Well it’s been a while since I’ve updated my own site. For those of you that haven’t been following me on hellyhansen.com is been a great winter. I’ve had some up and downs but I think the ups have over weighed the downs. It felt really great to get back on my skis feeling confident again this winter.

Once again I’ve walked away from the Red Bull Cold Rush with some injuries that have made the rest of my season a bit difficult but it’s nothing I can’t handle.

Since the contest season has ended for me I made my way back to Are, Sweden with Reine Barkered. There was a part of me that was looking forward more to going to the beach for some warm sun but it was important for Reine to get back home after his recent victory.

Here in Sweden it’s felt more like mid winter than late spring. So we’ve managed to get some good skiing in still. A few weekends a go I decided to take a trip to Bakvattnet to visit my good friend Marja Persson. I had been there last fall and it was a great time but we were pretty unlucky with the weather. This time it was a different story. I couldn’t of asked for better weather!

This time instead of hiking in we got to snowmobile in. After setting up the cabins we went out again to meet up with Marja’s father and set up salt licks for the local Moose in the area. I’ve spent some time on a sled but never really had my skills tested like on this trip. It was definitely easier than deep powder but instead I had to maneuver through tight tree’s and melting water crossings. It was a little stressful since it wasn’t my sled but still so much fun!

After every salt lick was set back we made it back to the cabins for some dinner and a beautiful sunset. Marja and I decided to ditch the sleds and cross country ski back to the cabins. This was something I hadn’t done in years! To make it even more interesting I had Marja’s dog harnessed up to me. I thought I knew what I was doing, as it turns out I didn’t. Apparently I really need to brush up on my XC skiing skills. I’m pretty sure the dog did more than I did.

The next day we woke up to another sunny day in Bakvattnet and headed back to the main cabin where I had my first try at ice fishing. We set up some lines and then headed off again on the sleds for some lunch and exploring.

After lunch Marja showed us around the area. We got some great views of a beautiful place. It was so clear we were able to see pretty far off into the distance and where able to get a chance to check out some mountains that I hope to head to one day with Marja for some ski touring!

It was another great weekend in Bakvattnet with Marja and friends! I can’t wait to get back there again!