28 degrees, and summer feeling. Running X-country with the sweat flowing, and he is thinking of the Winter !?.
Well, it is time to plan for the upcoming season, and this winter we will provide a range of possibilities of snowshoe hiking. First of all it is really nice to do it in the midwinter. January to March will be the best, even if it also is nice in the spring winter as well. I have chosen five rally nice mountain lodges, for this trips. So here you will have really nice suggestions for areas that is not crowded or exploited. Lets begin with Kolåsen, In the mainpart of Skäckerfjällen you find this mountain lodge. With Sockertoppen, you will have a nice peak to hike. Next one will be the Jänsmässholmen, in the ara of Jämtlands Sarek, you will be all of your own on your tours. Up towards Mjölkvattnet you have a really nice hike area. Next opportunity will be Åkersjöns Mountain Lodge. Here you also have the wilderness just outside of the door. A lot of trails and mountains to visit. Next stop will be a bit higher up. 22km North of Åkersjön you will find the Rörvattnets Mountain Lodge. Here we got the Ansättåleden and also the Grubbdalsleden to hike. Now we move 30km East and land at Almedalens Mountain Lodge. Here you will be really off, in the roadless country. So if feel inspired of this, please contact us for a plan. So what do you say about a nice winter hiking tour on snowshoes, in a nice winter day. A bonfire hot chocolate and swedish fika, and a three dinner course and sauna. After that just preparing for the upcoming adventure day. Will we meet?
Early Tuesday morning I left Arlanda four a guiding mission at Kebnekaise area. After a hour transportation towards Nikkaluokta it was time for lunch. At the lunch our extra guide joined us as well. Now it was time to hike the first 5,6km to the bout who would take us 6km up in the Laddjuvari lake. The weather was rainy, so the bout journey was pleasant. After the ride we just got 8km in front of us to ( just 8km left to the mountain station)
the mountain station of Kebnekaise. Two and a half hours later we reach the station. We got our beds, and Me as a guide started to fix the dinner. After a whole day of travel, I think all of us got tired after the dinner. But now the extra guide Kenneth got his time for briefing before the attempt of summiting the south peak of Kebnekaise. Do all the packing ready before bed, breakfast at 05.00 and leaving the station at 06.00 at latest.
04.30 I get up and prepared the breakfast. 05.10 the first of the participant got there. At 06.05 all was ready and Kenneth have his briefing of the weather, risks and day-planning. He also exemplary did a gear control of all participants, and at 06.15 we left. After 1km we stopped for customize the clothing. Pretty soon we reached a river crossing, but we find a easy way and passed it with no problems at all. Soon we was in the end of the ”Kittel” valley. This part is heavy, it is steep uphill and uneven stony ground. After 4km we reach the (Kittel creek)
bridge over the Kittel Creek, and it was time for the challenging trail up towards the back of Toulpangorni and the peak of Vierranvarri. This is the turning point for those who feel very tired at this time. At 1716m and 6km uphill the legs protests. Now the real challenging part begins 200 height meters down and then 500 m height meters up. The mental game begins…After a short stop in the fog in the coffee valley it was time for starting the ascent of the south peak of Kebnekaise. After just 500m most of the participant in the group was tired, which they should be at this time. As head guide, I was watching the clock. We was in ok time, and not close to the turning point. So we just have to continue. Soon the group reached the old wind shelter at 7,7km out of 8,6 km and the top-fever powered up the whole group, the peak was now reachable. Soon we was at the place were the top cones snow reach the ground. The snow was hard and we all slipped for each step, But soon, very soon we all stood at the summit. The fog was dense over the peak, and we all decided to ( (Extra guide Kenneth Norberg at the south peak of Kebnekaise)
descend fast. We all reached the old wind shelter and there it was time for a short lunch break. Pasta Carbonara with grated Padano cheese made everyone happy and the other envy. Time to hike back to the Coffee valley again. The 200 height meter uphill is tough. After the uphill, it is steep downhill, and the thigh have to work hard. (The stairs built of Sherpas)
The stairs that the Sherpas has build was really nice to use at this time. Soon we all reached the bridge over Kittel valley again and we all stopped for a break. All filled up their water cans, and I gathered them all. I now telling them to get the feeling of reaching the top, drink water and boost the energy and mental will. Because now was the most dangerous part of the hike. The last 4km with tired legs and mind. The youngsters of the group was tired now, and slipped of the stones, but did well due to the effort of the day. The creek crossing went well except for a small fall. And at 18,30 we all was back. So after twelve hours and fifteen minutes we all have done it (in fog) and at 19,15 we all was seated for the dinner at the mountain station, tired but with a smile at our lips. Enjoying the day of summiting the south peak of Kebnekaise. After a shower and the sauna we all fall into sleep without any help of the sandman. Next day it was breakfast and gathering at 11.00 for planning the rest of the rest day. A short lesson about how a wind-shelter should be used and a demonstration of a bivvy bag could be used. Then it was two options: A peak-tour to Kebbnetjåkka at 1766m or a hike among a creek. All choose the last one without me who went for the peak-tour. The next day it was breakfast at 06.00 and at 07.00 we went (Satisfied participant) back to Nikkaluokta for transportation home.
