Nybörjare söker råd

[it1.gonzo@memo.volvo.se (David Taub)]

Hi, I'm a beginner to the whole ski tour thing (I hope it's ok if I write in English) and was hoping to get some advice. I can read swedish, so you can answer me in Swedish if you prefer. I am hoping to do a ski tour in Sarek or somewhere nearby sometime and was trying to gather information on what I need to know to be able to do it.


I know how to cross country ski, at least on normal boring pre-made tracks, but I have some questions about a more serious tour.


First, what do you use for going up the longer and steeper hills. I assume normal Valla isn't going to cut it. I've heard something about "skins"?


Second, how do you go downhill? I can what you call "slalom" ski no problem, but this obviously won't work with cross country skis, at least not well. Do I have to learn telemarking? I've heard that for telemarking you need "special" telemarking skis a completely separate type than either slalom or cross country.


Third, can I use my normal cross country skis for a tour in Sarek? (the ones I use when I go to Långberget or Hovfjället for example) or do I need special skis?


Please email me any advice, links, suggestions, you may have to help me get started:
it1.gonzo@memo.volvo.se


Thanks,
David Taub

 

[Anonym från gamla forumet]

Untitled

Hello David,


Skiing in the Swedish mountains in general is not extremely demanding on equipment and technique. If you are not planning to climb bigger mountains you do not need skins (stighudar) or telemark skis/technique. Most routes avoid the steeper slopes. What you do need are skis with steel sides (stålkanter) and good clothing, shovel and windsack to cope with bad weather. Another good idea is not to go alone.


However, when you mention Sarek as a destination it sound much more serious. There are no cabins, no tracks, risk for avalanches etc so you will have to carry all equipment (food, tent, sleeping bags etc.) in the sack, or preferrably a sleigh. Most people would avoid that area for the first visit.


For references, Claes Grundsten has written several books that could be of interest; among others Vandra Kungsleden 1-3 that include good descriptions on routes and that also have some info on winter conditions, equipment etc. The Svenska Turist Föreningen (STF) have good information on tours with cabins as well as suggestions on what equipment to bring.


http://www.stfturist.se/


Some recomendations on security issues that can be of help are at;


http://www.environ.se/fjallsakerhet/


Hope this can be of help.


HG

 

[rjmh@cs.chalmers.se (John Hughes)]

Suggested tour

Why not tour in the Kebnekaise area? The scenery is dramatic,
but (if you choose the right tour) the skiing is easy and there are cottages to stay in. For example, ski from Kebnekaise to Singi and Sälka, the latter two on Kungsleden. I did this a couple of years ago and much enjoyed it, on ordinary tour skis (with steel edges) -- no problem. I would also recommend going on from Sälka towards Nallo, and turning right to go up to Unna Räita. That valley is fabulously beautiful -- the high point of my trip -- but the cottage at Unna Räita is very primitive in comparison to the others. Just a shack with a stove, really, room for four at a pinch and maybe six at an absolute maximum. We also skied from Tarfala over to Kaskasa-forgotten it, up the side of a glacier, which was very memorable, but that tour definitely requires climbing skins. Also some avalanche risk on this last bit, which the warden at Tarfalastugorna helped us avoid. Check with STF that the mountain stations and cottages are open, though, before attempting this tour.


It's a great comfort on this kind of tour to travel with a more experienced friend the first few times. After all, even if you carry a shovel, will you know what to do with it if a storm strikes? If you don't have one, try STF's organised tours: I've done that too, and had a lot of fun.

 

[anders.lundgren@satellus.se (Anders Lundgren)]

Tips

Hi!
I recommend my friennds web-site. Everything in English and.... he´s an englishman on skis!
http://alpha2.bmc.uu.se/~markh/
Look under Lappland tours and sports!!


See ya!


Anders Lundgren