A crystal clear sky, sun, snowy pine trees, crispy snow. This weekend was great to go out cross country skiing: for the fun and I have to train for the Tjejvasan 2017 (Vasaloppet) in February. I must be honest: I left out that it was minus 15 and in the beginning I felt totally frozen, but after 15 minutes I felt fine again. That Furudal is a great place for Nordic skiing is not new. But that village has a long history in this sport was new to us. Because we want to know all about our farm’s history, this part of Furudals history is also worth digging into.
I found some articles on the internet about the subject which provided a glimpse in Furudals ‘Nordic ski’ history. It is the oldest type of skiing and it emerged from a need to travel over snow-covered terrain. For centuries in the snow-covered north, skis were required to chase game and gather firewood in winter time. With long distances between the small, isolated communities and hard, snowy winters, skiing also became important as means of keeping in social contact. It developed as a sport at the end of the 19th century.
One of the central figures who made this Ore region (to which Furudal belongs) known for its excellent cross country ski possibilities was Axel Runns (1914-2007). Thanks to him many foreign skiers trained in Ore. It must have been great to welcome these Austrians, Americans and cross-country skiers from the former Soviet Union and watch them skiing out. Axel already organized the first ski camp in Ore in 1939.
In the nineties, this area was still popular during the winter. A nice example is the cross country contest between Boda and Furudal. In 1992 200 people skied this trail in the two hours until the contest was settled.
No wonder that people liked and still like the tracks around here. First of all you have some trails to choose from. When there’s enough snow IFK Ores exercise group makes wonderful cross country trails consisting of 1 km, 2.5 km, 5 km, 7 km, 9 km and 12 km tracks. The one kilometer and five kilometers tracks are illuminated. The tracks begin at the residential Tillhed in Furudal. Last Saturday I tried the 2,5 a couple of times, and it’s a nice one with some hills to practice (remember I’m a beginner). The trail goes right through the woods and is well prepared.
If you prefer stunning lake and sky views, you should go to the lakes Oresjön or Skattungesjön. Here some skillful (and hardworking) villagers have made trails that take you along the edges of the lake. On lake Oresjön you can actually cross the lake (this part starts near the park Vindförberg). A special tour I can tell you from experience! You travel on a vast white plain with here and there some animal paws along your trail. In the distance you see, little islands, forestry hills, red houses and a very small white Ore church. You will sleep very well afterwards.
Hopefully, the Ärteråsen round will be restored one time. That must have been an amazing trail with many nice views. Imagine that the villagers had to trample down and ski up all these tracks themselves in former times …