WOLF’S FANG 2 TROLL

Queen Maud Land is the Norwegian sector of Antarctica. Between the coast and the waste inland polar plateau, with several dramatic mountain ranges. One of these is ‘Fimbulheimen’. Here you find the Wolf’s Fang cluster of peaks shooting up from the ice, including the daunting Ulvetanna Peak.
It was discovered in 1938, and the mile-high NW face was first climbed by Ivar Tollefsen, Robert Caspersen, and Sjur Nesheim in 1994.

The area has been a hot spot for prominent climbers. But few have been there to ski. Thus, this is what we are setting out to do, crisscrossing the mountains and heading westwards to the Troll station.
Has anyone done it before? Don’t think so. But we believe this must be one of the most beautiful polar areas in the world for skiing.

Roland and Lars crossed Greenland together at the turn of the century. Now we are teaming up again for this Dream-Adventure.
It started out as a Where on Earth should we go? Where have we not been? What is on top of the bucket list that we do not dare to show anyone? What would make us cry in awe of what this incredible and (now) vulnerable globe has to offer?
The choice is this trip.

Team Roland and LArs

The team’s combined age is 131. This could either mean four pax in their best age – or two mates reliving past dreams.

In this case, that is the case.

As said, Roland and Lars crossed Greenland together at the turn of the century. Since then, they have had their fair share of exploits.

In 2005, he reached the South Pole together with Norwegian ledgents Cecilie Skog and Rolf Bae, and in 2011, he became the first German to reach the South Pole, solo and without any outside support.

Today, he lives with Claudine, he has the world as his office place, offering his experience and clairvoyance.

Fist visit to Greenland was in 1991 and 10 more visits to the Inland Ice followed. In 1993, he and his friends were the first to do Spitsbergen in full length. That trip took 14 days, and embarrassingly, that record stands to this day.

In 1994, Lars was part of the Unarmed expedition to the South Pole via the Berkner route. That trip sums up Lars’ philosophy and meaning of life. The name Unarmed stems from Cato having lost his arms in an accident as a kid. Use of broad smiles and humour is fundamental, together with Lars’ designer/advertising background, an expedition is not complete until all possible areas are maximized and optimized.

Later, he helped build up Hvitserk (the first Norwegian expedition travel company) before switching to Børge and his men.

Lars believes having had the opportunity to visit and ‘play’ at all 8 continents on the Globe (The Polar Sea being the 8th) is the backbone for him being in total awe of the richness, variety , and beauty of this world while also appreciating its extreme vulnerability. To see guides blossom and help everybody reach an impossible personal goal warms his heart.

He has been the invisible helper for hundreds of expeditions all over the world. Tips, tricks, preparation, training, whether, and strategy make him a very busy man.

The plan

Inspired by climbers who have sought the ultimate polar challenge, we settled for East Antarctica and Queen Maud Land. The tales and photos of Ivar Tollefsen, Aleksander Gamme (who took the photo on top), and others allude to this being unnaturally beautiful.

Most have either gone climbing or doing research. – We will ski.

From Ulvetanne Mountain in the Worlf’s Fang cluster of peaks, we will sig-sag these daunting nunataks eastwards towards the Troll station.

Ca 250 kilometres on rolling icecap is not easy. With maps, Google Earth, and, not least, satellite images from KSAT, we have mapped out an exciting route.
But glacier safety will always have to be taken seriously. Only two skiers roped up is not optimal, thus we have worked hard to safeguard the route and our safety measures.

Why do we use the Helsport Lofoten X-Trem 3 Camp? Well, we think it is the most beautiful of extreme tents out there. When you are to pitch it in the most picturesque area in the world, you can’t throw up anything:-•

That it also, with double poles, can see off any catabatic storm, helps too, of course. – And it saves quite a few grams, which is always crucial for us sled-haulers.

One thing that is important for us is to ski. Not ski-walk. Walking does work, but skiing gives pleasure, efficiency, better distance, and saved energy. Lots of energy.

Thus, the choice of skies was fun. On one side, we have our own Ousland ski. It is a very good polar ski, while still good for skiing, has a nice design and colors, and is pretty lightweight.  You may of course debate the joy of having the legend Børge Ousland staring you in the eyes all the time. But on one side, it is useful to constantly be reminded of keeping your guard up. – And you may of course cut out the face of your loved one and replace his – just don’t tell him…

But with a sled around 70-75kg we may opt for Åsnes Mountain race skin. It is great ski for skiing. Both the shape, weight, and characteristics will give great joy. – Well, yes, sorry Frank; the design is, eh, let's say not our favorite (we can’t write horrendous, that would be too harsh). But a small snowbird has whispered that an overhaul and new design are coming. But the joy of skiing them overrides everything :-)

There are several shoes and bindings around. Some even look like Lars’ first pair that he got when he was 3. Today there are basically very few combinations that provide efficient skiing. The best combo is an Alfa boot and a Rottefella NNN system.
The new Explore system is actually very good. And if you have tried it and then go back to an old system, you are in for a small shock.

In really cold environments like Antarctica, you end up with the Alfa Polar APS. Combined with the NNN BC binding, you can actually ski very well. And to ski properly, with a bit of gliding and longer steps, you also enhance circulation, which is not bad for the feet.

What else? Food for thought: Eat well and you perform well. Roland, being German, lives in the Alp foothills with all its great food. It was fun testing through European, American, and New Zealand freeze-dried. Lars being biased, it was Roland who convincingly landed on DryTech. We can’t wait for the dinners. Great dining in great environments.