Tielma Productions

Almtuna vs. Troja

2011-12-14T08:30:00.000+01:00

It's not been a good season for Almtuna and Robin Dahlström's goal with about 5 minutes to go in the third put the game away and might have sealed their fate for the season. It looks like relegation. Of note, the 10 Troja fans made considerably more noise than the 60 Almtuna fans. It's been a steep dive since almost qualifying for Elitserien...

Timbuktu

2011-12-13T08:30:00.000+01:00

The things unstable weather can make you do... Then again, Jason Diakité is worth seeing even on a good weather day, a class act with a message worth listening to. Timbuktu, backed by Damn at Uppsala Koncert and Kongress, 2011-12-08.

Untermensch!

2011-12-12T08:30:00.000+01:00

To embrace the night, darkness, is not to become less but rather to open one's mind to more possibilities. And in this case, it involves removing the pads to avoid a dab. Which didn't seem to be a problem at the time... At the time I felt that X-rays of my foot might tell a different story. It also calls to mind an incident a few years back which might have led to the prescription of a little Lithium. I recommend chalking any potentially wet top outs to avoid the necessity of repeating what was already difficult to do in the first place...

It's a strange dyno, more like grabbing at something while falling away than thrusting toward it, yet when it goes, it's effortless. Shawn Boye almost sticking the dyno on Untermensch! 7B+, Focksta. The send would come a little later during, this, the second session.

Matilda Nordman

2011-12-09T08:30:00.000+01:00

Matilda Nordman, Finland, Scandinavian Junior Boulder Champion. Seldom do you see a climber move so effortlessly, a real talent.

Benjamin Linné Ryn

2011-12-08T08:20:00.000+01:00

Benjamin Linné Ryn, Sweden, Scandinavian Junior Boulder Champion. Dude is strong!

Anders Kvåle Farestveit

2011-12-07T08:30:00.000+01:00

Anders Kvåle Farestveit, Norway, Scandinavian Boulder Runner Up 94-95.

Katrine Vandet Salling

2011-12-06T08:30:00.000+01:00

Katrine Vandet Salling, Denmark, Scandinavian Boulder Champion 94-95.

Boulder JNM 2011

2011-12-05T08:30:00.000+01:00

Well, the future is now and man, I'm psyched! Check out the entire set on Flikr... Hanna Carlsson cutting loose at the Scandinavian Junior Boulder Championships, Klättercentret Telefonplan, Stockholm.

Untermensch!

2011-11-29T08:30:00.000+01:00

I have a mantra for climbing success, its as simple as "Don't let go!" Unfortunately, this might not apply to low ball bouldering and the dreaded "dab". Untermensch! is such a problem, you can stick the jug and still not send, the crux being to keep your cutting foot off the pad. Shawn Boye working Untermensch! 7B+, Focksta.

Humanus Inferior

2011-11-28T08:30:00.000+01:00

We come out at night, under the cover of darkness, free from the fear of persecution... Christoffer Westin working Untermensch! 7B+, Focksta on a sticky winter evening.

Bananbänken (Banana bench)

2011-11-21T08:30:00.000+01:00

A canopy, the perfect set up, Per figured it "Looks like a christmas tree." It's getting to be that time of the year, let's hope the stick sticks around a little while yet... Per Arnsäter fighting and sending Bananbänken 6C, Fiby.

What else would you do on a Thursday night?

2011-11-18T08:25:00.000+01:00

Starry conditions and -2 °C, "What else would you do on a Thursday night?" wondered Emil Ragnarsson. Despite his amorous overture and delicate crimps Med Ena Foten i Bäcken 7A, Fiby steadfastly resisted. The trick is to stand up on your right foot and for me, after a decade of on again-off again attempts its all over.

Tottes Hund (Tottes Dog)

2011-11-11T08:30:00.000+01:00

Some guys go out in the forest and take pictures of themselves, for whatever reasons. I suppose it's both promotional and artistically challenging, nonetheless, its much more fun to share the experience. Jonas Wigren sticking the "other" crimp on Tottes Hund 7A+, Fiby, Sweden.

