Tundra Tours Kite Expedition with Carl Plasschaert: A Wild Arctic Adventure
This month from the 24th until 27th January, I had the pleasure of hosting Carl Plasschaert from Belgium on a Tundra Tours Kite Expedition. Carl arrived at Trondheim Airport, where our adventure began. From there, we headed back to the Tundra Tours base to pack our trusty Acapulca sleds, skis, and Ozone Explore Kites. With everything loaded into the van, we hit the road late in the evening, bound for the rugged terrain near Børgefjell, just outside the national park.
Our Arctic training kicked off the next morning under a biting -17°C and a wind chill that cut straight through us. The goal was to kite, but with winds raging far too fiercely, we decided to strap on our skis and move forward on foot instead. After hours of trekking, we set up camp in the middle of a vast snow-covered landscape.
The first night was a test of resilience. With winds howling at over 30 meters per second, sleep was a distant dream. The tent got battered relentlessly, forcing me to head out multiple times to clear snow, reinforce lines, and retrieve our sleds, which had been blown away in the chaos. By the early hours, the wind started to settle, giving us a brief window to catch some rest before sunrise. Breakfast was a simple affair of boiling snow for water, coffee, and dry food packets—fuel for the long day ahead.
Day 2: Skiing, Kiting, and Comforts of the Arctic
The second day brought its own challenges. With the wind forecast to intensify, we decided to ski back down the slope we’d climbed the previous day. Fresh powder from the night’s snowfall made for an exhilarating descent. At the base, we finally got the opportunity to unpack our kites. I handed Carl the 8-square-meter Ozone Explore kite, while I took the 6-square-meter version. The winds had calmed to a steady 8-10 m/s—ideal conditions for our kiting session.
Gliding across the snow, towing our sleds behind us, we made great progress. Later in the afternoon, we set up camp as heavy snow started falling, blanketing the world around us. The winds calmed just as we pitched the tent, and for the first time, the Arctic felt peaceful. That evening, we indulged in the comforts of camp life—hot chocolate, hearty meals, and even a cheeky splash of Norwegian cognac. After the previous sleepless night, we finally got some much-needed rest.
Day 3: Whiteouts, Kiting Mastery, and an Unforgettable Finish
The final day began with a snowstorm and strong winds, but Carl and I were eager to make the most of it. Despite the weather, Carl’s enthusiasm was unwavering. He had only one previous day of snowkiting experience, yet he mastered the conditions like a seasoned pro. Watching him glide off into a total whiteout was a sight to behold.
The storm eventually gave way to fleeting moments of sunshine, and we had an incredible time kiting with and without our sleds. By midday, it was time to head back to the van. Kiting through trees and up small hills added an extra layer of challenge, especially for me, as my sled was loaded heavier than Carl’s. True to form, Carl made it look effortless, his sled almost floating behind him.
Upon reaching the van—buried under a thick layer of snow—we dug it out, loaded our gear, and began the drive back to Trondheim. That evening, we celebrated the success of the expedition with a few well-deserved pints and a hearty meal in the city. Early the next morning, I saw Carl off on his 4 a.m. flight back to Amsterdam.
Reflections on an Arctic Adventure
This expedition was nothing short of spectacular. Carl was an exceptional student, quickly picking up the skills required to navigate the Arctic with confidence. But then again, I wasn’t surprised—his previous adventures, like rowing across the Atlantic and paragliding off Mont Blanc, spoke volumes about his spirit of adventure.
From brutal winds and sleepless nights to powder-filled descents and perfect kiting conditions, this journey encapsulated the raw beauty and unpredictability of the Arctic. A huge thank you to Carl for joining Tundra Tours—your energy and adventurous spirit made this expedition unforgettable. Until next time, keep chasing the wind!