In April 2026 we did our first training expedition together: eight days hauling pulks across the Hardangervidda plateau and north of Finse, through cloud, whiteouts, a blizzard and a hailstorm (and one perfect day of sun!). It was our first big test as a team — Ben’s first time in a polar environment for a couple of years, and my first since my polar training expedition with Hannah McKeand.
We had seven days of whiteouts, blizzards and very limited visibility. Then the weather warmed up, and turned to hail and then rain. We got wet through, so we came back to the hotel at Finse a day early and dried everything out in the drying room. The following day was perfect — blue sky and sun — so we went out without the sleds for a lovely day, and made the requisite snow angels.
