Norway: More than Just a Cold Place Near Russia
The mastermind behind this meeting of the ice minds is Marius Morstad of NTK. Marius has a purist idea of climbing. He wanted to have an event that was the antithesis of an event Red Bull might sponsor. Marius and his fellow climbers were happy to get away from giant inflatable sponsor balloons, banners, DJs and anything else found at festivals and competitions. At this meet, one couldn’t even find helpful clinics for aspiring climbers or a brightly colored shirt signifying volunteers or officials.
It was pure and only about the climb, the mountains and camaraderie; just what Marius was envisioning.
The word going around is that when some of the invited climbers asked for advice on the itinerary, climbing conditions and local weather, Marius answered with something to the effect of, “Don’t worry about it. The rock and ice won’t change. You just be ready for when we pick you up at the airport.” The weather was on their side for this events of climbing mountains that bled into fjords. They were able to complete over 50 routes and were able to bag a few first ascents.
Their group is proud to inform anybody that inquires that they fully understand the fragility of these types of untouched wilderness areas; of which Norway has many. Part of the NTK mission is to keep Norway as wild and clean as possible.