Med Ena Foten i Bäcken (With one foot in the creek)

2011-11-10T08:30:00.000+01:00

It doesn't really matter how you hold the intermediate so long as your right foot sticks and you can stand up. However, when it's sharp it pays to have, and stick to, a game plan. It's been maybe 10 years but now I've got my beta, I'm just waiting for the tips to heal. Strange that after all those years, the stunning arête to the left still hasn't seen an ascent...

Jonas Wigren making the most of good footwork and sticky conditions sending Med Ena Foten i Bäcken 7A, Fiby, Sweden.

Med hela foten i träsket (With the foot in the swamp)

2011-11-09T08:30:00.000+01:00

The choice of lipstick? I have no idea... but apparently, her other foot was in the marsh. Unable to reach arête to arête, Veera Kainiemi is forced to sort out her own beta on Med hela foten i träsket 6A+, Focksta, Sweden

Scarred?

2011-11-08T08:30:00.000+01:00

So... who do you think is more scarred, Veera or the bloc? Veera Kainiemi attempting to top out Mysk 5C, Focksta, Sweden

African Herbsman

2011-11-07T08:30:00.000+01:00

Well, he doesn't have any dreads but nonetheless... The night season upon us, African Herbsman 7B at Ålandsdal is close to the road and an excellent problem. The trick with this one is to pull your body to the right when catching to the sloper. You don't need to get that high, just hit the sloper right and its over, even if the temps are still a bit high. Per Arnsäter sticking and sending African Herbsman 7B, Uppsala, Sweden.

Västervik International Boulder Meet 2011

2011-11-01T08:30:00.000+01:00

Västervik International Boulder Meet 2011 from Shawn Boye on Vimeo.

Watch Anthony Gullsten, Guntram Jörg, Chris Webb Parsons and Alex Puccio send some of Västerviks finest boulder problems during the Västervik International Boulder Meet 2011, Västervik, Sweden. Featuring More Than One Way To Skin A Cat 8A, Storm 8A, Goofhead Variant 8A+, The Hourglass Sds 8B, The Office Sds 8A and Namaste 8A+.

Fall Collection

2011-10-28T08:30:00.000+02:00

Jonas Wigren sporting sending colors at Dödeskalleberget, Stockholm, Sweden. Do you think they'd admit him to the Tyresö Sjökrog?

Palpation

2011-10-27T08:30:00.000+02:00

It's an obvious and foreboding line, an overhanging dihedral topped by a bouldery finish. At least the rock is solid. Jonas Wigren looking to stick the arête on Puls 7c+, Skevik, Stockholm, Sweden.

La Sportiva Legends Only

2011-10-25T08:30:00.000+02:00

Paul Robinson enjoying the results of his battle with problem #4 at La Sportiva Legends Only, Klättercentret Telefonplan, Stockholm, Sweden. A fantastic event, see all the photos on Flikr.

Café con leche

2011-10-21T08:30:00.000+02:00

Café con leche is the line that catches your eye every evening as your walk out of the gorge on your way to Kalandraka for an after climb. It doesn't climb like it looks but it is as good as it looks, and in a slightly different style than many of the other steep routes at Rodellar. Another great route but bring a wrench, the bolt below the crux was loose. Shawn Boye sending Café con leche 7b, Café Solo, Rodellar, Spain.

Pequeño Pablo

2011-10-20T08:30:00.000+02:00

Maybe not the best warmup, it's pumper than it looks, my forearms were burning for a good 5 minutes after clipping the chains but the fight was worth it. Shawn Boye sending Pequeño Pablo 7a+, Egocentrismo, Rodellar, Spain.

La más fea de Sevillia

2011-10-19T08:30:00.000+02:00

It can be an idea to take into account the name of the climb, however, the rare sight of a slab sent Linda's reason running like water down a canyon. Fortunately, in the end, after a turbulent battle she did emerge victorious.

Linda Sandgren working on the wrong side of vertical on La más fea de Sevillia 6c, El Callejón, Rodellar, Spain.

Technique

2011-10-18T08:30:00.000+02:00

Yes. Helen Manancourt cruising No hay pico con lagunas 6b+, Pince sans rire, Rodellar, Spain.