Last week the blog was about the art of guiding in general and judgement in particular. And it was six areas about this; What I take in, Who and what I trust, What I know about this, What I feel and believe, My choice and at the end Delivery. So here follows how you can improve all this areas.
What I take in. When listening and reading, be aware of your own information filters – make sure you are not just getting what you like to hear or see. Secure the consistence of the information. If the quality of the information you receiving isn’t good enough don’t hesitate to demand improvements.
Who and what I trust. Ask yourself how much you know about the source of the information you are taking in and about the source you getting it from. How credible are they?
What I know about Keep a track record of your judgement for what went wrong and wright. Identify lessons that you learn from decisions taken at times of stress. Look for broader experience to build understanding an knowledge in areas where your judgement could be tested in the future.
What I feel and believe. At least understand, and if possible mitigate, your own biases. Check your understanding of these with someone independent of your viewpoint, such as a coach or mentor. Be aware of the values that needed, or might preclude you from pursuing certain decisions or courses of action.
My choice. Check the way a choice has been framed for mistakes, biases or omissions. Ensure there is a risk assessment. Consider preparation for the choice. Prior meetings to review and clarify issues can help take the pressure off the final decisions. Pre-mortems can help anticipate what might go wrong further down the line.
Delivery. Consider your own relevant delivery experience and that of those making the recommendations to understand feasibility and associated risk. Check the evidence and implications of the proposed speed of action, being explicit about trade-offs between time and cost.
And at the end always thing of: Think critically, and tackle ambiguity and complex problems effectively and efficiently. Listen, respect others and appreciate diversity in all its forms. Surround yourself with highly-regarded people. Communicate clearly and effectively. Act with purpose and intention.
(the back pack for the upcoming guide session) I will try to use all this thoughts and guidelines in practice in my upcoming guiding session. My result will be in the next blog. So time to go to Lapland and Kebnekaise…
Todays topic will be about guiding. I really don’t know how many hours we have spend about talking about how to become a good guide, and what is the difference between a good to a great guide…
( A lot of thought and coffee about guiding)
When training guides you learn a lot from the students, as well from the other trainer and most important about yourself. This topic is really complex, because we all have our own view of the conclusion. But from my understanding and discussion with other there are three main parts for becoming a good guide. But first of all is to understand the role of the guide. As a guide you should be a part of the team sometimes, a leader sometimes and also teacher or a coach. The ability to play and feel the right time for all roles will be the ground to stand on. I always also comes back to the three step thinking. What will happen in the next step if I take this decision, and the step after that…And when it comes to the ground the foundation it will be our way of making our judgement. This is an interesting area which I will dig deeper in. I must understand why I make the judgement I do. 1. What I take in. This is about how much attention we pay about what we hear and see. 2. Who and what I trust. We rely on the quality of people and material for the raw material of our judgements. In an era of “fake news” we are more aware than ever of the need for care about sources. Some colleagues are more reliable than others. 3.What I know about this Judgement is context-specific. What is right today may be wrong tomorrow when events have moved on. 4.What I feel and believe Values and beliefs are inevitably involved in judgements. It’s important that we are aware of them, not only to incorporate them if they are required, but also if they represent biases that could get in the way. 5. My choice (the stage at which many decision analysis techniques are available.) We need to make sure we bring together the raw material of the judgement in a way that improves the chances of success. 6.Delivery .Choice is not the end of the story. The feasibility of delivery also has to be considered.
