Windy and grey morning

After a great sunny day yesterday we finally entered the change we were looking at on the weather charts. We received some white stuff overnight which we were very happy for. 8AM update: -10 Celsius, fresh breeze from N-NE, overcast but good visibilty, about 3cm of snow in last 24hrs (but it is probably blown away towards Lillehammer). Looking at the weather forecast it seems to be that we are sitting in the middle of a low pressure system and hard to see what is going to happen. Lets hope for more snow. The picture was taken yesterday at sunrise, I think it is a better view than this morning.

Weather mix

What a mixed day! Foggy, cloudy, sunny conditions and some light snow showers were filled up our day. I went out for another tour to see the condition and the areas where we could cut trails. At the moment we still don't have enough snow to use the machine for cutting, but most of the summer paths and open areas (lakes, lower fields) are good for skiing and ski touring. The lakes are actually very good for skating style, but also good for classic if someone lays down a track. I will check out the higher areas before Christmas, so I can give you fair view of possibilities. We still believe that we get some snow from Thursday on, but not sure how much.

Light snowfall

Good morning! 9AM update: -7 Celsius, light air from SE, limited visibility, light snowfall, about 1.5 cm of fresh snow overnight and looks very calm at the moment. Looking at the weather charts we might get some snow from Wednesday on.

More Ski Orienteering

Another great day on the courses. Today was a bit colder and the snow condition looked better. I took a tour around and enjoyed the sunny and cold day.

Ski orienteering weekend

Despite of the snow depth in Venabygdsfjellet, we still host the annual ski orienteering weekend. The organizers are putting in an amazing effort to make it happen. Facing lack of snow, wind and long hours of preparation. The competitors also face most of these challenges once the courses are cleared for each race. Yesterday first time in my life I decided to participate. After sppending more than 22years in competitive orienteering and many years in skiing I finally put them together. Of course I did not dare to compete with the elite men, but I completed the elite women's course, which was about 6km. Since I do not have my "fancy competition dress" here I represented a new "ski guide class" with heavy boots, backcountry skis and classic style. I probably went to slow to be challenged technically, but I hadf to put some decent effort to finish. I was pleased to cross the finishline after 46minutes of battle, which put me more than 13minutes behind the best time. The conditions could have been better, but I think most of the competitors have got what they came for. Norway hosts the European Ski Orienteering Championship in February and Sweden the World Championships, so this competition is part of the long preparation for most of the elite athletes. I also discovered many clubs and even other nationalities on the start list. Lets hope for another great race today.

Positive change

Good morning! Few things have been changed around Venabu. First of all myself - reported for duty. Secondly the weather has changed a bit and brought some new snow and warmer temperatures. As you might know records are being born every day here in Norway, especially when it comes to weather. Last month has been the coldest for decades with avarage temperature under -10Celsius. Yesterday we had a lot of wind and up to -3 Celsius, which felt like spring.
The snow depth is slowly increasing, but at the moment it is around 15cm. Hopefully we get more once the high pressure system clears. 8AM, -7 Celsius, moderate breeze.

Ottestad IL visiting

This weekend Ottestad IL have their annual ski weekend.
Still quite bad snow conditions, so we have to use the same routes as two weeks ago.

- 10 to -15 degrees and quite windy at the moment.
So people are gathering around the fire place in the evening to warm up :)

Ski season has slowly started

Roterud IL had their annual gathering this weekend. It was kids between 6 and 15 years.
Since there was lack of snow, we had to prepare a 400 meter skating track on the lake.
Later we also made a diagonal track close to the skating track, since there is only 5 cm. snow at the moment.

Countdown

I am sure you are all waiting to see the first pictures of our winter season. As it looks now it has been cold enough (down to -15Celsius in last few days) to prepare the ground and base for a nice layer of snow. Hopefully by the time we have our first arrivals we will have plenty of snow. We also need to work on our own part: exercise and mental preparation. Just to warm you up more see some of our highlights from last season. See you soon again here and there.

View of Smiubelgin area

Here is the new wiew from Karl Thomas porch at Rondane Spa close to Mysusæter. With Bråkdalsbelgin, at 1915 asl, Ljosåbelgin, 1949 asl and Storesmeden, 2015 asl. as the highest ones.