Arctic spring break = crispy corn skiing - day 1-2

Martin and Ole enjoys a roof top bath on board Hurtigruten 

7. April 2010

All guests arrived during the night and we were ready to kick of the first 4 day trip with guests. Espen and Kaja was the first to arrive into Tromsø. After 3 weeks of consistent sun up north, they were blessed with a beautifull sunset over Kvaløya. Spirits were high!

After them came Nina and Arild, Arne Jan and Martin and finally Martin, Joachim and Ole.

We are ready for adventure!!

First day safety brief

8. April 2010

Since the weather had changed during the night we didn't need to rush. Guides Andreas Haslestad and Sverre Hjelmeland shared their knowledge and we made time to pair up for beeper training. I guess we all needed that one. After a lot of press attention around avalanche danger we all wanted to make the trip as safe as possible.

Joachim skinning up with a sm

Kaja the telemark racer

Today's objective was set to Skittentind on the island of Kvaløya just outside of Tromsø city. The forcast gave us hopes of a break during the day and close to the top we could look down to Eresfjord below. After 4. hours walking we made it to the summit. Now 1100 vertical was waiting. We were desperatly hoping for more sun as we needed heating to get the right crispy conditions. Despite now sun coming through we found great snow thanks to experienced guides. All in all a great start.

Next stop Hurtigruten to Harstad and Lofoten!

Todays objective Skittentind, Kvaløya

Erefsfjord views from the summit

Happy group on top of Skittentind

9. April 2010

Today we split the group into two.  The choice were set to Småtindan or Geitgallien. Sverre lead the Småtindan group, and Andreas Geitgallien. There it was, the famous Geitgallien. A beautiful classic peak in Lofoten! The last part we expected hard packed snow. Today we needed all the gear in the backpack.

Heading up mont Geitgallien. The scenery is brutal.

Joachim having his first experience of steep terrain in shifting conditions

The excitement grows.... closer and closer..

Finally the first views of the summit!

Soon at the ridge.

Ole proved to be hard core. Great job!