A visit to Stetind then an avalanche rescue scenario in wet conditions at Snubba

Rain, low cloud, warm temps and wind forecast so we headed to Stetind, Norway's national mountain, to check out skiing up in the bowl, but there was not much snow down low due to warm temperatures and rain.  I found out later there was snow down to the road two days earlier.

We drove back through Narvik to Snubba on the road to Evenes. Skied past some curious sheep up to a snow slope in wet snow and light rain. 

We did an avalanche rescue scenario followed by an evacuation with a compact emergency sled that fits over skies.  It was rather wet so it was good to get back to the hotel to dry things out and have a nice dinner.

Force 10 winds forecast for tomorrow so it might be a day off.

Ski laps on Mjelkefjellet dodging low cloud and bad weather

James and Andy selected this area to ski due to forecast bad weather and rain. We got going in the morning and did laps in the trees with reasonable visibility. 

We dodged some big tiger traps where meltwater in streams was opening up big holes in the snow. 

It was tricky skiing wind slab up higher, the skiing was better lower down. 

We got back to the vans just as the rain arrived.

Excellent weather and snow on Litletinden

Litletinden. Wonderful weather, a fantastic day skiing. 

We skied up through the woods. Above the snow line we did one hot lap to warm up. 

We followed the ascent route veering to the right over a ridge and then along a steep skin track through some interesting terrain with great views down to the fjord and back to Narvik.

We got to the saddle with Sovende Dronning (The Sleeping Queen) looming above, a spectacular location with views to the Frostizen massif and back to Narvik and surrounding mountains.

The entry to the descent route down the Vale looked sketchy and was in the shade so we skied below our ascent route in great snow.

Coming back through the trees got read interesting towards the end. A cracking day out.

Offpiste ski instruction on Narvikfjellet with Alison and Andy

Two days off-piste ski instruction on Narvikfjellet with Alison Thacker and Andy Nelson. 

Some great tips for handling varied snow conditions. Icy runs on the first morning. 

There were some nice off-piste turns to be had up high. Poor visibility on the first day, good visibility on the second one.

Great skiing on Narvikfjellet after welcome snow overnight

First ski day of my 2025 trip to Norway. Great skiing on Narvikfjellet after welcome snow overnight and rain yesterday. 

I buddied up with Wayne from Canada for superb off piste runs above the top of the Fjellheisstasjonen Narvik gondola. Deep soft snow and wonderful views down to Narvik and across to surrounding mountains.

 

  

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Flinders kitesurfing reef break and waves #593

Session 593. Tired after yesterday's bike ride at South Morang but the good forecast for wind and waves at Flinders beckoned.

There were some good waves to be had.  I dropped the kite a couple of times flying it high waiting to catch a wave, and another time retrieving my board, but thankfully I was able to relaunch it on both occasions.

I body dragged in to get the board, thankfully it wasn't on the rocks.

Some revision: Fly the kite high, don't hang around in the impact zone and pick your wave to ride on the way in.

A challenging fun session.