Skiing step by step

Once again this winter we are cross contry skiing in the mountains around Bergsdalen between Bergen and Voss. This time we really need to cross the river on the bridge. The ice on the river is gone during the last 3 weeks.

Today temperature is high even if the sky is cloudy. The skis are prepared with paste to get better fastening upwards. One of us has skis with once and for all preparation that look like shells to avoid slipping on the way up. Others have to ski the fishbone-way like this.

Downhill we can run without restraining when snow is moisty and the skis are gliding slow. Some of us like to use the plough-brakes as usual even if it does no harm to tumble in the snow. Then we look like this.

At this time, when a lot of people are skiing in the mountains, the help assistance is not far away. And during Easter holidays they are well prepared to give assistance.

These equipments help, but I prefer to ski. The deers however have to wade in the snow looking for food. In newfallen snow we can follow their tracks. Here the deers have crossed a few hours ago.

Bark from young trees is one of their favorites now during the winter. They also graze in people's orchards, and they are not shy until they are disturbed by the owner. But sorry for the trees when damaged like this:

Other animals are less harmful, but they might have a hard time to jump around in the snow. You are fortunate if you meet the animal who has these footprints, the hare.

The home cat is more often to be seen, we all know its prints. But there are also really big bulls outside. I am happy that they seemed to be in a calm mood today.

This time I have hooked on a skilift that takes me to the top of the mountain. The way up takes a lot of time. The lift passes through a forest beside the slalom track. This morning just a few skiers have arrived.

I have passed the forest and the upper point appears.

Total elevation difference back down to the the lower station is said to be 551 m. Now there is no other way down than the steep slalom track. The big challenge.

This run was enough for me today. Then I practised nordic skiing.

"Bergen Turlag" is the name of a lokal member association for mountain hikers, a part of The Norwegian Trekking Association - DNT- Norway's biggest outdoor activities organisation.

We start from a narrow road between Dale and Voss at about 580 m level.

A bridge has been built so hikers can cross the river in summer. Today we can trust the ice. The snow is very suitable for skiing, but the sun is hidden behind clouds. The track was waymarked last week, so it's easy to find the right way. We have passed the border of a lake and move upwards through the sparsely mountain forest.

The distance to the cabin is about 7 km. People are moving to and from, following the waymarks. At a distance they look very small, but after a few minutes we meet and new skiers appear in the track.

In winter the track has to be signed with poles. In summer the painted "T" on a stone show the pathway as seen in the right corner of the picture.

After one and a half hour the cabin can be seen some hundred meters away. A group of people have stayed here from last night, but most of us only have a daytrip to find the location.

There is room for 30 people to sleep inside. And there seems to be plenty of wood, so boots and wet clothes can be dryed. Dinner can be made on gaz in the kitchen corner, but I suppose that the wood oven under drying clothes also is used for cooking if nesessary.

"Vending" is the name of the cabin, located by a small lake with the same name at 820 m level. Near the cabin is built a smaller cabin for safety and supplementary use.

You should come and enjoy a trip in this mountain area.