Last year December, I had a week or so between my old job, a Christmas family holiday, and my new job, so I decided on doing something I'd wanted to do for a few years: experiencing what the north was like early in winter. So I took the bus and train to Dovrefjell, Norway, for a short snowshoe and camping trip. And oh boy, I sure did learn why early winter is not considered proper wintersport season in the north. Snow and weather and ice conditions were all tough, and the few daylight hours did also not help me cover any actual distance. Nevertheless I really enjoyed myself - marvelling at the beautiful light lasting the whole short day, musk ox sightings, being utterly alone in the snowy mountains, and a really festive looking Trondheim. A true little December treat.  Thin, loose snow cover and untrustworthy ice Already stopping for the day at 15:00 o'clock because dusk was falling and a storm was on its way, so I wanted to have my tent piched securely. About an hour after I t