Shed Those Winter Blues
Even with minimal amounts of natural light during the day, Norway offers liberation from the winter blues by constantly inviting all to get outside and ski off the weight of the day. Norway’s 2,500 machine-groomed ski trails, cared for by the national government, are open to everyone. And best of all, when the sun goes down—sometimes as early as 3:00 pm during the winter—the trails are lit with miles and miles of brilliant lampposts.
After a long day at the office, Gundersen, 60, arrives at his home in Drammen, straps on his cross-country skis, and hits the trail. In Drammen alone, there are 35 miles of ski trails beckoning winter-weary souls to escape the restraints of the indoors. Skiing on the trail is “very liberating,” he says. Most of the trails in Drammen stay lit until 11:00 pm, with some remaining lit until as late as 1:00 am, allowing for indulgence of even the slightest active whim.
Get Acquainted with Nature
Gundersen has skied on the trails by his house since he was 4 years old. With a lineage in Drammen dating back to 1600, Gundersen followed his parents’ and grandparents’ examples. From the time he could walk, he was on skis, exploring the forests of Drammen and listening to the sounds of the trail. He chooses not to listen to music as he skis the trails because he prefers a genuine experience with nature, which for him includes spotting animals like birds, foxes, and even moose.
The trails present the perfect opportunity to not only appreciate nature but also spend time with friends and family. Protected as they are by spruce and pine trees, and since the prospect of the sun going down isn’t an issue, the well-groomed trails are perfect for parents out for a ski with their children. Karen and Kjell Tore, longtime residents of Bergen, Norway, say that while their kids were growing up, they skied as a family two to three times a week. Now that their children are grown, the Tores still enjoy nature and each other’s company on the trails.
The trail experience is heightened by its universal accessibility: unlike downhill ski resorts, there are no lifts to bother with on these Norwegian trails, and unlike costly gym facilities, there is no user fee.
Gundersen describes why using the trails is a better solution than working out at a gym: “To me, the benefits are many. I have never seen a reason for doing aerobic training inside when you have nature. Why pay for something that you can do for free? The air is much better outside. You don’t get the experience of nature inside. You can’t cross-country ski inside!”
Follow the Crowd
Around 40,000 people flock to Drammen every February to witness the annual World Cup Cross Country ski sprint competition. Even though he could easily watch the event on TV, Gundersen attends every year. “The spectators are fantastic,” he says. “There is a lot of noise and cheering.” At the height of winter’s doldrums, sharing in the energy at the sprint competition and seeing the pros perform may be exactly the motivation you need to get out there on the trails yourself. February is the perfect time to get excited about cross-country skiing, to watch the best compete, and to experience the magic for yourself on the trails.
When the sun goes down, remember Norway’s trails are lighting up in preparation for the lucky ones gearing up to ski. Refuse to let winter rob your vivacious spirit: step out into the night and breathe in the fresh air.
www.skiingnorway.com
www.skisporet.no
Haley Frame
Blah! Another reason why I need to live in Norway. Great article! These trails seem to good to be true. If ever I go, I’ll take Gundersen’s advice: no music.
I used to be on a cross-country ski team, and I loved it. Everything this article says is so true–it’s a really calming experience! Reading this article really made me miss my skis…
Sounds a lot like Alaska. Growing up there you just get used to going to school and it’s dark outside and when you leave school it’s dark again. You’re late to school because there’s a bull moose by the family car. Still, it sounds like a great place to visit; especially if you want to spend time alone with your thoughts in nature.
I loved this article and the insight that it gave to this beautiful country. Through the authors writing I was able to picture what was being described and I enjoyed the personal story attached with this particular getaway.
I really loved this article. Your title sucked me right in. I wondered what a title like that could possibly be about. You created a beautiful picture that makes me hope I will see this place someday.
I spent two weeks in Norway this summer and was able to experience a miraculous two weeks of sun in the normally cloud-covered country. I cross country skied all of high school, though, and knew of Norwegian excellence in the sport. I really appreciated reading about it to confirm my suspicions that Nordic skiing in Norway is as magical as I had always imagined. It definitely makes me want to go back in the winter! I do wonder, though, at the temperatures for such late night skiing…
I have never been much of a skier (I was never good at stopping), but this article makes me want to give it another chance. Great article.