A ski trip with a historic buzz
Every Palm Sunday since 1987, small and large ski enthusiasts gather to honor Jon Torsteinson Rue, better known as Snowshoe Thompson. The race follows parts of Store Nordmannslepa and is a great trip of approx. 22 km in the high mountains.
When you arrive at the start at Småroe, a small adventure awaits you. Here you get a postcard—your ticket to a journey over the mountain towards the finish area at Nybu, just like Jon, the legend Snowshoe Thompson once carried the mail over the wild mountains of the Sierra Nevada. His story is not just a memory, but a real role model for you heading over the mountain. The postcard you have with you weighs nothing, but symbolizes a great feat. Snowshoe Thompson's mail bag weighed almost 40 kg. His route between Placerville and Genoa was 145 kilometers. You can only imagine what kind of strength and courage it took to complete such a mail route.
Your own route is approx. 20 kilometers in a well-prepared trail. No dangers lurk along the way. You are in the clear and can enjoy nature without worries, but it is still a small piece of adventure on your own skis.
When you set out on the ski trip over the mountain, let your thoughts go to how Jon had it—with 40 kg on his back, poor clothes, and little food. He was by no means a typical tourist on a Sunday trip.
His packed lunch was simple: some dried meat/sausage and some dry biscuits. He could not indulge in long food breaks; the food had to be easy to eat while he trudged up the slopes. Hot drinks were a luxury he never took time for; it was a matter of moving on regardless of weather and snow conditions. Think about that next time you take a sip from your thermos and feel the heat spread through your body!
Practical information about the race
Registration and start from Småroe at 09.30-12.00
Arrival with registration and prize-giving at Nybu at 11.00-16.30
No timing. Participants must have food and clothing for a day in the high mountains. There will be sales of sausages, waffles, drinks, and coffee all day at Nybu.
Parking at Motjønn on Skirvedalsvegen. Bus to Småroe at 08.30-10.30. For those who have their cars at Småroe, there is a bus from Motjønn at 15.00 and 16.30.
Entry fee NOK 200,-
Family price NOK 500,- (family is parents and children under 18)
Bus price NOK 100,- per person.
Contact us for information at tel. 99635453 or 47265687.
Follow Snowshoe Thompson memorial race on Facebook
Organizer: Lure Historielag, Fjellguten Skilag, and Fjell-ljom grendelag
