Page 29 - 2017 AMA Summer

Richie paused the party and waited for the cloud to clear, and the very poor visibility to improve. Unfortunately, the cloud stubbornly sat at the 700m point, so he decided to carefully lead everyone down until the visibility improved. Out of the cloud and on quality snow, the SF3 group enjoyed a great descent to the cars.
Rundfjellet (768m). As part of their development and training the Ski Leaders were give the responsibility to choose a route from the guidebook that would be a good introductory touring day if they were leading their own group. Under the guidance and supervision of Geordie, the group choose chose Rundfjellet for its low peak and relative simplicity of approach. The actuality of this peak was a long convex hump-back of a hill that disappeared endlessly over the horizon, and it became known as “the hill that kept on giving”.
Fri 7 Apr 17
Storhaugen (1142m). Not many ski days begin with a journey on a car ferry, but an
early start with the boat from Lyngseidet to Olderdalen took everyone across the Kåfjorden to the day’s ascent of
Storhaugen. Starting from the churchyard at Bjørkli, a pleasant skin through trees took the exped onto the main NE face of the mountain where a steady climb and plenty kick-turn practice led to the summit, which was rewarded with outstanding views of the Lyngen Alps, the Lyngen fjord and out to the Arctic Ocean. The conditions on Storhaugen were superb, and the skiing on the descent was classic Lyngen, with everyone carving (in their own way...) fresh lines.
Staluvarri (1251m). As the avalanche threat had been particularly high the previous week, the condition and stability of the snowpack was critical in the SL development group’s choice of peak. Although the threat was now graded Moderate, the group chose an objective with 25°-30° slopes with safe approaches. Instructor development always being on Geordie’s mind, he discussed with the SL group “looking the part” as a group leader, as part of instilling confidence in novices. With Bez Green going for the “continental ski-tourer” ensemble, and Manon Roberts looking very much at home in a Crystal’s holiday brochure, this lesson was mainly (if not completely) directed at Dave Gomez and his “Ray Mears chic”. Stubborn to
the absolute last, Dave insisted that his pack, which wouldn’t have looked out of place on a West Highland Way walker, was the rucksack for the job. On the descent, Manon successfully managed to get as close as possible to Norwegian flora, but unfortunately at speed; as goodness only knows how, she hit a tree. Luckily, with nothing bruised apart from a bit of ego, her resultant GoPro footage was enjoyed by all (even her).
Sat 8 Apr 17
Kjelvågtinden (1004m) Blåtinden (1142m). An early start in order to carry out two car-ferry crossings to reach Uløya island. The aim for the day was a combined ski along the ridge on Uløya, taking in the peaks of both Kjelvågtinden and Blåtinden. The group shared the early morning ferry from Lyngseidet to Olderdalen with the usual mix of ski-tourers and locals. The tour started with an initial skin through woods on a local løype, followed by a long but reasonable skin up the mountain. Both groups stopped for lunch and enjoyed the view across the fjord, and looked forward to the ridge above. Once the summit of Kjelvågtinden was reached, both groups skinned together along the ridge
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