The Galdhøpiggrennet

When: Weekend April 9 and 10, 2011

What: Galdhøpiggrennet - a race up and down Galdhøpiggen (highest mount in Norway) on skis or for most people entered a telemark race straight down, no up part.

Where: We stayed in our little tent in strong winds at Spiterstulen - a big, historic DNT hut is also there where you can stay for some $$$. We chose just to hang out there after the race and take the cheaper option of camping on the other side of the river with all the other poor/cheap people.

Not so great points: The weather was crappy so we could only do a short course, about 500m up to a random point on the mountain side, then back down again as fast as you can on randonnee skis, then repeat.
By the time I finished the race my legs felt quite jellofied.
Chris was late starting his race due to poor organisation resulting in a little bit unsatisfying result.

Chris spies things from the top
Great points: There was only me doing the girl's randonne race so I won an awesome pink Goretex jacket! We met lots of fun people, watched the amazing telemark down hill competition and joined in the great party afterwards. The next day we climbed all the way up Galdhøpiggen and then skied the entire way back down from the summit cairn, fun fun!
Ski organisation at the top of Galdhøpiggen


Lessons Learned: Don't undo you bindings half way up the hill without being sure you have your ski secured, it runs away down the hill very quickly if you don't watch out!
Pitching tents in nice little wind scoops works well, ours stayed up when many came down.
When hosting a prize giving include alcohol, music, great atmosphere and a good presenter and you get a very memorable prizegiving/ party.
A warm gray day up on the ridge to Galdhøpiggen on Sunday
Sum up: What an awesome weekend - thoroughly recommended

Comments

HeleneSuzanne said…
Em you won fair & square - you don't have to tell everyone you were the only girl!
May 9, 2011 at 12:53 AM
Anne said…
Looking forward to a picture with the pink jacket, Em!
May 10, 2011 at 7:03 PM
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