And for being able to make and developing your ability of making good and right judgement, you must consider a responsibility of the participants, and safety. And also do it in a seriously way. With all important weight in the weighing scale. At Sunday I will continue of how to improve your way of improve your ability of making judgement.
The todays history begins in the mid-60s, that was when I was born. Growing up with skiing, skating and hiking in my youth, the naturally step was to be a member of the Swedish outdoor association. The weekend were spend in wind-shelters or small cabins.At the photo here you can see one of the cabins where I spend a couple of Friday-Saturdays in my youth... Building footbridges and bird-watching etc. This membership broad me up to Sylarna in Jämtland in the beginning of the 80s. I could not imagine at that time that I was going to end up to a International Mountain Leader…Today there are few trails, cabins or mountain stations in the Jämtland area that not has been visited by me. Adventures in the French alps, Italian alps the Austrian alps Morocco, Iran, Argentina, Norway led me to more experience and adventures. But lets begin from the start. Early 80s I went up to Jämtland for the first time. The Sylarna mountain station had burned down. The category of hikers at this time was old-fashioned. There was two big brands in Sweden at this time; Haglöfs and Fjällräven. Hiking was supposed to be a sacrifice and hard work. The frees-dried food was in a grey color and tasted…shit. But lets begin from the real beginning. The outdoor culture in Sweden was promoted by the Swedish outdoor association and that already in 1890. With the first school championship on skies in 1886 the movement has been started. In 1957 the exercise facilities was created as a standard for the Swedish breeding home. From here the outdoor culture was growing. So from that, I was introduced into the outdoor world. So that was the background in the 80s. During the 90s, the thinking was that its everyone’s responsibility to take care of our own outdoor and workout responsibility. Now the running trends started to get in to the society. Nordic walk with sticks, and also “bicycle moto-cross” what we today known as mountain biking. During the 2000s, the “extreme” challenges was on the map. X-treme running (earlier known as cross-country running) was a “new” thing. Also the multi-sport challenges stared to become a form of new challenge. But was does this have to do with outdoor in the mountains you may asking now. But all this variants have to be more extreme. And the next step was during the late 2000s to move them up to the Swedish mountains. Mountain marathon running, and Keb-classic etc. 2010s. has become the decade where everyone measure and compare everything and put it into social media. Its more or at least same importance to show others then for your self what you have done. So what is my thinking of it in the 2022 then? We got a new generation of hikers or visitors in the Swedish mountains. Visitors with less experience, and at the same time the peak hunters that got equipment and knowledge. This means that the mountain area will get more affected than we think. This combined with the warm up effect out of our way of living, means that I think we will need restriction. Both from an environment safety and sustainability perspective. But I a very optimistic for many people are talking about it and thinking about it and have stopped their consumption…
So what will be the essence of all this words then…Well with good training and preparation in low lands you will be able to have a nice time in the mountains. And I have been preparing the whole life for being intendent for the mountains, and…here I am:-) still learning, still developing:-)
A tour to Rjukan. During the last weekend, I went to Rjukan. This place is the Chamonix of Norway. When you come into the valley, the Gausta peak will be in your sight, just like Mont Blanc in Cham. The small town is magnificent, and offers a lot of adventures. A couple of morning hikes with the Husky and a peak visit at Gausta peak was the outcome. And also a visit at Vemork, the heavy water facility. Havent you been there, it is a must:-) Now I been there for both ice-climbing and hiking…
This week I will review the Montura wind revolution west.
July already and in the middle of summer. I have promise a review of a pant from Bergans, but I will dig a bit deeper in the area. I will also look into how to develop your skills of using intuition…
So when you are about to choose a pair of pant, there is a lot of different things you need to consider. Therefore it is not a easy topic. First you must choose if you want shell-pant or a soft-shell pant. That will be your first choice. Today I will dig a bit deeper in the choice of a soft-shell pant. (you might use this as well for a jacket) At this picture you got three different pant. One pant for three season hiking, One what I shell call a hybrid, and a one for high intensive activities.
