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   Difficulty: 4 out of 4

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   Trip Leaders: Andrew and Erlend

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   Description:

   In the run-up to the Easter weekend we will cross Hardangervidda from
   north to south on mountain skis (fjellski), starting at Finse and
   finishing at Rjukan. The route is approximately 120km, and we estimate
   that it will take 6 days to complete, although there is a possibility
   that it may take longer if weather conditions are unfavourable along
   the way and weâre forced to wait inside. The route is Finse - Krækkja
   - Sæltjønnslæger - Mårbu - Kalhovd - Helberghytta - Rjukan, all of
   which is along marked (kvistet) trails, over relatively flat terrain.
   The longest day is 27km, with most other days being about 20km. We will
   be aiming to stay in cabins along the way (1 betjent DNT cabin, 2
   selvbetjent DNT cabins, 1 ubetjent DNT cabin, 1 nødbu), and carrying
   tents as a backup option. Alternatively, we can aim to stay in tents
   and use cabins as a backup option in order to save money. This can be
   discussed ahead of the trip.

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   Logistics:

   We will take the first train from Bergen to Finse in the morning on
   Saturday 9th April and ski the first leg of the route on the same day.
   We will take the bus from Rjukan to Bergen either in the evening on
   14th April, or in the morning on Friday 15th April, depending on how
   late we arrive in Rjukan. Alternatively, you can arrange your own
   transport home if you plan on being somewhere else for Easter. Weâve
   planned the trip such that we will be finished before the Easter
   weekend, but it is possible that we may get delayed during the trip due
   to bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

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   Warning:

   Conditions on Hardangervidda are harsh and hostile. It is here that the
   polar explorers Amundsen and Shackleton chose to train for their
   expeditions to the South Pole, the former described the region equally
   as hazardous as Antarctica, and the latter described the region as
   Antarctica in miniature. Weather on Hardangervidda can be highly
   variable in April, ranging from blue skies and glorious sunshine to
   furious wind and snow, and itâs not unlikely that weâll experience the
   full range. The lowest temperature in April last year was -22.8°C, and
   the average temperature was -7.2°C. In order to participate on this
   trip you must have some experience of longer trips on skis, and ideally
   have some prior experience of winter trips on Hardangervidda or other
   high-mountain areas with extreme weather conditions. You need to be in
   good physical shape, free from injuries, and aware that youâll be far
   away from the security of civilization should something go wrong.
   Welcome to the frozen wilderness.

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   Equipment:

   You need the following equipment to participate:
     * Mountain skis with steel edges (fjellski), boots, poles and skins â
       can be rented from BSI.
     * Snow shovel â can be rented from BSI.Â
     * Goggles, water/wind proof clothes, hat and mittens
     * Warm clothing appropriate for ski touring
     * Winter sleeping bag (the warmer the better)
     * Thick sleeping mat - can be rented from BSI.
     * Cooking equipment (pots and stove) - can be rented from BSI.
     * Head lamp
     * A rucksack large enough to carry all of these things

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   Number of Participants: 6

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   Approximate Costs:

   Transport: 1000kr

   Accomodation: 900kr in cabins or 0kr in tents

   Food: 1000kr

   Total: 2000kr â 2900kr (depending on choice of accommodation)

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   Registration: Registration for this trip will be sent out on March 9th.
   This gives us sufficient time to go over required equipment and get to
   know each other a bit before the trip.Â

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   Questions: Send an email to Andrew (ajrowlands96@gmail.com)

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