Tool

2011-10-17T08:30:00.000+02:00

The use of tools separates us from most other animals, the complexity of which we often take for granted. What sort of tools are we capable of constructing, with our own hands, should the need arise? And how does our reliance on the industrial framework affect our ability to evolve society? Linda Sandgren having a paleolithic snack, Rodellar, Spain.

Pasaba por aquí

2011-10-14T08:30:00.000+02:00

Björn Bergmark clipping some big fat, screw-on, ring bolt on Pasaba por aquí 7a, El Callejón, Rodellar, Spain.

Beauty and the Beast

2011-10-13T08:30:00.000+02:00

Pince sans rire is an absolutely stunning black tuffa that catches your eye from across the valley. However, the route was bolted using expansion bolts, and being steep and popular leads to excessive vibration on decent that results in loose nuts.

Putting up the slings I discovered, rather unpleasantly considering the spacious bolting, that the nut on the seventh bolt was loose. A fall above the seventh bolt which could happen considering the pumpy nature of the route, in which the nut, hanger and sling came off could easily result in the climber cratering on the slab below, around the third bolt. A rather unappealing notion.

The solution, tighten the bolt by hand, as I didn't have a wrench with me, and don't let go. Unfortunately, loose nuts were so common in Rodellar that I took to automatically clipping the sling, testing and tightening the bolt by hand and then clipping the rope. I'll definitely have a wrench on my harness the next time I go to Rodellar but it would be nice to see more glue in bolts.

Shawn Boye, motivated after hand tightening a nut, sending Pince sans rire 7b+ second go, Rodellar, Spain.

Sopas de ajo

2011-10-12T08:00:00.000+02:00

Helen Manancourt dancing her way up Sopas de ajo 7b+, Gran Bóveda, Rodellar, Spain.

Conejo caliente

2011-10-11T08:30:00.000+02:00

Gym climbing at El Camino, Rodellar. I'd been advised that it's jugs, but its not jugs, which I suppose depends on how many meters you got in, in advance. Shawn Boye hopping up Conejo caliente 7a+, El Camino, Rodellar, Spain.

Distraction

2011-10-08T08:30:00.000+02:00

Shawn Boye distracted by some Spaniard in the roof before getting revenge on Pire en el Fire 7a, Pince sans rire, Rodellar, Spain.

The View...

2011-10-07T08:30:00.000+02:00

How can you enjoy the view when you don't send? Shawn Boye after making a mistake on Pire en el Fire 7a, Pince sans rire, Rodellar, Spain. Revenge was had...

L'ombra de la barca

2011-10-06T08:30:00.000+02:00

Linda Söderlund working her way up La hombre de la barca 6b+, Aquest any sí, Rodellar, Spain.

El Delfín

2011-10-05T08:30:00.000+02:00

The arch with what appears to be some missing grips... Linda Sandgren and some American claiming El Delfín, their own way.

God txingu good

2011-10-04T08:30:00.000+02:00

Linda Sandgren bearing down on God txingu good 6b+, El Camino, Rodellar, Spain in soon to be sunny conditions.

Toma Castanazo

2011-10-03T08:30:00.000+02:00

Yet another shot of a white shirt, this time Henrik Nilsson concentrating on clipping after a bouldery start on Toma Castanazo 7a+, El Camino, Rodellar, Spain.

Non-Stop

2011-09-30T08:30:00.000+02:00

Yet another one from the archive, going all the way back to when the leaves were green. This time, an unknown Göteborgare in white headed the wrong way on Non-Stop 7b, Skevik, Stockholm. Hopefully he'll spred the word that the grades are stiff in Stockholm. Or maybe you've got the point by now, that I didn't send, but maybe October will be sunny...

Clipping...

2011-09-29T08:30:00.000+02:00

Apparently, I don't like white, another one from the archive, this time Jonas Wigren, all focus on Nattsudd 7b+, Skevik, Stockholm.

Filip Hofmann

2011-09-27T09:00:00.000+02:00

Filip Hofmann, all focus on Goofhead 8A, Marstrand, Västervik. After passing over this photo, I wonder what else is in my archive?

Puls

2011-09-26T08:30:00.000+02:00

Puls, the best Skevik has to offer? The most striking line, to my eye, even if, as a climb, it has a trad feel to it. Sending soon... Johan Nylén working on Puls 7c+, Skevik, Stockholm.

