the cradle of modern day skiing

Skiing has existed in interior China for thousands of years. The modern day telemark binding however, was invented here in Norway, in the very region that I am currently living: Telemark. Sondre Nordheim further improved this system and I am convinced was the first ski bum in the world, supporting himself and his wife with winnings from ski jumping competitions.

Unfortunately I didn't have a camera at the time when we visited Morgedal (Sondre's home) and the museum there, but I have since snapped quite a few photos of the different aspects of skiing going on here. Cross country skiing truly is just about every Norwegians passion.

Enjoy.

The one and only chairlift at Uvdal with the "After Ski" tent right at it's base.

This lift accesses over 1500ft vertical drop

The "After Ski" tent is aptly named Ragnarokk which in old Norse Tradition means the battle that marks the end of the world. A metaphor perhaps? All of the trails at Uvdal are named after gods from Norse mythology.

Standing atop Uvdal skisenter with a great group of friends.

A jump that I made with some friends just outside of the school which is behind the trees on the left.

No speed checks aloud.

Telemark University College.

It's all in one building, about a mile from where I live, which makes for a nice walk to school everyday.