Lets start with the one to the left, the Stellar EQ Guide shell hybrid pant. This one is nice and got reinforcement on the knees, the butt and in the end of the pant. This one is a nice three season pant, but it has some bad details (you can read about it in a earlier blog) You can keep them a bit longer than a regular pant, but that is just for a short while. The second pant is from Beyond Nordic, it has nice details but the fit is not 100% though the cost is 92,94 Euro so really cheap of what you get. The third one, is a scaled variant for high intensive activities. The cost of 223 Euro is to much for a such a stripped model. Ok, so what have we learned from this then? Well, if you want a pant that suits well, you have to pay a bit more. (not necessary for everyone, rather for the one being in the mountains much of his or her time). Even if you have a hybrid pant (or jacket) you still need some sort of shell) So why don’t bring just one apparel. For the legs(pant) it can be a choice of bringing a breathable choice and bring a light rain pant in the back-pack. So what do I like the Y-lightline progressive pant from Bergans then?
This pant is alpine fit, means that it is tight fit. This is something I really like. Two big pockets were you can store a map etc. So really nice, but the price comparing to details and finish is to expensive. So it will be just NNN. No ventilation zippers or any other details. I have much higher expectations on a pant at this price area…
And now over to something complete different; In the mountain my intuition have both help me, and save me a lot of times. When you got that feeling that something is wrong and you take another decision that leads to the right way…Such as when you got a strange knowing that something is going to happen. Or an unexplained feeling that want go away, Feeling very strong emotions toward someone or something and later understanding that those feelings were correct, and why…So how can you become even better of this skills? This suggestion might help:
First of all, start meditate. Use just a couple of minutes every day and just sit and meditate. Become aware of your gut instinct, choose the way or path you ”feel” most of. Third is to doing daily body scan, check if and where you got tension. This will also be in the present in a nice way. Spend time outside, use the lunch for a walk in the park. Be aware of what thought that comes up during this. It might be your intuition speaking to you. Get of from being reachable, get of from social medias etc. not for 1 hour but for four hours. Next suggestion will be to ask a question to your intuition, sit down and think of it, journal if you got a piece or the whole answer. It might not come immediately, but the process is ongoing. If you do this the developing is on, good luck!
At this time of year the longing for trail running starts to appear. I have a lot of good suggestions, but there is an area which have a special place in my heart. In the middle the Lunndörrs cabin is placed. To hear and from hear you have a lot of nice choice. A favorite is to start from Tossåsen and run trough the Lunndörrs pass. A wind-shelter is placed on the way. It is about 20km and uphill’s towards the wind-shelter, after that it is quite easy. If you are a beginner of the trail-running I have another suggestion; Bydalen has become a pearl for me, So park in Bydalen village, and follow a track towards Fjallhalsen. From here you are on the track towards Sällsjöfjället which is the target of the day. Aim for the Mårdsundsbodarna and passed them and turn back towards Bydalen again. You have a couple of choice of trails and why dont you go for the peak of Västerfjället? This round will be approx. 22km and really nice trails that welcomes you. If you want to know more of how to do the trail-running, check it out next Sunday when I will blog about it in detail…
When it comes to the workout, it is ongoing quite good. Today it was running-Mountain-bike cycling and also once more running. And you also can add a couple of kilometers with the husky as well:-). So no rest days here.
This week I will review the Y-light pants from Bergans of Norway. With a cost of 150 Euro I got high expectation out of this ones. This pant is made out of 85% polyamide and 15% elastane. The weight is 305 g. You can compere with ex, Norröna Falketind 426g) with a high performance softshell material and with PFAS free components this pant is build for high performance in the mountains says the commercial . So what does the guide says? This is a stripped pant. With a price of 150 Euro I think I have expected something more. It has alpine fit, which is something I like. But just two pockets, and a very simple trouser end lock. What I like is a innovative solution for fitting the waist. So ok, I will test this upcoming week for a fair review.
Today I will start of presenting some of the different kind of the characters in the Swedish mountains.
First we got the Ski-alpinist. This one will often be seen close to a mountain station. Normal skiers love the downhill turns, but that is not what’s triggers this one. No, their target is to hunt as much altitude meters. The one get most in the end of the season will win. Their season starts in November and will end in late May. But they want to have cozy, so after a long day with lot of altitude meters the beer and the steak is waiting for them.