Huvudleden

2011-09-20T08:44:00.000+02:00

Samual Janzon sending Huvudleden 7-/7 at Skevik, a must do, with the sun setting.

Nattsudd

2011-09-19T08:30:00.000+02:00

Christoffer Westin beginning the business of sending Nattsudd 7b+, Skevik, Sweden. A fantastic route definitely worth climbing; on par with Breña 7b+ at Ekoberget or Lugna Gatan 7b+ at Gustavbergs Vattentorn.

Linda Sandgren

2011-09-14T08:30:00.002+02:00

Linda Sandgren ready for one more after topping out Prismaster 6-, Hallinden, Bohuslän, Sweden.

Boel Aniansson

2011-09-13T08:30:00.000+02:00

Boel Aniansson, Bohuslän, Sweden.

The Day Before

2011-09-12T13:49:00.005+02:00

It was raining. To us, everything seemed like it would be wet. We went home. Martin went to Häller. You are in our thoughts. Martin Skaar Olslund the day before, after cruising Torline 7-, Häller, Bohuslän, Sweden.

Prismaster

2011-09-12T08:30:00.001+02:00

Boel Aniansson looking for that prized jam on Prismaster 6-, Hallinden, Bohuslän, Sweden.

Jammin'

2011-09-09T08:30:00.004+02:00

Or at least trying to... Shawn Boye coming to terms with the finger locks on the classic Slimline 7+ at Välseröd, Bohuslän, Sweden.

***12:30: Update from Välseröd, just sent!***

Villskudd

2011-09-08T08:30:00.003+02:00

An adventure in route finding... Shawn Boye onsighting the classic Villskudd 6- at Välseröd, Bohuslän, Sweden.

Alex Puccio

2011-09-07T08:30:00.003+02:00

Alex Puccio, Västervik, Sweden.

Just another day at the office...

2011-09-06T08:30:00.003+02:00

Alex Puccio cruising The Office Sds 8A, Björnblocket, Västervik, Sweden.

Hold It!

2011-09-05T08:30:00.000+02:00

Chris Webb-Parsons cutting loose on the Hourglass Sds 8B, Björnblocket, Västervik, Sweden.

More than one way to skin a cat

2011-09-02T08:30:00.002+02:00

Jocke Berglund getting started on More than one way to skin a cat 8A, Fallataket, Västervik, Sweden.

Goofhead

2011-09-01T08:30:00.008+02:00

Guntram Jörg enjoying the toe hook on Goofhead variant 8A+, Marstrand, Västervik, Sweden.

White girl can jump!

2011-08-31T08:30:00.010+02:00

Alex Puccio dynoing 2.15m, for what may well be a world record... Västervik International Boulder Meet, Västervik, Sweden.

Storm

2011-08-29T08:30:00.007+02:00

Guntram Jörg sticking the move on Storm 8A, Västervik, Sweden.

Grasping at Thin Air

2011-08-24T08:30:00.003+02:00

There is a moment before you fall, when you know that you will but the action hasn't started. Its the point when everything speeds up, you're still grasping but there's nothing there... Anders Diseberg peeling off Mio 7b+, Dödskalleberget, Stockholm, Sweden

The Tunnel

2011-08-23T08:30:00.002+02:00

After a summer of slabs, Anders Diseberg attempts to become friends with the tunnel at Karbin.

Clarity

2011-08-22T08:30:00.001+02:00

Some friends of ours have a playground in their backyard bordered by a small rock wall. While the other kids were playing on the swings my five year took a minute out to put up a first ascent. It should be this simple.

It's better in the dark...

2011-08-18T08:30:00.002+02:00

Shawn Boye getting mandatory meters on Panta Rei 7a, Örnberget, Stockholm, Sweden

Camaraderie

2011-08-04T08:30:00.004+02:00

I could mention the rope, crag, grade, route, swim, slab but none of that would convey the camaraderie that is climbing. Shawn Boye staying dry, with the help of Jonas Wigren, descending Sjöjungfrun 6a+, Finnsvedsberget, Stockholm, Sweden.

