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We all have a responsibility to think about the environment and the impact we have on the places we travel to for kite trips. Kari Schibevaag tells us about the current issues facing one of the world’s top snowkiting destinations, Hardangervidda in Norway, where she recently spent a week out in the wilderness.
As kiters, we’re always on the lookout for the next thrilling destination, and in the case of snowkiting, where wind and snow collide to create the perfect playground. Hardangervidda, northern Europe’s largest high mountain plateau, has long been hailed as a mecca for snowkiting enthusiasts. With its vast snow-covered expanses and endless possibilities for exploration, it’s no wonder this place holds a special allure for adventurers like us.
However, recent developments have cast a shadow over the future of kiting on Hardangervidda. As Norway’s largest wild reindeer area, the plateau is home to a delicate ecosystem that must be protected for future generations. There’s talk of potential bans on snowkiting and skiing, as authorities grapple with the need to balance recreation with conservation. The prospect of such restrictions is undoubtedly disheartening for those of us who have come to cherish Hardangervidda as a prime snowkiting destination. Yet, in the face of these challenges, it’s crucial that we rally together as a community to ensure the preservation of this pristine wilderness.
One of the key steps towards safeguarding Hardangervidda’s future is respecting the designated restricted areas. These areas have been established to protect the vulnerable reindeer population and their habitat. By adhering to these rules, we can minimize our impact on the environment and demonstrate our commitment to responsible outdoor recreation. For more information on the designated restricted areas and other conservation efforts on Hardangervidda, I encourage you to visit the Oslo Kite Club’s website. If you do find yourself venturing out onto the plateau and encounter reindeer, remember to calmly turn away from them, respecting their space and minimizing disturbance.
As snowkiters it’s not only the reindeer we should be aware of, but also the unpredictable weather that can quickly turn an exciting adventure into a test of survival. Located 1100 meters above sea level, Hardangervidda is notorious for its rapidly changing weather conditions. This is something my friend Jørgen and I experienced firsthand during our trip in March. The weather on the plateau can be magical, with sun, good wind and temperatures just a few degrees below zero Celsius. But it can also bring sudden drops in temperature, storms, and even rain in the month of March. We must always be prepared for these changes, which can occur in a matter of seconds.
ørgen and I embarked on our adventure from Finse, well-prepared with all the necessary gear and supplies to survive for an extended period. Kites, tents, warm clothing, food, GPS, safety gear, powerbank, maps, safety equipment – these are all essential items to have when venturing out onto the plateau. And over the course of a week, we experienced everything from calm winds to raging storms, from sunny skies to freezing temperatures. To document a trip like this is hard. The cold temperature means changing batteries frequently and when we have wind it’s important to travel. So this particular trip is only documented by phone and 360 camera, with the focus being on the trip itself. To make the most miles under our kite the big camera had to stay home.
Our week on Hardangervidda was nothing short of magical, thanks to the stunning landscapes, the hospitality of DNT (Norwegian Trekking Association) hostels, and the freedom that snowkiting provided us to explore remote areas unreachable by foot. It was an adventure guided by the wind, with each gust determining our path and leading us to new discoveries. Throughout our journey, we remained vigilant of the designated restricted areas where snowkiting and skiing might be banned to protect the vulnerable reindeer population. We also kept a safe distance from the reindeer. As kiters, we have a responsibility to not only respect the environment but also to advocate for its protection. Hardangervidda is a place of unparalleled beauty and natural wonder, and it’s up to those of us who kite there to ensure that it remains that way for generations to come.
So if you ever find yourself chasing the wind on Hardangervidda, remember to be prepared for whatever Mother Nature may throw your way, and always tread lightly, leaving only footprints – and ski trails – behind. In the end, it’s the love and respect we show for this breathtaking landscape that will ensure its preservation for years to come
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