BJØRN-EIVIND ÅRTUN (1966-2012)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Norrøna’s ambassador Bjørn-Eivind Årtun.

Årtun and his friend Stein Ivar Gravdal were found dead in Kjerag, Rogaland county, Norway, Friday, February 10. They had set out on a climb on February 7, probably aiming to climb a new ice line in the Kjerag wall. When the two climbers did not return as planned two days later, they were reported missing. A search-and-rescue team from the Rogaland Alpine Rescue Group and the 330 squadron’s rescue helicopter found their bodies on Friday, February 10. After a demanding rescue operation, Årtun og Gravdal were transported down from the mountain on Sunday, February 12.

It is said that some people have the capacity to light up a room. That was not enough to describe Bjørn-Eivind Årtun. He could light up a whole mountain.

We remember Bjørn-Eivind for his great sense of humour, for his enthusiasm, for the way he included people around him, for the warmth he radiated. And we remember him for his unsurpassed skill as a climber: his motivation to take on new projects, the patience to wait for the right moment, the courage to push ahead when opportunities presented themselves.
Bjørn-Eivind was always ready to climb.
Higher.
And he always climbed in fine style.
In alpine style.

He was without doubt one of the world’s leading alpine climbers. His climbing merit list – including first ascents – was almost unbelievable. But Bjørn-Eivind was never boastful. He didn’t talk about his achievements. Rather, he looked ahead.
And upwards.
Always seeking new, more demanding climbing routes in Norway, Alaska, Patagonia and the Himalayas.

Just a few weeks ago, in late December 2011, Bjørn-Eivind climbed the ”Venas Azules” route on Torre Egger in Patagonia together with Ole Lied. The ascent gained a lot of attention in the international climbing press. Bjørn-Eivind had once again pushed the boundaries of what was believed to be possible in climbing. But he didn’t rest on his laurels that time either. After Patagonia he planned a new trip, a first ascent along a new line at Kjerag.
It would be his last.
Something must have gone terribly wrong during the climb.
And the result was tragic.

We are proud and humbled by Bjørn-Eivind’s wish to be a part of our team. He was not merely an outstanding ambassador for Norrøna. He was a great photographer and journalist for Norrøna Magazine, an engaged speaker and a driving force in the development of our climbing gear. He was a friend and a colleague, one whose good spirits helped create a good and strong social environment.

Bjørn-Eivind Årtun remains with us in our thoughts.
He inspired all of us.
And he will continue to do so.

Our deepest condolences go to the families of Bjørn-Eivind Årtun and Stein Ivar Gravdal.