American Skier Reaches Halfway of 800-Mile Swedish Route in 35 Days

In the icy wilderness of Sweden, Elijah Ourth, an adventure photographer from Chicago and now skier, embarks on a solitary expedition. His mission is to conquer the iconic “White Ribbon,” the most renowned ski trail in Scandinavia.

Stretching over a vast 800 miles, the “White Ribbon” or “Vita Band” in Swedish curves elegantly through the mountainous regions of Sweden. While few attempt this arduous journey, Ourth has bravely embarked on this challenging adventure. Just a few days ago, Ourth crossed a significant milestone and celebrated wildly on his social media handle. 

American skier wants to dominate the Swedish mountains

In January, Ourth began an extraordinary journey that tested his endurance and resolve. He faced relentless storms and dangerous icy conditions but remained steadfast in pursuing his destination. Not everyone takes on the challenge of skiing through the 807-mile route, but Ourth is not like everyone else.

Having reached the snowy midpoint of Hemavan three days back, Ourth has covered 700 kilometers. His goal to conquer the remaining peaks fuels his spirit. He braved through temperatures of -35, deep loose snow, and hard-packed drifts. But he kept going forward!

It took him 35 days to reach the halfway point of the ‘White Ribbon’ and, according to his post, he still has one entire month left in the freezing snow.

In an Instagram post, Ourth shared pieces of his voyage along the “White Ribbon,” showing the challenges and successes of this journey. Whether it was struggling through difficult snow at a slow pace or enjoying a pizza after a hard day, each moment showed his determination and endurance.

Unlike many adventurers who go solo, Ourth chose to work with a team, demonstrating the changing approach to modern expeditions. This shift reflects the trail’s journey since it was first explored by Torkel and Annica Idestrom in 1997.

‘White Ribbon’ is not for the faint-hearted

Since 2010, 97 hikers have completed the challenging White Ribbon trail. Despite its difficulty, it has gained popularity, attracting adventurers seeking to test their limits against nature’s obstacles. Ourth remains determined to conquer the trail, driven by his love for mountains and the camaraderie of his fellow hikers.

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What makes the hike even more brutal is that skiers have to travel using their expertise. Notably, the usage of motors is strictly restricted, to ensure safety on the trail. The usage of kites, dogs, or other methods, however, is permitted. The entire route of the journey depends on the skier, which is why many consider this one of the toughest.

Every journey is unique and the experience each skier goes through will always have a point of differentiation. Such are the challenges of the ‘White Ribbon.’

“I’m really looking forward to being even more in the high mountains and above treeline which is the environment I really like, and is super pretty! And it will be fun to get to share some parts with my friends who are along,” he said. Upon considering his journey, Ourth’s words convey a palpable sense of eagerness and enthusiasm for the adventures that lie ahead.

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