Day 2, Kuoppajärvi - Vuorhasalmi

Day started from Kuoppajärvi around 9:30 am. Start was a steady climb lasting about a kilometer. Doesn't sound much, but with pulkka behind me it was. After the climb we started descending towards Hammasjärvi. The descend wasn't that easy either as the pulkka wants to go one route and the skier another resulting an upside down pulkka which needs to be turned up.

Hammasjärvi itself was still frozen solid with no water in sight which was good. It was rather monotone skiing through the lake. Halfway through the sun started to shine so strongly that we needed to apply sunscreen.

We were at the southern end of Hammasjärvi already around 2:30 pm and camped near Vuorhasalmi among the trees and lots of snow! You can't really walk anywhere. Need to put skis on if you wanna go toilet in the woods or to talk with somebody. It's impossible to walk around. Tent also needed to be set up with skis which is a bit tricky and needs concentration with my long 2,5 meter forest skis so that I don't destroy the tent with them.

Rest of the day went as usual. Cooking, boiling water, eating, resting. Winter ski tour is not like during other times where you can just sit, stare into the distance and get lost into your thoughts. Here you are constantly doing something. Still now that this is the second time for me things definitely are easier and more manageable.Read more