Ski Bolnastua to Krokstrand

16 km, 300m Ascent, 550m Descent.

Yesterday I insinuated that today was an allegedly short ski to Krokstrand. A straight line between our destinations would be 7.5km if we took the main E6 road it would be a not entirely pleasurable 10km, so how the more astute among you are asking did we manage to stretch it to 16km? Well...

Basically we were going to cut the corner of the E6 by following the straight line between our destinations (yes that's the 7.5km option). Studying the maps beforehand both Andy and I had asked Mick if he had a plan for the descent on the far side, it looked exceedingly steep and exceedingly wooded. Yes no problem, he'd spied a suitable route.

So off we set, and pick up our pulk from yesterday. Let's just say that the lie of the ground didn't really let us take the direct route. By the time we'd reached the top of the steep descent we'd probably covered three sides of a square. Then the fun began. For once in my life I was up at the front as we skied back and forth looking for a break in the cliffs. Some possibilities, but the trees hid what then lay below so there was always the possibility of descending into a cul-de-sac. Eventually Mick chose a route. Skis off, attach them to your rucsac and attempt to walk down. The pulks were lowered on ropes as we slid and grovelled our way down. Eventually the ground levelled out and skis could be put back on. We hit the E6 for a final 3km to Krokstrand hiding a pulk in the trees at the foot of the road to Virvasshytta.

That night it was hot showers and beers all round.

Today's photo courtesy of Mick shows the interesting descent.