Arctic Lines | Twenty Chapter 1 - Freeriding roadtrip to the biggest couloir in Norway with Polestar

Arctic Lines is proud to present the first chapter of a documentary series that follows Antti Autti during his 20th year as a professional snowboarder.

In chapter 1, Antti takes on a new challenge and heads north with a Polestar electric car. He’s searching for a line to add to his Arctic Lines list, a project that showcases the diverse freeriding opportunities above the Arctic Circle.

How will Antti, an electric vehicle novice, manage his long journey on the Northern roads? Is the charging infrastructure up to his heavy demands? After all, a successful day in the mountains requires complete trust in his vehicle as well. Along the way, he contemplates his lifestyle and choices. He wants to be a better climate advocate but also knows that these changes bring many challenges and doubts. However, a more sustainable life is worth trying something new and different.

Twenty follows one athlete’s attempts to reconcile his conscience with the requirements of his profession. Is it possible to pursue a long career in freeriding, take on filming missions and expeditions, and do it all without getting hurt or exceeding the limits of our planet? With its inherent risks and demands, can freeriding ever be truly sustainable?

Gagnesrenna is a 1100 vertical meter descent in a very special place located in Skjomen near Narvik, Norway.
This very beautiful couloir has been on Arctic Lines list for a long time. In the project it belongs to Aesthetics category.

Description
Gagnesrenna experience is best done when snow conditions are rather ok all the way to the fjord.
The route to the top of the line is mellow but in the beginning you will be exposed to the slope above you which is avalanche prone.
Follow the gravel/maintenance road to the treeline.

At the treeline gently make your way up to the valley and start heading more towards north.
Once you reach the elevation roughly 1200m you can change to your equipment here. Glide towards to entry point of the couloir.
Once at the entry, check conditions. There are big cornices hanging right next to the slope so you will need a cold day to do the line.

If it's good, drop in and ride the first section - a steep open slope towards the dogleg. This is nice experience if the snow is good.
When you reach the dog leg you are entering a big world surrounded by massive walls on both sides.
The descent here is not difficult but snow conditions must be stable because you are exposed from all directions.

After around 3/4 of the couloir you will come to the choke. This is often icy so bringing rope, ice axe and crampons is recommended for this part. If you're lucky you can also ride down. After the choke there are rocks and cliffs in the fall line. If the snow is good you can make your way down the left hand side of the couloir above the cliffs.

A note especially for regular footed snowboarders
be aware that you will be on your heel edge for most of this part and need to be on point.
It's easy riding but if conditions are variable and you can lose edge control here.

After clearing this section you will come to the end of the couloir. Here you will most likely experience old avalanche debris which is big and hard. Take it easy. Don't ride fast here even if snow feels nice because there is most likely going to be hard chunks of snow.
Make your way down towards skiers right handside of the fjord.
Walk back to your starting point and be happy - you just did one of the most aesthetic couloirs in Narvik area!

This description is made after the successful attempt in the project.
For more detailed information, check a book - Ski touring in Narvik by Mikael Af Ekenstam.
It is very good guide book for the area!

GAGNESRENNA IN FATMAP