romsdal Academy is to elevate your mountain skills while having an unforgettable time. This four-day event is packed with activities, workshops, learning opportunities, new friendships, and breathtaking outdoor experiences – from steep skiing and avalanche/improvised rescue training to sport climbing, peak scrambling, and mountain running – there’s something for everyone.
It’s a rare chance to truly connect with nature and be fully present in the moment. We had the opportunity to experience this incredible gathering and sat down with Eva Karlsson – CCO of Houdini Sportswear – to talk about how we ended up there, the history of the Academy and the region, the importance of being out in nature during turbulent times – and what we can all do to help protect it.
Our interview follows.
The idea behind Romsdal Academy is to elevate your mountain skills while having an unforgettable time. This four-day event is packed with activities, workshops, learning opportunities, new friendships, and breathtaking outdoor experiences – from steep skiing and avalanche/improvised rescue training to sport climbing, peak scrambling, and mountain running – there’s something for everyone.
It’s a rare chance to truly connect with nature and be fully present in the moment. We had the opportunity to experience this incredible gathering and sat down with Eva Karlsson – CCO of Houdini Sportswear – to talk about how we ended up there, the history of the Academy and the region, the importance of being out in nature during turbulent times – and what we can all do to help protect it.
Our interview follows.
[What’s the connection you have with the lodge? How did you come up with the idea of starting this academy in Norway?]
Eva: Our dear friends in Romsdalen have been close to us for many years. They test our products, contribute ideas, and they're internationally certified mountain guides with experience from all over the world.
Working with them has been joyful and invaluable for product development. Some of the guides they bring in for larger groups are also our friends. It’s a community of great people we love being around.
It reflects the kind of genuine relationships we value.
It’s not about who has the biggest following or most accolades, but about connecting on a human level. They have this beautiful lodge, and over the years, we've talked about collaborating – not just for ourselves but to share knowledge and inspire more people to explore nature.
[Who is the academy meant for?]
Eva: Many people in the Nordics ski only at resorts.
Eva: Our dear friends in Romsdalen have been close to us for many years. They test our products, contribute ideas, and they're internationally certified mountain guides with experience from all over the world.
Working with them has been joyful and invaluable for product development. Some of the guides they bring in for larger groups are also our friends. It’s a community of great people we love being around.
It reflects the kind of genuine relationships we value.
It’s not about who has the biggest following or most accolades, but about connecting on a human level. They have this beautiful lodge, and over the years, we've talked about collaborating – not just for ourselves but to share knowledge and inspire more people to explore nature.
[Who is the academy meant for?]
Eva: Many people in the Nordics ski only at resorts.
But what if offsite steep skiing could be introduced in a playful, accessible way, rather than as something elitist? And what if we could help people climb real mountains instead of just climbing indoors at a gym?
That’s how the academy idea started. At Houdini, we’ve always believed in being open source. We think the knowledge we and our community have should be shared – especially with those heading into the mountains without adequate preparation.
Many people don’t know how to venture outside the resort safely. And guided tours aren’t always accessible – especially in the Nordics. It can be expensive and exclusive. We wanted to make that experience available to more people, even if it’s on a small scale.
[This isn’t the first academy, right?]
Eva: No, it’s the third. We’re building slowly and intentionally. From the start, we said this isn’t about creating a huge event. It’s about creating something genuine and intimate – where people can relax, connect, and have fun.
That’s how the academy idea started. At Houdini, we’ve always believed in being open source. We think the knowledge we and our community have should be shared – especially with those heading into the mountains without adequate preparation.
Many people don’t know how to venture outside the resort safely. And guided tours aren’t always accessible – especially in the Nordics. It can be expensive and exclusive. We wanted to make that experience available to more people, even if it’s on a small scale.
[This isn’t the first academy, right?]
Eva: No, it’s the third. We’re building slowly and intentionally. From the start, we said this isn’t about creating a huge event. It’s about creating something genuine and intimate – where people can relax, connect, and have fun.
[Romsdalen seems pretty well known?]
Eva: Not globally, but in the climbing and outdoor communities, absolutely. It has Europe’s largest rock wall – we saw it on our last trip.
Romsdalen is like the Chamonix of the Nordics. You see people walking around with ropes and harnesses in the village square.
It’s rare, and it’s a mountaineering hub.
Björn Kruse and his team run the only guide company in the Nordics with full-time employed guides. That gives consistency and community – the guides know each other, and returning guests recognize familiar faces.
It’s a high-quality, deeply human setup. And Bjørn himself is a phenomenal skier and mountaineer.
