Our team of twelve staff and students, from Wycliffe College CCF, went on an arduous cross-country skiing expedition to the Hardangervidda mountain range. This was our fourth expedition to this area of Southern Norway. The aim of the venture was to introduce a fairly novice group of cadets, who happened to be mainly girls, to cross-country skiing in what is classed as one on the great wilderness areas of Northern Europe.

Everyone responded very well to the demanding training, which involved skiing skills and general Arctic survival. On completing the training phase and a two-day training trip to Geityrigg Hytta, we then headed off with 30lbs on our backs into this remote snow wilderness on a 45 mile 5 day expedition. The route included, Finse Hytta - snow hole - Kraejka - Kjejdebu - snow hole - Finse. The weather conditions generally were very poor with lots of snow and very strong winds. There were a couple of days of brilliant sunshine which gave us some wonderful views of the surrounding snow covered peaks. The route was fairly undulating, and the steep downhill sections provided many spectacular falls.

All enjoyed the creature comforts provided by the mountains huts, but there was still the prospect of building a snow hole. Two teams were formed, each working on two separate shelters. Using our lightweight shovels, two large entrances about 10 feet apart were hewed out of the snow; these extended in and down about eight feet. It was now a matter of clearing out an internal chamber, which when completed resembled a small-whitewashed room - or tomb! One entrance was sealed whist the other was reduced in size. The small doorway provided enough room for one person to crawl through. In one snow hole there was enough room to stand up and ample space to accommodate five sleeping spaces with a cooking area in between. Three hours later all were in their comfortable accommodation cooking a well-earned evening meal. Soon afterwards sleep just seem to come naturally.

This was a very successful expedition, which all found challenging (Some more that others) and enjoyable. These young cadets were quite superb. They were highly motivate, well organized and a joy to be with. For a group who had never skied with 30lb rucksack on their backs before it was quite an accomplishment. No doubt most will remember their experiences for a long time to come.