Happy Holidays

A little holiday update :)

Christmas Day bouldering - perfect conditions

The medal from my last Swedish Junior Championship. Happy! 

My friends and I won a "dragon's den" competition at our uni. Well done guys!

No snow in sight... But a lovely day out.

University life

In the end of August I started at the Stockholm School of Economics. And as a result I have struggled with the fresher's flu during the last few weeks, so haven't been able to climb much. But before that I used the nice weather for my own benefit!

Amazing condition yesterday, but did not get much climbing done due to my cough

Breaking the Law, 8b at Örnberget

Megos crushing an 8b onsight

Chamonix Part 3

Another small selection of photos from Chamonix. I really want to go back...

Happy!

Even the rest days are beautiful.

Forever free in the mountains...

Looking for ice climbing, wearing shorts and t-shirt. Got to climb overhanging ice :) 

Mandatory selfie!

Thank you Marmot Mountain Europe and Granitbiten for your support!

//Oscar

Chamonix Part 2

Another selection of photos from Chamonix. 

Sumi on Arete des Cosmiques

Your lifeline...

Mont Blanc du Tucal

Aiguille du Midi

Happy times

Chamonix Part 1

I spent over  two weeks in Chamonix (first with my friend Olle and then with my girlfriend Sumi) and here is a selection of photos. More pictures to come!

As it was our first alpine climbing trip without a guide we decided to focus on climbing easier classic routes to build a good foundation of skills and experiences for future seasons. I am already planning to come back next year. 

A special thanks to Marmot and Granibiten for providing me with equipment that not only made the climbs more enjoyable but also safer.

Life is quite good!

I have camped in places with a worse view!

Olle with a deep crevasse and Chamonix in the background.

Aigulle du Peigne.

Ready to abseil. Minutes before both we and the team in front of us got our ropes stuck... 

Climbing in Stockholm

I have spent the last weeks mainly climbing outdoors in Stockholm.

Mental preparation.

Most of the time I have been with friends at Flaten, which is not the most beautiful rock but the climbing is fun. The cliff has become quite popular after it was rebolted and some easier routes were established. It is inspiring to see so many people (no matter ability) pushing themselves on the rock.

I am nothing without my shoes and chalk bag!

I am very pleased with my own climbing and I managed to do quite a few of the classic routes. The finger feels good but I have had to turn down a couple of routes because the holds were too harsh on the finger. Not a big deal, you can always try them again later :D 

Maybe I should have stretched my hips a bit more!?!

My friend Olle and I also spent a couple of days climbing trad at Grönbrinksberget. On our first visit we were lucky with the weather and got to climb quite a few lines. However, the second time all the routes were soaked and there was even a short thunderstorm. Anyway, it was a good (and scary) experience to lead on your own gear when water is dripping down the wall. 

On Friday I am flying to Chamonix for some alpine adventure. So the bags are fully packed with tent, crampons, cams, ropes and much more. I am excited to spend some time in the mountains. 

//Oscar

Austrian alps!

In the end of May I spent two weeks at my girlfriend's house in Austria. It rained and snowed for all days except three!! So a lot of perfekt opportunities to test my gore-tex jacket and pants ;) 

I spent a day running and scrambling in the  Wilder Kaiser. No sight and a lot of snow. And so much fun!

Sumi high above the ground!

Fresh snow at 900m.

On the last day I got to climb a fantastic 300m multi-pitch.

 Here I am on the top with burnt arms!

You need a bit more gear than when you go sport climbing :D 

Ski touring in the Alps

During the first week of May I did some ski touring in the Alps.

The plan was to tour in the Mont Blanc Massif but because of the bad weather forecast we decided to spend our days in the Grand Paradiso National Park in Italy.

Our first two days were blessed with fantastic snow and weather. But then at the end of the second day my new Dynafit binding decided to break for no reason whatsoever!

The retreat down the mountain on day three was not too exciting, as it forced us back to the rainy lowland and even more rainy Chamonix.

On the last day I tried dry tooling for the first time. It was interesting and a perfect way to spend the day while it rains. 

Overall, it was a fun trip, but next time I wish for equipment that lasts more than two ski runs... And maybe a bit less rain, but the weather is hard to control :D

Thank you Krister for five great days!

Swedish Climbing Federation's Alpine Climbing Camp

I enjoyed some fantastic days in north Sweden, ice climbing (one handed for me), ski touring and avalanche training. Thank you everyone for a great time!

Three more weeks until I should be able to start climbing again. Excited! 

The Team
Photocredit - Krister Jonsson

Good snow or what?
Photocredit - Krister Jonsson

Base camp in Tarfala.

One of few times without strong winds.

Enjoying the view.

Oscar, Oskar and Oscar enjoying the transport back to Nikkaloukta.

Setback!

After my finger made that sound just over three weeks ago I have given it a lot of rest. But since some normal movements (like putting on a shirt) still felt a bit awkward I decided to see a doctor.

I knew something was possibly a bit wrong with it but I was surprised when the doctor told me I had a decent sized fracture on my A4 pulley (ring-finger on the left hand). Even the doctor thought it was strange I had not experienced any more pain or swelling.

My new nice case to support the pulley and hinder movement

This means no climbing, or any other form of pressure on the finger, for at least another six weeks. It was not what I wanted to hear, especially as I have been feeling really strong since just after Christmas. Oh well it could have been worse and there is no point in trying to haste the recovery!

St Anton

Last week I was in St Anton with my mum for skiing! Here are some pictures, needless to say I had a fantastic time. 

Fantastic powder but not the best sight!

Does it get better than this? 

Exciting!

Happy after a great run in the couloir!

It is important to refill your batteries

Mum does well keeping up!

As always you meet great people!