Eva: Not globally, but in the climbing and outdoor communities, absolutely. It has Europe’s largest rock wall – we saw it on our last trip.
Romsdalen is like the Chamonix of the Nordics. You see people walking around with ropes and harnesses in the village square.
It’s rare, and it’s a mountaineering hub.
Björn Kruse and his team run the only guide company in the Nordics with full-time employed guides. That gives consistency and community – the guides know each other, and returning guests recognize familiar faces.
It’s a high-quality, deeply human setup. And Bjørn himself is a phenomenal skier and mountaineer.
[How did you feel during your time there?]
Eva: The group was small and intimate – it felt like being with friends. People could take time for themselves, then return. Like a campfire: you’re drawn to it, but free to come and go. The mountains give you perspective. I focused on learning this time – I did mountain medicine training. Other times I’d just ski with friends, but this time was more inward.
I always think about how things could be better. Not because they’re lacking, but because I’m wired that way. One idea we’ve explored is "nature quests" – intentional time outdoors. Whether slow ski touring or simply sitting and being present.
It’s not meditation exactly, but something close. Feeling like a small part of something vast and beautiful. We could bring that element into the academy too.
Eva: The group was small and intimate – it felt like being with friends. People could take time for themselves, then return. Like a campfire: you’re drawn to it, but free to come and go. The mountains give you perspective. I focused on learning this time – I did mountain medicine training. Other times I’d just ski with friends, but this time was more inward.
I always think about how things could be better. Not because they’re lacking, but because I’m wired that way. One idea we’ve explored is "nature quests" – intentional time outdoors. Whether slow ski touring or simply sitting and being present.
It’s not meditation exactly, but something close. Feeling like a small part of something vast and beautiful. We could bring that element into the academy too.
[Right now, the outdoors feels like a niche for sporty people. But it should be for everyone.]
Eva: Exactly. Nature helps us stay grounded. The human body is built for moving through terrain, hearing the wind, birds...
Even forests emit calming chemicals – you can measure the effect. But kids now spend 90% of their time indoors. That’s why we design products and experiences that help people feel at ease outside.
Our mission is to reconnect people with nature. Because when you love something, you want to protect it.
[Maybe that helps people value life more.]
Eva: Totally. We’re either in a life spiral or a death spiral. And we need to shift back to life. Nature offers insights that influence how we design, build, and live.
[Are you comfortable being political?]
Eva: Yes – not in a partisan way, but I won’t pretend things are okay when they aren’t. Standing for nature and people shouldn’t be seen as political. It’s about being human.
Eva: Exactly. Nature helps us stay grounded. The human body is built for moving through terrain, hearing the wind, birds...
Even forests emit calming chemicals – you can measure the effect. But kids now spend 90% of their time indoors. That’s why we design products and experiences that help people feel at ease outside.
Our mission is to reconnect people with nature. Because when you love something, you want to protect it.
[Maybe that helps people value life more.]
Eva: Totally. We’re either in a life spiral or a death spiral. And we need to shift back to life. Nature offers insights that influence how we design, build, and live.
[Are you comfortable being political?]
Eva: Yes – not in a partisan way, but I won’t pretend things are okay when they aren’t. Standing for nature and people shouldn’t be seen as political. It’s about being human.
Silence often equals complicity. But change is possible. We’re proving that through what we do.
[How do we move beyond seeing all this as political?]
Eva: Through real conversation. And shared experiences in nature. Not debates, but coming together over values. Nature and music are great unifiers.
As individuals and leaders, we all have responsibility to act – whether in our companies, communities, or personal lives.
[What’s your message to the outdoor industry?]
Eva: Ask yourself: why are you here? Most likely, it’s because of passion.
But now, maybe we’re working against that passion.
Can we change our approach to protect the things we love? Yes.
And the way forward is through collaboration.
When we join forces, we can make real progress – even if it’s not perfect.
[How do we move beyond seeing all this as political?]
Eva: Through real conversation. And shared experiences in nature. Not debates, but coming together over values. Nature and music are great unifiers.
As individuals and leaders, we all have responsibility to act – whether in our companies, communities, or personal lives.
[What’s your message to the outdoor industry?]
Eva: Ask yourself: why are you here? Most likely, it’s because of passion.
But now, maybe we’re working against that passion.
Can we change our approach to protect the things we love? Yes.
And the way forward is through collaboration.
When we join forces, we can make real progress – even if it’s not perfect.
Silence often equals complicity. But change is possible. We’re proving that through what we do.
