Asbjørn Eggebø Næss is a skier who masters both his skiing and family life, and, in addition to his own skiing trips and projects, he is now training to become a certified skiing instructor. You may have seen him in film projects such as ‘Moon Valley ‘, ‘222 muligheter’, ‘Supervention’ and 'Omvegen til Helvetestinden’. He shares many of his skiing experiences in Nordmøre and Romsdalen in these films.
Close to the mountains in all directions in the Northwest
Winter
Last updated: 30.01.2024
Excellent conditions in the Northwest.|© Terje Aamodt
"One of the biggest advantages of living here is that you have the luxury of being able to pick and choose from a range of different activities." says Asbjørn Eggebø Næss.
Asbjørn Eggebø Næss has endless options when he sets off on a skiing trip. |© Terje Aamodt
Endless possibilities
Asbjørn Eggebø Næss (41) has endless options when he sets off on a skiing trip. The most spectacular skiing trip he has done in the area also made him realise what he had around him, i.e. skiing down from Goksøyra in Eresfjord. There is a very steep downhill route called ‘Cobra Albino’.
‘I joined Ola Hovdenak on a trip and I wasn’t quite sure where we were going. But the way down and the view was simply spectacular. It made a real impression on me.’
He is now standing in the crisp autumn air on the cusp of a new skiing season. Although he has to drive a little, he’s happy with where he lives in terms of proximity to the mountains.
‘Living here is great because it's close to the mountains in all directions.’
The mountains in Sunndalen, Isfjorden and Brandstad in Øksendalen are just a short drive away. He lives next to what he calls ‘A little piece of Lofoten’, i.e. the 1,000-metre summits along the coast between Molde and Kristiansund.
‘You can ski in both gentle and challenging terrain, and you are close to the sea, so the views are great.’
He finds it difficult to choose a favourite, as there are so many fantastic skiing trips in the area. However, Harstadfjellet, which is nearby, is his local favourite. He climbs from 200 to 1,000 metres, without much effort. He smiles and jokes that it’s almost too 'easy', but that it's a very cool mountain. Not least, the fantastic view of the Norwegian Sea along the ridge. The terrain on Harstadfjellet is quite gentle, but there are many interesting formations in the terrain that make it a lot of fun to ski there.
Vital to use common sense in the mountains
Asbjørn doesn't collect summits or time himself as he skis towards the top. Knowing the terrain is important to avoid hazards and not be taken by an avalanche. Fortunately, he's never had to use his avalanche beacon, but he uses it preventively before each trip by checking that the sender and receiver work.
‘When I go skiing, I decide an area in the morning and see which way the wind has blown and how the snow is covering the terrain, and then I plan the trip as I go.’
To find 'good' snow, he says, is an art, and you get better and better at it the more you do it. Before the trip, he starts by interpreting the weather, wind direction, temperatures and conditions. He’s always looking for ‘good’ snow, and when he reaches the treeline, he often sits down with a cup of tea to see where he is and contemplate the surroundings.
‘For me, it's not that important to be the first one to make it to the top, and I don't use Strava, but I enjoy the experience of being in the great outdoors.’
Some of the things he always brings on his trips:
- Skiing backpack
- Avalanche probe
- Spade
- Climbing skins
- Camera
- Avalanche beacon on his body
Bring the right equipment! |© Asbjørn Eggebø Næss
Asbjørn has settled down in Hjelset, and his house is located right beside the Fannefjord. He lives here with his partner Nelly and two daughters. When the whole family go skiing, they usually go to Fursetfjellet. The prepared cross-country tracks are located just a short drive away, and the focus is on having a good time together. The trip might be as short as a kilometre on the tracks, and being comfortable is important. Home-made pancake batter to cook on the fire, sleeping bags and plenty of wood are brought along in backpacks.
‘When you're full, warm and feeling good, it’s the perfect time to play. It's the best way of ensuring great skiing experiences with the children. I believe in inspiring people to spend time outdoors, and the joy of skiing comes from the heart.’
The father of two believes it is his job as an adult to expose his children to outdoor experiences, and during the skiing season, they might go to Fursetfjellet and to the ski centre Tusten, located ten minutes from Molde city centre.
‘One of the biggest advantages of living in Romsdalen and Nordmøre is that you have the luxury of being able to pick and choose from a range of different activities,’ says Asbjørn. He skis during the winter, but loves to spend time outdoors and does different activities throughout the year. He windsurfs, goes ice fishing, mountain biking, hiking and skating when the lakes in the mountains freeze, all in his 'backyard'. When his friends come to visit, he takes them to the shore and lights a fire. Simple experiences are the most rewarding
‘I think it’s great to simply spend time at the shore, or go out fishing, and there are people who come here and appreciate it as well.’
Here are Asbjørn's three recommendations for skiing trips in gentle terrain, that are great if you want to try skitouring. Still wise to bring a guide though.
- Kvannfjellet in Hustadvika
- Skarven in Skorgedalen
- Smørbottntind in Skorgedalen