Cat Eyes

2011-08-03T08:30:00.002+02:00

At these temps its a roll of the dice... Samual Janzon ejecting from the greasy sloper on Kattöga 7b+, Finnsvedsberget, Stockholm, Sweden.

Bagged

2011-08-02T08:30:00.002+02:00

Baggen is a route that seems to have gotten an abnormal amount of attention; the justification being that it has been Jonas' nemesis for a year or so, a wonderful combination of crimps, power and endurance that has finally been put to rest? Jonas Wigren, eyes wide shut, working Baggen 7a+, Finnsvedsbergen, Stockholm, Sweden.

Here's a look back...

Contrast

A climber, a down jacket and skinny dipper... a photo full of contrasts. Jonas Wigren, back at work, on Baggen 7a+, Finnsvedsbergen, Stockholm.

Dejection?

We're all looking to send, but when you're shut down does it leave you wanting more? Sure, once you've sent, there's that moment of jubilation and then it's off to the next problem. But when you're denied, there's the desire to overcome, a way to find, a challenge to meet, that results in the euphoria of the send. We climb to overcome? Jonas Wigren looking forward on Baggen 7a+, Finnsvedsbergen, Stockholm.

Baggen

Almost in the bag... Björn Bergmark cutting loose on Baggen, 7a+, Finnsvedsbergen.

Sydde på sak (Sydde to the point)

2011-08-01T08:30:00.004+02:00

Fredrik Sydstrand demonstrating excellent style sending Rakt på sak 7b+, Örnberget, Sweden.

Siddharta

2011-07-20T08:30:00.003+02:00

The crux is the place where you fall off, right? I've learned there are lots of cruxes... Henrik Nilsson on the crux of Siddharta 7c, Örnberget, Sweden.

Rakt på sak (Straight to the point)

2011-07-18T08:30:00.002+02:00

Örnberget on good vibe day, nice and relaxed, laid back people giving it their all while climbing. Thomas Lind working on Rakt på sak, Örnberget, Sweden.

Kuling

2011-07-12T08:30:00.001+02:00

It's jugs all the way but there's still gear to sort out... a slightly skeptical climber on Kuling 5c, Vårdberget.

Dolly

2011-07-11T08:30:00.006+02:00

Linda Sandgren attempting to onsight Dolly, Vårdberget.

Granitbiten

2011-07-01T08:30:00.001+02:00

Anders Diseberg cruising the perfect layback crack Granitbiten 7-, Skälefjäll, Bohuslän.

Racked 'n Ready!

2011-06-30T08:30:00.006+02:00

Sometimes the focus of leading off into the unknown can cause strange things to happen... Maybe it's time to expand the Buddy Check, at least for certain people.

Bagatell

2011-06-29T08:23:00.000+02:00

Marre Ågerstrand pondering her next move on the fantastic Bagatell 6+, Galgeberget, Bohuslän.

In the Bag.

2011-06-14T08:30:00.002+02:00

Christoffer Westin bagging another tick, Baggen 7a+, Finnsvedsbergen, Stockholm

Sport Climbing is Neither...

2011-06-13T08:30:00.003+02:00

So what's headpointing? I'm not a fan, but I made an exception on Huvudleden, Skevik, considering the chossy nature of the crag. It's a completely different approach, rapping in to check the gear, top-ropping, placing gear on top-rope and finally tying into the sharp end. At which point there was no drama left, only execution, which makes the whole process seem rather unsporty. Maybe, this is dependent on the difficulty of the climb, relative to the climber, or the ability to protect the climb but it seems pretty hard to trash a sport climber onsighting at or near their maximum as not being sport.

Luckily, after sending, I did get an opportunity to experience real "sport" as another climber attempted and successfully, though shakily, managed to onsight the route. An enrapturing and inspiring climb that should leave an asterix beside ticks that employ headpointing. At least I didn't touch any of the many rusty pitons on the route, and neither did the other climber, that definitely aren't needed and shouldn't be there. Then again, thinking about it, a send is a send, especially with a name like the route has, you can't help but climb it.

Shawn Boye, unracked from all the gear Huvudleden 6c+, Skevik, can suck up, recounting the experience of "jammin".

Peanuts!