The next character will be the artic fox. For sure they got a full packed back pack. The dream is to have a Fjallraven raven gyro from the 80s. You can easily be mistaken that this character just “go with the flow” but don’t get fooled by the outlook. The artic fox hunt kilometers and forgotten trails he or she can tell stories about at the mountain club. At the mountain station the character snorts at the other outdoorer eating in the restaurant. This one you find in the self-catering in full swing open a can of “bullens pilsner korv”, complaining over its to good service at this days.
We also got the beginner. This one has just understand from Instagram that mountain hiking is the thing to do at the time. With all the nice pictures he have understand that it always is perfect weather and easy to do. What is distinctive with this one is that the equipment is mixed up. A Gore-Tex jacket, loafers and back pack with wheels. When they finally reach the cabin, they are so happy of survived the day so the order a big drink if its possible to celebrate the expedition of the day. They can talk in two hours about the effort and the hardships of the day. And what they have achieved, but don’t worry! They will fall at sleep before 20.00.
The outdoor yoga fantast is also an interesting figure. In the beginning you don’t notice this character. They are very quiet, and move smooth. But you can recognize them due to the clothing. For sure they got colorful tights, and with always a smile on their lips. But if you haven’t notice them you will do it for sure at the breakfast. When you look out from the panoramic windows of the mountain station you can see them hunting a new yoga movement in the sunrise (also this with a smile on their lips).
If its summer, you will also discover the mountain bike enthusiast. Always on the run, from station to cabin and back to a station again. He hunting new and dangerous trails. With lycra all over he is easy to recognize. This is a gear master, he got it all. If you for any reason should need a hack saw, you can ask this guy and he will picked out from his pocket in the lycra shirt. In his mind is just one thing getting polished, what his next bike will be. 20 more gear and carbon frame which will be 20 gram lighter…
And at last the guide, this one you will find in one of the corner of the mountain station. With a goggle sun tan provided by layer of Latchenkeifer, the skin look like leather. Hanging over a map, with a compass in full swing and with the coffee steaming from the cup. For sure he will have a Mammut or Black Diamond t-shirt with a flannel shirt over, and a cap. He will for sure having a tattoo of a dog, Indian sign or something like it. Last time he was at an hairdresser was in June 1992. He is always thinking about the next adventure, more adrenaline to come…
Ok, I might be a bit generalizing here. And as you can se I have described the character as he. This is because the female cant be categorized in this way. They are much more sophisticated:-) than that…
But look at this from a more realistic view. It might be fun, but to be honest. We are to much focused of hunting experiences, adventures kilometers etc. So we have forgotten the kernel of it all. To fully enjoy.
Sunday again and some time for reflection. Its’s nice just sitting and thinking with a good cup of coffee. Yesterday I was driving the car 1000 km and climbing 2 routes of Via Ferrata, within 3,5 h. But the funny is that it really gives more energy to do small adventures such as this. Via Ferrata is a good step from wall climbing to outdoor cliff climbing. You learn how to read, where to put your feet and hands. So why don’t you go for a try:-)
Today I also want to describe one of my gold hike. Beside of the crowded trails from the big mountain stations, there is some hidden trails that is quite easy to access, and you also can combined them with comfort at a mountain station as well. So here comes one of my ”secret” suggestion. You take the night train towards Undersåker. From here you take a shuttle(Taxi) to Vålådalen. Here you hidden towards the Vålåstugorna. This is a 20 K long trail. So be sure you have eat a great breakfast before leaving Vålådalen. The Vålåstugorna is a cabin, with a small store. So here you can by some food etc. This trail you will be almost alone after a couple of kilometres. From Vålåstugorna you shall hike towards Helags mountain station. The trail is one of the longest in Jämtland, and that also means the one with almost no hikers on. So you will be almost alone here as well. The distance here is 23 km, så as usual start early. At Helags you can enjoy the sauna and the two course dinner at 18.00. From Helags you will head for the Gåsen Cabin. This trail is as well not so many who hikes. The distance of the day is 17 km, and the shortest of this suggested tour. The trail goes up and down, but its nice. The Gåsen cabins does not got any sauna, but still you can buy some food and refreshments there. Enjoy the evening view over Helags and the Sylarna massif from here. It is unbeatable in this area…And now the last trail. From Gåsen you will head for Storulvån mountain station. To begin with is downhill and easy, you soon will pass the wind shelter ”Gåsen” and soon you will approach a bridge. After that bridge follow the height and pass in between östra endalshöjden and Lillulvåfjället. Here you can stay at spåjme wind shelter if needed. Now its almost just down hills to Storulvån mountain station for a shower, sauna and a two to three course dinner and transfer for the nigh train back home. This tour will give you the best out of Jämtlandfjällen.
