Already in March and it is time to plan for a cross-country ski-tour in the northern Sweden. This time it will be a journey to Gasen-Helags-Sylarna.

The Sylarna massif from Gasen cabin In wintertime..

The workout plan is followed, and so far so good. A bit stressed in the shoulders so I have to take it easy this week. But ten workouts in the diary feels good.

This years Piolet d’Or (the golden ice axe) goes to The American alpinist Jeff Lowe.

Jeff Lowe, winner of the Piolet d’Or.

This year’s winner, Lowe, is a giant of the sport who pioneered alpine climbing during the 1960s through 1990s.

Born in 1950, Lowe’s climbing career followed an arc like no other American mountaineer. He made upwards of 1,000 first ascents, authored books, and invented gear. Today Lowe lives in Louisville, Colo., and is continuing to inspire while battling a degenerative motor neuron disease.

And over to some new gear:

Black diamond has a new set up of camalots. The Camalot Ultralight is a high-tech upgrade for the light and fast climber’s rack.

And Arcteryx has a new soft-shell hoodie for climbing:

Arctreryx proton, build for the mountain environment..

Helmet compatible fully zipped and warm, this can be a new friend on the mountain.

See ya soon..