2011-05-25T08:30:00.002+02:00

Photography is supposed to be fun. Jonas Wigren celebrating his flash of Pumpmaskin, 7a+, Skevik with some well placed peanuts...

Photo Lesson: 2

2011-05-24T08:30:00.012+02:00

The follow up... First let me reiterate that Climbingpics is one of my favorite blogs. Photography is, for me anyway, an individual pursuit that I do for my own reasons and under my own terms, I enjoy it that way. It would be a stretch to suggest that one considers it to be any different for someone else. Nonetheless, in dissecting my own photo I might learn something... Here's the shot I was looking for, and as such, can be illustrative for climbing photography fundamentals:

1) We've waited for the light to change, one, so there's better stick and two, to avoid the speckled light from the sun through the trees.

2) Climbing is a dynamic sport, regardless of how you look at it, capture some action!

3) Here, I've turned down the shutter speed to accentuate the move...

4) and, of course, the law of thirds is obeyed...

5) with the focus on the grip and the climbers face slightly blurred yet clear enough to depict the focus and concentration.

6) Knowing the move, having done it myself, I set up to capture three points which is necessary to avoid a north-south shot...

7) The engaged belayer has a red touque to provide depth in the background.

8) Even if the reduced shutter speed results in the grip being slightly out of focus the essence of the hardest move on Tabu is captured through Christoffer's concentration and his desire to send.

9) Maybe it's not necessary to photograph the hardest climb, but rather climbers who are intense in their undertaking. After all, climbing is about climbers...

On a final and more serious note... It is troubling when those who are willing to provide critique do not have tolerance for someone else's. Smacks of hypocrisy... so bring it on!

Christoffer Westin sending Tabu, 7b, Skevik.

Photo Lesson: 1

2011-05-23T08:30:00.006+02:00

Due to a recent spate of junk at one of my favorite climbing blogs

I thought I'd illustrate a few fundamentals of climbing photography:

1) Make the most of what you have. Sure, it's speckled light and that definitely limits the possibilities, but use it to your advantage! Here the law of thirds is obeyed by use of the obvious large grip, though it is not in focus...

2) Instead the light leads to the climbers face...

3) Which is in focus, after all climbing is about people...

4) and Christoffer is looking at something, his feet, which is, and this is essential, in the picture...

5) and happens to be the move of interest, that is...

6) know the climb, either by doing it yourself, or observing and listening to the climber to learn where you can capture tension and stress in your photo.

7) Give the move a context, here depth is provided by the tree and the ground below and

8) contrast is created by the blank wall above, where the route goes, as compared to the choss beyond.

9) While this was not the shot I envisioned it is a different perspective and that is probably the most important point of all. Good climbing photography captivates through a new view while maintaining suspense and awe, Christoffer is apparently at ease, rather than just documenting a move.

10) Think about what you are doing and try and create something that inspires rather than trying to shoot for the sake of bragging rights in the pecking order.

11) Be critical of your, and others, work, its the only way you'll improve... So go ahead, disect this shot, its to your own advantage!

Christoffer Westin heading towards Tabu, 7b, Skevik.

Hog Farm

2011-05-19T08:30:00.002+02:00

Inspired by a friend who doesn't leave the crag until its dark, Christoffer Westin dawned a headlamp for one last try on Hog Farm 7a+, Gåseborg. An excellent route with a bearable name if you don't consider the context of the crag.

Dick for a Day

2011-05-12T08:30:00.002+02:00

Münchenbryggeriet is the sort of place you go once every ten years, so I was seriously bummed to find out, on reading the guidebook AFTER sending, that the iron rod has been ELIMINATED from the route. It seems slightly out of character considering the crag but maybe I'll mend my ways in ten years time...

Superhero?

2011-05-11T08:30:00.002+02:00

Unlikely, but it is Lois Lane. Martin Breed with the onsight, Grönbrinksberget, Stockholm.

End of the season

2011-05-10T08:30:00.001+02:00

Torbjörn Ryeng walking out after my last run of the season. Thanks Tobbe for a great trip but bummer you took the wrong turn...

Boarders...

2011-05-09T08:30:00.003+02:00

While hauling along a pair of snowshoes is a bit of a drag, there are advantages to boarding. Linda Sandgren making the most of sunny conditions on Sørfjelltinden, Lyngen.

