From April 4 to April 6, 2014, the 8th "Salewa Cup" National University Outdoor Skills Competition, organized by Peking University's Mountain Eagle Club, was successfully held. Coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the club, the success of the competition celebrated this important occasion.
One of the highlights of the competition was the opening ceremony’s performance. To the rhythm of stirring music, two members of the Mountain Eagle Club swiftly ascended the south wall from opposite sides. Upon reaching the top, they unfurled a banner from the summit, which then slowly descended. The powerful message read: “Mountain winds spur our resolve, forging ahead together — twenty-five years of unwavering dedication” on the top line, and “Eagles’ cries herald great journeys, heroes march as one — shared passion unites all directions” on the bottom. This creatively stunning opening won thunderous applause from the audience.
After the wonderful performances, Zhang Mohan, president of the Mountain Eagle Club, delivered a speech on behalf of the organizers. This was followed by speeches from Li Ning, Director of Peking University’s Physical Education Department, Wang Yiming, Deputy Secretary of the Peking University Youth League Committee, and Ciluo, Deputy Director of the High Altitude Exploration Department of the China Mountaineering Association. The opening ceremony also welcomed Ouyang Xu, a distinguished alumnus of Peking University, a founding member of the Mountain Eagle Club, President of the Tibet Outdoor Association, and Chairman of Tibet Tourism. Ouyang Xu reflected on the club’s early days, recalling both the struggles and the bright moments of its inception. Despite the challenges over the past 25 years, the spirit and character of each generation of Mountain Eagles remain unchanged, as does their passion and longing for mountain climbing. Other guests at the ceremony included Qian Yongjian, Deputy Secretary of Peking University’s Physical Education Department, Sun Bin, former Mountain Eagle Club member and Principal of Peak Outdoor Sports School, and Quentin, Marketing Manager of Salewa, the event’s sponsor.
After the opening ceremony, the competitions commenced in different zones. Four major events — rock climbing and bouldering, survival escape, ladder climb challenge, and equipment skills — kicked off simultaneously, creating an incredibly dynamic atmosphere.
【Bouldering Competition】The competition was intense. There were five fixed routes, and participants chose based on their abilities, with the goal of completing as many as possible. The competition area often featured big dynamic moves — leaping with both hands and feet leaving the holds simultaneously in an attempt to grab higher ones. The audience held their breath until bursts of cheers erupted. In the speed climbing segment, male and female athletes raced against time with remarkable agility. The commentary for the bouldering event was handled by Li Lan, a veteran member of the Mountain Eagle Club, much to the surprise and encouragement of the participants.
【Survival Escape】This event simulated three participants trapped on a cliff, who had to climb to the top to survive. Contestants could only use one piece of equipment — a rope approximately 30 meters long — to scale a nearly four-meter vertical wall. In these “moments of crisis,” teams displayed great creativity and employed various strategies. Under the dual challenges of teamwork and physical endurance, no team gave up until the very last second, fully embodying the competitive spirit.
【Ladder Climb Challenge】Required three athletes to scale a 12-meter-high ladder made of seven horizontal rungs without using any tools. Team members cooperated ingeniously, using stepping, pushing, pulling, lifting, hooking, and hanging techniques in a dazzling display that drew continuous cheers from the audience.
【Equipment Skills】Focused on testing the teams’ wilderness survival capabilities. Everything from properly folding tent poles to the correct placement of sleeping pads was evaluated, with strict rules in place. This wasn’t meant to make things difficult for the participants but rather to emphasize that attention to detail ensures safety. The deeper intention of the competition was to promote proper outdoor practices.
At 4 p.m., the first day of the competition concluded. A subsequent buffet allowed participants to exchange experiences and build friendships.
【Orienteering Competition】Kicked off at 9 a.m. on April 6 at Beigong Forest Park. Teams had to rely solely on maps and compasses to locate checkpoints, demanding strong map-reading and orientation skills. During the event, team members studied maps together, encouraged one another, and their spirited dashes caught the attention of park visitors. When teams passed each other, they exchanged words of encouragement, contributing to a positive atmosphere. The orienteering event ended around noon, marking the successful completion of the two-day competition.
At the closing ceremony, Shi Hao, Chairman of the Mountain Eagle Club Council, delivered the closing remarks. This was followed by the award ceremony, where teams posed for photos with their club flags, making plans to meet again next year. Beyond the competition, it provided a platform for university outdoor clubs to share experiences, support one another, and promote the betterment of outdoor activities in universities. Congratulations once again to the 8th "Salewa Cup" National University Outdoor Skills Competition for its resounding success.
List of Winners:(Prizes sponsored by Salewa, the competition’s official sponsor)
【Top Five Overall】：
Peking University Mountain Eagle Club
Tsinghua University Mountain Wilderness Association
Zhejiang Ocean University Island Wilderness Survival Team
Beihang University Lingfeng Club
Hefei Vocational College of Finance and Economics Rock Climbing Team
【Ethics and Sportsmanship Award】：China University of Geosciences (Wuhan) Shanmingzhi Outdoor Sports Club
【Outdoor Spirit Award】：Xinjiang University Chiji Club
【Determination and Grit Award】：Shanghai Jiao Tong University Wilderness Survival Association
【Rookie Team Award】：Wuhan University Baxiezhe Outdoor Sports Association
【Best Team Award】：Beijing Normal University Green Camp Outdoor Sports Association
【Bouldering Competition Single Award】：Southwest Jiaotong University Panshi Team
【High Altitude Skills Competition Single Award】：Xiamen University Mountaineering Association
【Equipment Skills Competition Single Award】：Nanjing University of Science and Technology Mountaineering Association
【Orienteering Competition Single Award】：Shenzhen University Mountaineering Association