ski

First ‘topptur’ or ‘summit’ trip ON SKIS

I am not going to lie, I have been dreading my class’s first ‘topptur’ trip. Despite everyone agreeing that mountain trips are so much better on skis, I have been hesitant all year. This morning I rolled out of bed, got dressed, and made my make-shift dirty chai latte. When I was sufficiently loaded with caffeine, I loaded the bus with my ski gear: skis, ski boots, ski poles, backpack with: shovel, avalanche probe, helmet, down jacket, skins, and lunch.

Shameless selfie

The trip was overall great. I can’t say they same for my ski skills though. I really struggled with how to go up the mountain. People seemed confused by it, but I didn’t know how to move gracefully with these long things on my feet. I’m sorry people, I’m only 25% norwegian which means I wasn’t born with skis on my feet. Well, maybe only 25% of skis on my feet, (aka just large feet.) In the few (treeless, bump-less, iceless, bush-less) areas I got the hang of it and really enjoyed it. And then we ran into more trees, bumps, ice, and bushes and I was back to looking like a fish out of water (or should we say, a Virginian on skis.)

Once we made it to the top we ate lunch and began avalanche safety training. Janie Therese knows her avalanche information, which is reassuring. At Nordfjord Folkehøgskule, we set beds on fire during fire drills in order to learn how to put them out. We had (the most realistic looking) fake blood, broken bones, and burns on actors that refused to break character during our first aid training. So naturally, we buried someone 1 meter under the snow in order to learn how to find and save them during our avalanche training. Just kidding, we just buried a backpack. I guess there is such a thing as a line.

Going back down the mountain was a lot more fun for me. Yeah, I fell a couple times, but it was worth it. I even managed to avoid all trees and rocks (sometimes just barely, but that counts.)

So now that I have tried it, I’ll admit: summit trips have some benefits when on skis, but it will take a few more trips to decide if it beats out walking.

P.S. Special thanks to Janie Therese for #1 being patient with my lack of skill, #2 teaching me tips and tricks, and #3 not completely freaking out when I almost plummeted off the side of a bridge. (I promise I’ll try my hardest not to give you a heart attack this ski season.)

It took some convincing, but they finally got skis on my feet!

After a while of much needed convincing, I piled into the car with Margit, Vigdis, and Ingrid to embark on my first real skiing adventure.

A short (and completely near-accident free) drive later, we strapped on our skis and hit the snow. If only “strapping” on the skis is as easy as it sounds. I struggled just putting them on– there was no hiding my newb status.

I have to say, I didn’t fully believe Margit when she told me how fun cross country skiing can be. Turns out she was right, which was a pleasant surprise. Perhaps next time it won’t take quite as much convincing to get those skis on my feet!

What’s in the bag(s): How to pack GEAR for a year of (cold) adventures

As you might know, it is common for travel bloggers to post about what they bring on their trips. This edition of “What’s in the bag?” actually covers more than one bag. I only wish I was badass enough to go on a year-long trip with one singular bag. Don’t worry, I will not go through every single item of gear packed away. Let’s be real, no one has time for that.

Disclaimer: I am in no way advising you what to pack and what not to pack for this type of trip. This is an experiment by a very unexperienced winter-climate traveler. Come mid-winter there will be another post detailing everything I was wrong about bringing/ not bringing.

What’s more logical than to start with the bags themselves?

My backpack: REI Women’s Crestrail 65

Although I have yet to take this pack out on the trail it proved to be my top choice after trying on many different packs. I am not crazy about the color, but hey, it could be worse.

Image

My ski bag: Athalon 180cm Single Padded Ski Bag

It took me a while to realize “single” meant one pair of skis. I just couldn’t figure out why someone would need a bag for one singular ski…

2153VliR3QL

Smaller Backpack: Ortovox Thunder 35+ Climbing Backpack

With the lovely red, white, and blue I’m showing both USA and Norway pride. Two birds with one stone.

ortho

Daypack/ normal backpack: DaKine Heli Pro Snowsport 18L Backpack

It’s safe to say I am set on bags. Three backpacks might seem excessive but bags are definitely my weakness. This fashionable little pack has ski and ice pick carrying capabilities. Oh and a very handy fleece-lined goggle pocket. How cool is that?

51Her10P3xL._SY300_

Along with the various bags, my upcoming year requires other gear that can become very pricey. After hours of sale shopping and deal finding I have checked most things off my list. By primarily using Sierra Trading Post and Backcountry I managed to purchase most of my gear at an appealing 70% off. Not to mention, Backcountry has free two day shipping and a lifetime-unconditional return policy!

My Skis: Women’s Rossignol S3

I know nothing about skis, but my Norwegian cousin suggested these for the type of alpine touring skiing we will be doing.

rossignol-s3-skis-women-s-2013

Ski Bindings: Dynafit TLT Vertical FT Binding

Who knew a piece of (small) equipment could be so expensive? Even at 40% off these bindings set me back the most. I am hoping they will make me ski like a true Norwegian!

ONECOL

Ski boots: Dynafit TLT5 Mountain TF-X Alpine Touring Boot

A new ski purchase wouldn’t be complete without a pair of boots! Once again I know little when it comes to boots, but these came highly recommended.

WHI

Watch: Highgear Axis XT

My grandparents told me to pick out a watch for them to buy me as a graduation present. After a lot of time searching for the perfect watch I found this beauty from Highgear. It was important to me that it remained small while having key features such as a compass, altimeter, and barometer. My decision was validated when I read the article in Outside Magazine: The 4 Best Watches of 2013.

axisxt

Sleeping Bag: Marmot Women’s Ouray

This sleeping bag sure does have it’s work cut out for itself. Let’s hope it will keep me toasty warm throughout the night while I sleep in an igloo or under the open night sky. At just over 3 pounds the Marmot Ouray will be light in my pack which was important for me as I shopped for gear. This bag is normally nearly $300 but I got it for a steal on clearance at REI. I have to say, I am quite the bargain shopper.

21400_9413

Alright, that is enough gear-talk for now. As time passes, and I actually get a change to use all of this crazy equipment, I will have a better understanding of whether this gear is worth the buy. Stay tuned for a “What’s in the bag(s): How to pack CLOTHES for a year of (cold) adventures” posting!