Sørfjelltinden

2011-05-06T08:30:00.000+02:00

Johan Rydström riding with the clouds on Sørfjelltinden, Lyngen.

Blueice

2011-05-05T08:30:00.001+02:00

Johan Rydström working his way toward the sea in the Blueice couloir, Jiekkevarre, Lyngen.

Jiekkevarre

2011-05-04T08:30:00.003+02:00

The cold snow of the "Blueice" glacier on the way up Jiekkevarre, Lyngen's highest peak.

Lillgaltan

2011-05-03T08:30:00.002+02:00

Johan Rydström enjoying the afternoon sun on Lillgaltan, Lyngen, Norway.

Slow Guides

2011-05-02T08:30:00.003+02:00

If 20 vertical meters per minute is too much for you, Bergsresor has an alternative, Slow Guides. Fewer tops, shorter days, more breaks. Fika anyone?

Happy camper

2011-04-29T08:30:00.004+02:00

Linda Sandgren, a happy camper, after a day of freeriding, Storhaugen, Lyngen, Norway.

A white canvas...

2011-04-28T08:30:00.003+02:00

A white canvas just waiting to be ridden, Johan Rydström leaving his tracks on Storhaugen, Lyngen, Norway.

Storhaugen

2011-04-27T08:30:00.001+02:00

Johan Rydström enjoying the incredible view and perfect conditions of Lyngen, Norway.

Aussies!

2011-04-26T08:30:00.003+02:00

I've met Aussies in Whistler but had no idea that they'd made it as far as Norway. I guess they've finally figured out that there's a bigger ride on the white stuff. Take a guess which group the Aussies are in?

Tracks in the snow...

2011-04-25T08:30:00.000+02:00

Johan Rydström climbing Storhaugen, Lyngen, with a half meter of powder just waiting. Needless to say, we weren't the only ones...

Lyngenfjorden

2011-04-22T08:30:00.005+02:00

Johan Johansson leading his group up Storhaugen with Lyngenfjorden in the background, Lyngen, Norway.

Take a bite out of that!

2011-04-21T08:30:00.001+02:00

Johan Rydström biting into way to much to ski in Lyngen, Norway

Summit!

2011-04-20T08:30:00.002+02:00

Johan Rydström after descending from the summit of Rombakkstøtta.

Backcountry touring

2011-04-19T08:30:00.003+02:00

Kalle Engström leading his group up the back side of Rombakkstøtta, Narvik, Norway.

Rombakkstøtta

2011-04-18T08:30:00.000+02:00

Linda Sandgren approaching Rombakkstøtta under deteriorating conditions.

Kaisepakkte

2011-04-16T08:30:00.003+02:00

Bjarne making the most of good conditions on Kaisepakkte (Everybody else ended up skiing in the rain...). Thanks Kalle!

Herrklumpen

2011-04-15T08:30:00.001+02:00

Linda Sandgren enjoying soft snow on the backside of Herrklumpen with the Sylarna massive in the background.

When in doubt, go out.

2011-04-14T08:30:00.000+02:00

Forced back once again by high winds, Kaj Söderin and I chose not to venture further due to the 100 km/hr winds blowing over Sylarnas summit.

Racist!

2011-04-13T08:30:00.009+02:00

STF, the Swedish Tourist Federation, is a non profit organization that runs the Mountain station in Sylarna. As such, STF is not a hotel or they would hold a monopoly being the only service provider on public land. I broached this issue with one of the climbing instructors from Girls Get Higher, a SKF initiative to encourage women to climb in the alpine. Catering, to me at least, seems to be an obvious move toward a for profit organization, it's just a stone's throw from flying in suits from Stockholm for an exclusive dinner in a mountain setting. The instructors response was beyond anything I could have expected, "If you don't like it here maybe you should go live in a different country."

I had no idea, even after the Swedish Democrats took 6% of the popular vote in the last election, that I was living in a country where there are people who seek out the mountains that are racists. I couldn't help but ask if she'd voted for the bigots...

All that snow...

2011-04-12T08:30:00.001+02:00

Morgan Englin pondering how he can continue to trudge on past all those incredible runs...