Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Spanstind and some new snow

After a great start to the winter with record snowfalls in October, we've had a snow drought which lasted for nearly two months. Nothing to complain about though because cold temps ensured that it was still possible to skin laps locally, however the focus was more on training than quality ski descents. Finally in the past two weeks we've been getting some more snow and the skiing has been getting better and better.

Last Wednesday I headed out with Jan Eirik and Gerold in the midst of a storm for some skiing on Spanstind- going up the summer route from Bukkemyra. With howling winds and visibility down to 10 metres we didn't make it to the summit, but enjoyed some decent powder down lower. Some instabilities in the new snow were cause for concern, with several micro-slabs pulling out on ski cuts we made.

The next day Jan Eirik and I headed back for round two, this time parking the car at Lapphaugen and skinning up in calm, clear conditions. Due to the instabilities in the new snow which we'd noticed the day before we took a conservative route up the ridge and topped out in 2:20, including time spent to dig a quick pit. On the summit we enjoyed a few minutes in sunlight nearly strong enough to cast a shadow, the first time in over a month. And the descent was very decent, with the best snow around tree-line.

Finally lines are filling in and the peaks are getting in shape for some real ski mountaineering! All photos are from Jan Eirik- Takk for tur!







Also the first instalment in Kilian Jornet's multi-year mountain speed project was released a few weeks ago. Below is the trailer. I'd recommend watching the whole film. You can buy it here.


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