Abisko is a small town, but that doesn't bother me so much because I have such a beautiful landscape to explore - and I can go in any direction from my house and find something spectacular. So far, I'd say, it makes for a pretty nice lifestyle.
A few weeks ago, I decided to ski across the lake and back - about 18 km all told.
Here's what I saw:
I made it as far as the ice fissure on the other side of the lake (left). It's common to see skiiers pulling a pulka with gear/and or children in it (upper right). Mount Njullia is in the background (upper right).
Crossing the lake really gives you some perspective. Mount Njullia is to the right. The snowmobile track heads directly to Abisko. You can see Lapporten to the left. Made me realize just how small my little town is and just how much open wilderness surrounds me up here.
The Abisko River serves as a major ski route for backpackers who stay in cabins along the Kungsladen Trail. Some people use their dogs for help! (above left)
Another weekend, I went on a 7 hour ski tour to an area above the tree line along the mountains by my house. It wasn't steep, just a long, gradual climb. I wore my cross-country skis.
A few weeks ago, I decided to ski across the lake and back - about 18 km all told.
Here's what I saw:
I made it as far as the ice fissure on the other side of the lake (left). It's common to see skiiers pulling a pulka with gear/and or children in it (upper right). Mount Njullia is in the background (upper right).
Crossing the lake really gives you some perspective. Mount Njullia is to the right. The snowmobile track heads directly to Abisko. You can see Lapporten to the left. Made me realize just how small my little town is and just how much open wilderness surrounds me up here.
The Abisko River serves as a major ski route for backpackers who stay in cabins along the Kungsladen Trail. Some people use their dogs for help! (above left)
Another weekend, I went on a 7 hour ski tour to an area above the tree line along the mountains by my house. It wasn't steep, just a long, gradual climb. I wore my cross-country skis.
Wolverine track? I still don't know for sure, but others have seen wolverine tracks in the area. The Sami people don't like them much - they eat the baby reindeer. Apparently, the old Sami "lore" said that the 3rd offspring of a bear was a wolverine.
Bird tracks?
See the crazy snowmobiler going up the ravine? Can you find the three people below near the trees, trying to climb up? Crazy people. The snow was real hard, and it was so steep that one person kept falling and rolling down until he caught his grip again. Another person lunged and grabbed a tree as he tried to climb up. Everyone made it out eventually.
We followed this river drainage (Nissunjohka) back down the mountain. Lots of open patches without snow, so we took our skis off and then put them back on a lot. The snow had a nice, strong crust - so you could just glide along the top. Super fun - I turned through the birch trees and felt like I was in some video game!
Wow - that's amazing! I hope we can come visit before you're gone...
ReplyDeleteLooks like I'll be able to find some amazing snowboarding. How is the snow in general? Any big powder dumps?
ReplyDelete