Fjällräven Classic
Reading Time 4 Minutes
Trekking for generations
Christian Skødt has a lifelong appreciation for nature, but his passion for trekking started later in life at the age of 72. Teaming up with his daughter and granddaughter, he has racked up an impressive set of trekking stats. Including eight Fjällräven Classics.
At 78 years old, Christian Skødt was Fjällräven Classic Denmark’s eldest participant in 2022. But do not call him the poster boy for “senior trekking” thank-you-very-much. Though he has a lifelong appreciation for nature, trekking is a relatively new activity he started in 2016 when knee trouble prevented his preferred form of exercise: running. Now, trekking is an annual fitness goal and an activity he enjoys doing with his daughter Susanne and granddaughter Emilie. He also bikes, golfs and gardens at the home he and his wife of 50 years built close to the forest.
As he says, “Getting nature delivered to your doorstep is a privilege.”
Despite a relatively late start and his varied outdoor interests, Christian has racked up an impressive set of trekking stats. In six years, he has completed eight Fjällräven Classics total. Five in Denmark and three in Sweden. He did 2017 solo, but all others he partnered up with either his daughter, or his daughter and granddaughter.
Doing Fjällräven Classic Denmark so many times, you would assume that the trek would become monotonous. Christian disagrees, stating that despite the similar route, each has been a very different experience. On the other hand, the familiarity creates a sense of security you cannot expect on other treks.
It is the level of organisation that Christian believes makes Fjällräven Classics an exceptional option for trekkers, regardless of age. Whether experienced and looking to try a more social hiking event, or novices like he was in 2016.
To prepare, he suggests that the seasoned mature trekker sign up and get online to read up on the events. “Everything is there. What isn’t can be answered in the Fjällräven Classic Facebook groups.”
If you are new to trekking, his first advice is to immerse yourself in research. He recommends familiarising yourself with the length of the trek, the terrain, the weather, and the equipment you will need. For Fjällräven Classic Denmark, Christian’s equipment list includes: a tent, sleeping pad and bag, a gas burner with built-in pot, water bottles, a first aid kit, a long spoon and knife, a backpack with rain cover and hiking poles. For clothes, he wears wool wherever he can, including wool underwear, wool socks and a wool shirt. He also must have zip-off trousers, a windbreaker, a rain jacket, and camp shoes. His must-have equipment: hiking boots.
Finally, train!
“The older I get, the more important it becomes to start training well in advance. This applies to strength training, and training trips both on the pavement and forest trails. I start in February and gradually put more and more in my backpack until it is the weight it will be during Classic. I want to get to that point a month before the trek.
On the trail itself, Christian says it is also important to find a trekking pace that works for you. This is especially important with multi-generational trekking, as different age groups tend to have different walking speeds.
During the 2022 Classic Denmark, the trio tried out a new concept where they started out together and the women went ahead at their own pace. Though a “lone” trekker, Christian and his girls were confident he was safe. Between the participants and volunteers, there are plenty of others on the Fjällräven Classic Denmark route and there is a mobile connection virtually everywhere (not the case for all of the events).
Along the way, Christian would meet up with them at breakpoints to chat and relax. Aside from meeting new people along the route, the arrangement had a big advantage for Christian: “When I – at my ‘old man’s pace’ – finally reached the camp, the girls took my gear to my tent site and helped pitch the tent for me. I think it was a fine solution!”
Outside of the fitness benefits, Christian appreciates the Fjällräven Classic’s ability to enable virtually everyone to enjoy nature. Being in the outdoors is a vital component of a child’s upbringing, an important part of a healthy adulthood and the maturing lifestyle.
“Being told at the age of 78 that I inspire other makes me happy and proud, but it’s only one of many reasons why I continue my passion for treks in nature.”
Christian’s tips for mature trekkers
- Research the trek. Find out how long it is, the equipment you need, the weather you can expect, etc.
- Train! Start with strength and test your backpack skills on forest trails and pavement. Start light and add more weight until it is full. Ideally reaching this phase a month from the event.
- Wear hiking boots. It may be tempting to try hiking sandals in warm weather, but if it is your first time walking a particular trail, boots are safest.
- Identify a walking speed that works for you and stick with it.
- Buddy up! Train with your trekking partner and determine what gear you will share in advance.
- Get social with fellow trekkers on the trail.
- Engage with the community. Read up about others’ experiences online and join Fjällräven Classic Facebook Groups.
Christian’s Classic stats
- 8 Fjällräven Classics
- 5 Classic Denmark
- 3 Classic Sweden
- 1 solo Classic Denmark
- 4 Classics with daughter
- 3 Classics with daughter and granddaughter
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