Having grown up among the rocks and glaciers of Upper Valais, Felicitas Jodan-Feller has never just seen the mountains but lived them. As a child, she spent her summers in the Wiwanni Hut and later in the secluded Hollandia Hut, where mountaineering was part of everyday life. Today, she is a mountain guide, climber, and co-initiator of AlpInklusiv, a project that aims to make mountain sports accessible to everyone – regardless of limitations or origin. In the summer, Felicitas leads our multi-pitch courses for women. In conversation, she explains why the true value of mountaineering lies not in performance or speed but in the shared experience. She talks about trust, community, and the magic of sunrise after an early ascent. And she shows how to find your way into the mountains step by step with mindfulness and experience. An interview about courage, humility, and the magic of reduction to the essentials.
You grew up in Upper Valais. What was it like to grow up so close to the mountains?
The mountains have shaped me since my early childhood and have been a part of my life ever since. Growing up in Upper Valais, I spent my summers mainly in my parents' hut, the Wiwanni Hut. I often had the opportunity to accompany my father as a mountain guide on tours, with and without guests. My sisters and I really enjoyed this, and so mountain sports became something very natural for us. Later, my parents took over the Hollandia Hut, a secluded high-alpine SAC hut. Working here in spring and summer and always being surrounded by fascinating nature has further shaped me.
When did you realize that the mountains were more than just a recreational spot for you?
After I stopped international sports and ice climbing competitions, I devoted myself more intensely to mountaineering and ski touring. This made me realize how meaningful and sustainable shared mountain experiences are with others. Also, that in the most beautiful and lasting moments, it is not the difficulty level, speed, and performance that count, but the unforgettable experience. But not only working in and with nature, but also the human factor, led me to consider becoming a mountain guide. Even today, it still fascinates me to see how sustainably beautiful mountain experiences can shape people and how great it is to be able to accompany them. It is a great privilege for me to be able to practice this profession.
Many people want to spend more time in the mountains themselves. What advice would you give them for a good and safe start?
Approach mountain sports step by step and don't skip any stages. Since there is a lot to learn about safety in mountain sports, it is worthwhile to attend courses and at the same time regularly go into the mountains to apply what you have learned. However, mountain sports require a differentiated self-assessment regarding the difficulty and one's own abilities in relation to a tour. To be safe on the go, not only solid knowledge but also this characteristic is indispensable.
Experience in the mountains is built up over many years. Nevertheless, an unforgettable mountain experience can be created at any level, which will be remembered. Whether ski touring or mountaineering, to improve your level it is important to be out regularly and in different conditions, and to reflect on your decisions on tours and, in the best case, debrief with a more experienced person. Furthermore, realistic tour planning is very important.
You emphasize togetherness in the mountains. What makes community so special for you there?
Shared experiences in the mountains forge relationships and have the potential to build deep trust in the other person. Through mountain experiences, especially in groups, team cohesion, the motivation to grow beyond oneself, or to support others in difficult situations can also arise. Mountain sports offer so much more than just improving one's own performance.
With the knowledge of how health-preventative and beneficial mountain sports can be for people, I have been offering inclusive mountaineering courses this year with the Alpinschule Bietschhorn and fellow mountain guides. This means that people with and without disabilities, and regardless of their socioeconomic status, should gain access to mountain sports. The goal is to break down barriers and offer all participants a unique mountain experience. To expand these offers, we are currently in the process of founding an association: AlpInklusiv.
Is there a moment in the mountains that always touches or motivates you?
My favorite moment in the mountains is the sunrise. Getting up early was worth it, because the sight of the mountains at sunrise is something beautiful. This remains in memory.
When you think of happiness in the mountains... What does that mean to you?
In the mountains, many things become clearer. No noise, no everyday hustle and bustle – just nature, weather, body, breath. For me, happiness in the mountains means reducing to the essentials.
You can find Felicitas' website and the Alpinschule Bietschhorn Ausserberg here.
