Field testing trip — following Nansen´s ski trails over Vossaskavlen
This week Monica, our CEO, and Michel, our mechanical engineer went on a field-testing trip over the beautiful Vossaskavlen to test the new prototypes of Sknow on Åsnes Skis. For Sknow´s maiden voyage we followed the path of Fridtjof Nansen, one of Norway´s greatest explorers, on his legendary trip from Hallingdal to Voss, via Såtedal. Joining us for the trip was Wild Voss Guides, Åsnes Ski and Aleksander Gamme.
In 1884 Nansen embarked on the journey from Hallingdal to Voss, but lost his way in Hallingskeid area, and made his way up from Vossaskavlen to Mjøllfjell and Volli. This legendary trip has been mentioned in several book published about Nansen, and also in numerous yearbooks by The Norwegian Trekking Association.
Despite the many warnings Nansen received, his desire to take the route from Hallingskeid over Vossaskavlen alone. Legend had it that that King Sverre of Norway crossed this path in 1177, which fuelled Nansen to attempt the journey. At this time in history crossing this route in alone, during the winter and on skis was considered a monumental achievement.
Nansen embarked on his trip in the winter of 1884. Things took a turn for the worse when he choose the wrong path and ended up in rough terrain by the cliffs at Flåm. To survive the night Nansen had to dig a shelter in the snow for him and his dogs. He made it through the cold night, despite little clothes and barely any food. The day after he made his way to Grøndalsseteren, where he was able to find food and water. Refreshed he headed over Vosskavlen and down towards Raundalen. The local farmers were terrified as they saw Nansen speeding down the slopes, they through he was a troll with his wolves. Nansen skied all the way down to Voss and ended his trip at Fleichers hotel. Nansen later became the first man to cross the Greenland interior in 1888.
The Sknow team enjoyed following Nansen´s ski trails over the stunning Vossaskavlen this week while testing the prototypes. Wild Voss organizes ski trips following Nansen´s route so if you are interested in joining this historical trip check out the link: https://www.wildvoss.no/nansen-over-vossaskavlen?lang=en
