The major planning process had already been taken care of by the university instructor, so all that was left for the students to plan was the following:
- Transport to and from the start location.
- Dietary requirements for the week.
- Snow hole groups.
- Ensuring that they had the right equipment.
Day 1
The course met at a car park in Berdalen and started to prepare their equipment ready for the weeks adventure. As soon as the skis were waxed and we were split into two groups we set off burdened by our heavy packs. This was to be the first time that the majority of the course had skied with large packs on and it evident that this additional load affected ski performance and made the journey to the hut considerably harder. Travelling up a valley the route to the hut was straightforward and not overly difficult to navigate.
At the hut we were given instruction on hut etiquette; collect snow for melting, remove excess snow from your boots and clothing, remove boots as soon as you’re through the door, ensure that the hut is clean and tidy at all times and leave it as clean as you found it. Once we had settled inside the warm comfortable hut we were all reluctant to go back outside into the cold so we retired early for what could be the last nights comfortable sleep.
Day 2
Each group was again split down and given specific areas where they were to look for suitable areas that would enable the construction of snow holes. Things to take into consideration are:
- Location. Ideally a large drift of snow with a steep face to allow for the excavated snow to be deposited down the slope.
- Sufficient depth. At least a several metres deep to allow for stability and insulation.
With these considerations in mind we set off to find an ideal location. Fortunately one was found where each of the groups could dig a snow hole close to each other. We then collected our packs and took them to the area that would be our accommodation for the next two nights.
To dig out the snow holes took the majority of the day, and in the link below you can view a video showing the technique used the construction technique used.
During the day we were also shown other forms of snow shelters and once constructed these were also used as sleeping areas, these were; an igloo and a Sig-igloo which is an emergency shelter and we were told originates from southern Germany.
After a hard day of moving vast amounts of snow, members of the groups slowly drifted off to their respective snow shelters to prepare for what would be the majorities first night of sleeping in a snow hole.
Day 3
After a cold start to the day we were going on a tour of the local area, the weather conditions were far from ideal but we set off regardless. Our group was heading easterly up a valley towards the area around Skardstjonnane. When we reached the lake the instructor decided that we should take a break under a group shelter, this got us out of the cold strong winds and snow and it was decided while we were under that we should return back to the area around the hut and snow holes. Going down the valley with the wind and snow to our backs led to some enjoyable downhill skiing.
When we were out of the wind and snow and in the shelter of trees, the instructor stopped at a cornice where we had to ski down while people at the top tried to trigger small avalanches so that we would experience in safety what it was like to be involved in one and try to ski out of it. When this instruction period was over we were given time to practice our turns in deep snow on the slope.
As the day progressed we finally made it back to our shelters, ate and went to sleep ready for the following day.
Day 4
Throughout the night the winds blew and the snow drifted, so much so the every entrance to the snow holes was blocked with spindrift and everyone had to dig themselves out of their shelters. After breakfasting and packing our equipment ready for the emergency shelter night the instructors let each of the groups navigate back towards the start point. This proved quite difficult due to the adverse weather we were experiencing, the thigh deep powdery snow and heavy packs didn’t aid in the journey back.
When we were in the relative shelter of woods the instructors led each group to an area where we were told that we would have 20 minutes to find and dig an emergency shelter for the evening. With our skis taken off we rushed around to find our respective locations and furiously dug out snow from our shelters. After 20 minutes the instructor shouted for to stop and gather on him. As a group we all went round each shelter and talked about the pros and cons of each. The quality of the shelters varied although some of the group were exceedingly lucky and had found natural cavities just beneath the surface. When we went to collect our packs the instructors told us that due to the weather being forecast to worsen we would not be staying out in our hastily made shelters, this was received with mixed emotions, some were relieved while others had wanted to stay overnight. So we donned our packs and made our way back to the car park, turned our equipment around ready for the journey back to Kristiansand.
The whole week had a positive learning experience for all members of the course. The key learning points experienced by some of the course members are:
- To try and reduce the weight of the pack.
- Ensure enough food is taken due to the energy expenditure experienced through the trip.
- Have spare warm clothing to change into for the night.
- Snow shelters when constructed correctly offer a comfortable and warm nights sleep instead of a tent in the same conditions.
- Navigation proved difficult in adverse winter conditions and extra time and effort should be taken when choosing and routes, as well as constantly checking the map to ensure you know where you are.
The whole week and the experiences were enjoyed by all regardless of the difficulties and physical exertions. From the ski in to digging the snow shelter and navigation in extreme conditions, this trip was a positive learning experience for all.