Sponsors

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Welcome to the expedition website for Ski Norway 08.

My name is Dave Leaning. Beginning at midnight on new years eve 2007 I am attempting to ski the length of Norway, from Lindesness in the south to North Cape - the northern most point in Europe - over 2600 km and finishing 500 km inside the arctic circle.

I will be doing this to raise money for the Mines Advisory Group (MAG).

MAG is a registered charity which works in conflict zones around the world to clear landmines and dangerous unexploded ordinance, to enable people to escape from the poverty and suffering caused by conflict, and educate indigenous communities to lessen the threat of death and injury.

MAG is also co-laureate of the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize, awarded for their work with the International Campaign to Ban Landmines.

I have never attempted anything this big before, from Lindesness to Nordkapp is a distance of over 2600km. The route will take me over some of the most unspoilt wilderness in the world, across three countries, and over 500km into the arctic circle.

Weather conditions can vary from torrential rain to 'whiteout' blizzards, with temperatures going to - 30° C and below.

Scattered throughout the mountains of Norway are a network of isolated cabins maintained by the Norwegian trekking association. I will try to make as much use of these as possible, although in order to be able to take the most direct route I will be carrying a tent and several days worth of rations.

At the beginning of the year the weather in the north of Norway is at its most fierce, and owing to the arctic night, the sun will not rise until mid February. In the south the conditions should be comparatively mild.

By starting in the south and heading north I am aiming to miss the worst of the weather, and the long nights. If timed correctly I should arrive in nordkapp after the average temperature has risen above - 30° C (below this temp the likelihood of frostbite becomes disproportionately high).

However by late April the temperatures in the north will have risen and melted the snows. This leaves me with a limited window during which I can expect good snow conditions and rapid progress.

In effect the expedition will be a race against time to reach nordkapp before the onset of spring.