This trip would be an opportunity to ski with heavier packs than previously, we would also be able to put into practice the snow hole and emergency shelter theory we had been taught in previous weeks. The plan was to ski to the Berdalsbu DNT hut and locate a suitable area for the snow holes. We would stay in the hut for the first night to allow us to have a whole day to construct the holes where we would sleep for following two nights, on the fourth day we would head back towards the vehicles then build and sleep in emergency shelters somewhere in the woods.

The rout to the hut was simple to navigate and not overly difficult physically. Once we reached the hut we dropped of our kit, had a short rest and then were sent out to look for suitable areas for snow holes. We found a large cornice next to a stream with lots of deep snow in the surrounding area. We spent some time skiing up and down the hill side and seeing how fast we could go then headed into the huts for dinner and bed.

The next day we packed up and headed to the identified area, because of the size of the cornices we were able to get three holes in the same general area. The weather was amazing so we had a chilled day digging the hole. I was sharing a hole with Will and Kirby and we all pitched in to get it made. I got quite good at using the ice saw to cut large blocks which meant we could dig the hole quicker and it would be easier to lower the door at the end. We had so many big blocks that I made a totem pole to guard the door. Sleeping in a snow hole was something that I was looking forward to and I found it surprisingly warm once the door had been lowered.

On the third day the plan was to head up a re-entrant to the top of the surrounding hills, however the weather was totally atrocious with strong winds and snow being funnelled down the re-entrant. This made our uphill progress very difficult, because of this the group ended up going at different speeds. A small group (myself included) went off too fast and due to the terrain and weather were very quickly lost from view by the rest of the group. When the rest of the group caught us up we were appropriately reprimanded and the group set off as one again.

We found a semi-sheltered area for a break and decided that the weather conditions warranted returning to the snow holes rather than continuing on the tour. To get down the steep, icy hill Len led the group and we followed the leader in one long line, gathering in small groups every now and then to make sure no one got left behind. I was the tail man and it was my job to make sure that no one went behind me, I enjoyed this role as it meant that I could take my time and to an extent pick my own route without risking getting in someone else’s way.

Upon reaching the shelter of the snow holes Will, Kirby and I got the tea on and got into our sleeping bags with our books. Apart from making dinner we just chilled for the afternoon as the snow and wind did not stop.

At around 2300 will got up to go to the toilet and we discovered that the door had been halfway filled in, we cleared it and made sure that the air hole in the roof was also clear. When we awoke at 0730 the door was completely filled, Will began clearing it as Kirby and I made breakfast. After digging a tunnel nearly 10ft long Will broke through and I widened it as he ate. Once we were outside we discovered that our skis, which we had left approximately 15ft away, were completely covered in snow with only the tip of one ski showing. Will and I dug to them, constantly being buried when the slope avalanched on us and struggling closer to the skis. Luckily we were able to find them but we learnt a valuable lesson: put your skis right next to the door.

We then packed our bags and skied down towards the vehicles. We stopped a short distance away and were told that we had 20 minutes to get underground, after which we would be able to work more in order to have a more comfortable night. By the time I found a suitable area I only had 15 mins left. I dug into the slope and then turned to contour the hill, once I had dug enough to get most of my body in I used my skis and poles to extend the roof and would have pulled my pack over the door to seal it. Fortunately Len informed us that due to the weather none of us had to spend the night in the emergency holes. We had the choice to stay there or go home, unsurprisingly no one opted for a cold, uncomfortable night.

I really enjoyed the experience of building and sleeping in a snow hole as it was something that drew me to the programme in the first place. It was also interesting learning how to build an emergency shelter. I think that the group (Will, Kirby and I but also the whole group) bonded over the week through sharing a common goal (finishing the snow holes) and working together to accomplish it.