Tips for Ragnarok?

[matthepp]

Hey gang,
I'm so excited to be signed up for Red Bull Ragnarok race in Norway this March!!
Looking for any tips to both be relatively competitive on the course and also make the most out of the week in what looks like an amazing white playground.
Specifically,
1.) what to expect for spring snow conditions? Soft powder? Bulletproof crud? Perfect corn? All the above?
2.) Can I make due with my regular all-around backcountry powder skis (old Seth Viscous)? Or will I regret not racing some type of GS stiff ski?
3.) I'll be flying upwind-oriented lightweight tube kites 9m-17m. Can't be bothered to invest in $$$ foil bowtie generators. I'm sure winds and forecast will be all over the place but is it safe to assume there are tricky wind-shadow spots, etc on the course?
4.) I hear there is a quintessential downwinder from "Planet Hoth" back to Haugastol and some cool peaks to kite up for non race days. Any killer kite spots/experiences that should not be missed?
5.) Passport, VISA, and a full customs quota of tequila and IPA. Anything else I should not leave home without?
Thanks, Matt

[bigcane]

Done it 3 times but can't make it this year. Redbull prefers to run the race on a sunny day so usually that means lighter wind although windy and sunny is possible but less probable. Spring snow that time of year but still possible to have some freshies. If it is light some line extensions for the 17m will help. Plus be prepared to walk to the nearest ridgeline for wind if it goes light and fluky. Take the skis you already have, the main performance driver is the kite. You will not be competitve with the top guys on foil race kites but will have tons of fun battling the other tube kiters. Leg strength is super important espescially if there is good breeze, squats and cardio! Study the terrain before you go, lots of info on the Haugastol website. Finally, on the freeride days don't kite way out into the Vidda if the wind is forecast to drop, ask me howI know this!

[matthepp]

Hey Big cane,
Thanks, I appreciate your perspective. I'll grab the line extensions and get the legs and lungs in shape. It's going to be tough to not head way way out there into the back of beyond if the snow is good and the wind is blowing! I'd better bring enough gear for a late night skin back...

[matthepp]

One last plug for advice. Heading to Norway in 2 weeks! Any word about general snowpack? Wondering if I should take beacon-shovel-probe for pre-race day adventures?

[tautologies]

ask me howI know this!

Lol...what a pain that must be.
At least you could skate back with a massive load of gear on you?

[bigcane]

Current conditions on the vidda. Regarding the shovel, beacon etc, I would not bother. It is easy to avoid any dodgy looking slopes or windlips

[tautologies]

Current conditions on the vidda. Regarding the shovel, beacon etc, I would not bother. It is easy to avoid any dodgy looking slopes or windlips

Looks awesome.
How are the wind conditions?

[twig]

Hi
Im also attending ragnarok.
I know some people use gps for snowkiting if the weather is bad or for general purpose.
Is gps very important for the ragnarok race? or is it just a plus to have?
I guess not everyone have a gps of the surfers attending ragnarok.
Thanks

[joriws]

Take mobile phone, load Oruxmaps (available at least to Android, hmm not anymore at google play but available directly from Oruxmaps site) and preload topomaps to offline mode. Then at site store important waypoints.

[twig]

Tanks for that tip.