[How do we move beyond seeing all this as political?]
Eva: Through real conversation. And shared experiences in nature. Not debates, but coming together over values. Nature and music are great unifiers.
As individuals and leaders, we all have responsibility to act – whether in our companies, communities, or personal lives.
[What’s your message to the outdoor industry?]
Eva: Ask yourself: why are you here? Most likely, it’s because of passion.
But now, maybe we’re working against that passion.
Can we change our approach to protect the things we love? Yes.
And the way forward is through collaboration.
When we join forces, we can make real progress – even if it’s not perfect.
[And the apparel industry?]
Eva: Apparel is deeply human. Everyone wears clothes. So this industry touches everyone. But it’s still competitive, profit-driven.
Real impact needs unity. We’ve evolved as a species through collaboration, not competition. That should guide us now too.
We ask ourselves constantly: how can we collaborate more? That’s why we embrace open-source principles. We trust others to build on what we share – not copy, but carry the vision forward.
[Still, there's risk.]
Eva: Sure. But we choose trust. And we’re already seeing more collaboration now than 20 years ago.
You can start small. Partner with someone from another sector, like we did with an electric car company. Shared values spark innovation.
And yes, it must be ethical – no shady business practices. But sharing knowledge for the greater good? That’s powerful.
Eva: Apparel is deeply human. Everyone wears clothes. So this industry touches everyone. But it’s still competitive, profit-driven.
Real impact needs unity. We’ve evolved as a species through collaboration, not competition. That should guide us now too.
We ask ourselves constantly: how can we collaborate more? That’s why we embrace open-source principles. We trust others to build on what we share – not copy, but carry the vision forward.
[Still, there's risk.]
Eva: Sure. But we choose trust. And we’re already seeing more collaboration now than 20 years ago.
You can start small. Partner with someone from another sector, like we did with an electric car company. Shared values spark innovation.
And yes, it must be ethical – no shady business practices. But sharing knowledge for the greater good? That’s powerful.
[So it’s happening?]
Eva: It is. At events like the European Outdoor Group Impact Summit or Amsterdam Innovation Forum, brands are being open and honest.
They're realizing that real change requires collaboration, not secrecy.
[Hopefully more decision-makers will focus on solutions, not competition.]
Eva: Exactly. When enough people question the system, a new one can emerge.
Are we okay with melting glaciers? With outsourcing harm? With hiding solutions?
Hopefully soon, we’ll say: no. That’s when change begins.
[That’s a good point to end on.]
Eva: Definitely.
Eva: It is. At events like the European Outdoor Group Impact Summit or Amsterdam Innovation Forum, brands are being open and honest.
They're realizing that real change requires collaboration, not secrecy.
[Hopefully more decision-makers will focus on solutions, not competition.]
Eva: Exactly. When enough people question the system, a new one can emerge.
Are we okay with melting glaciers? With outsourcing harm? With hiding solutions?
Hopefully soon, we’ll say: no. That’s when change begins.
[That’s a good point to end on.]
Eva: Definitely.
Our last interview with Eva was four years ago – for our TECHUNTER 07 ONLINE issue. As you all know, the world has changed dramatically since then – and continues to evolve. One thing that hasn’t changed, however, is Eva’s and Houdini’s unwavering commitment to protecting nature while leading an outdoor apparel company – the task, we should say.
There’s still much to be done and many conversations to be had – so we hope this interview also offers some valuable insights for you. It’s time to do more.
Check out our other relevant articles via the links below.
There’s still much to be done and many conversations to be had – so we hope this interview also offers some valuable insights for you. It’s time to do more.
Check out our other relevant articles via the links below.
Article and images prepared by TECHUNTER Magazine.*
Answers: Eva Karlsson [HOUDINI SPORTSWEAR, Chief Creative Officer].
Questions, words, photography: Alexander Zabelin [TECHUNTER, Chief Editor].
Special thanks to Romsdal Lodge & Houdini Sportswear for a great hospitality!
*All images above, as well as those on every page of this website, are the property of TECHUNTER Media and may not be used, reproduced, or distributed without explicit permission from the source.
Answers: Eva Karlsson [HOUDINI SPORTSWEAR, Chief Creative Officer].
Questions, words, photography: Alexander Zabelin [TECHUNTER, Chief Editor].
Special thanks to Romsdal Lodge & Houdini Sportswear for a great hospitality!
*All images above, as well as those on every page of this website, are the property of TECHUNTER Media and may not be used, reproduced, or distributed without explicit permission from the source.