When it comes to the Via Ferrata at Skuleberget it was as usual a great experience. With a pre-summer sun, and some ”high” air the circumstances could not have been better. Guiding up the white trail and then enjoy a lunch at the top cabin. Really nice. The other was satisfied, but I went up for another round. So the yellow trail within 45 min up and down, its quite OK. (have to wait in the last part of the trail:-))
If you start you hike at Abisko tourist station, you might follow the trail towards Vassecohkka or even to Kattejaure. Then you will pass the small mountain cabin Karsavagge. This is one of the smallest cabins. With its 10 beds it can sometimes be a bit crowded here. Karsa (from karsavagge) means gully, and the cabin is placed in a beautiful gully. The cabin is one of the oldest and there are a couple of stories about visitors that didn’t slept so well here. So there is stories about ghosts here. In may 2003 a man was caught in an avalanche, it might being him haunted the cabin:-). But there is also a story about a man visiting the cabin and have gone to bed. In a sudden the door of the cabin went up and a women standing there. She went towards the man, but when she come to the table, she walk through it and disappeared. There also was a group of med sleeping in the cabin when they saw a women outside. One of the men run out, and put a hand on her shoulder. He was going to ask if she want to spend the night in the cabin. But when she turned he couldn’t see any face on the woman. Whatever if there is ghost or not the cabin is a perfect day target from Abisko Tourist station with lot of fine continues hikes from here.
(Karsavagge gully)
(Stellar Guide Shell hybrid pant)
This week I have test the Stellar Guide shell hybrid pant. As the name remark it is a hybrid pant. The half part of the pant is in 89% nylon and 11% elastane. The other half is Dermizax. The reinforcement of Dermizax is on the from the knees and down and also at the butt. A compromise of function will often be that it don’t work in either conditions. So it is here. With a cost of 2500:-(240 EURO) I have high expectation. But sorry to say, the product will not living up to that. The belt easy can disappear in the lining, a small hook for keys etc. got to short hold, so it get stuck in the zipper. I also like to have a net in the ventilation, in the winter the snow will get in there (but that is a bit of taste) But the zipper is just going one way. The tailor choose the cheap way… It feels like this product left the drawing table to fast. I think Stellar has get stacked in developing a series of clothing to fast. It also is described as ski-mountaineering, mountaineering pant. I think it is a ski, and ski-mountaineering pant in the first place and also might can be used as a mountaineering pant. I will give it NNN-, price and details will be the reason for that. I There have been a lot of tries in doing the optimal pant. Haglofs did a soft shell Gore-Tex pant, and that was ok. But as you know I got the suggestion that Lundhags Rocketer will be the best pant. And I haven´t got any better so far…
And after a couple of weeks and km I can give an update of the Alfa Eggi Advanced GTX boot. I think this is a real good working machine. Daily hikes with the husky, and since April I been using this ones. And I will give them NNNN, but for the price 2500;- and not the normal price 3500:-. that value still stands.
28 degrees, and summer feeling. Running X-country with the sweat flowing, and he is thinking of the Winter !?.
Lets begin with Kolåsen, 
In the mainpart of Skäckerfjällen you find this mountain lodge. With Sockertoppen, you will have a nice peak to hike. 
Next one will be the Jänsmässholmen, in the ara of Jämtlands Sarek, you will be all of your own on your tours. Up towards Mjölkvattnet you have a really nice hike area. 
Next opportunity will be Åkersjöns Mountain Lodge. Here you also have the wilderness just outside of the door. A lot of trails and mountains to visit. Next stop will be a bit higher up. 22km North of Åkersjön you will find the 
Rörvattnets Mountain Lodge. Here we got the Ansättåleden and also the Grubbdalsleden to hike.
Now we move 30km East and land at Almedalens Mountain Lodge. Here you will be really off, in the roadless country. So if feel inspired of this, please contact us for a plan. So what do you say about a nice winter hiking tour on snowshoes, in a nice winter day. A bonfire hot chocolate and swedish fika, and a three dinner course and sauna. After that just preparing for the upcoming adventure day. Will we meet?
