A Hike Down Levi's Face

A snowshoe hike down Levi Fell is not so easy as it might sound. There are no groomed hiking trails so most of the way is on summer hiking paths and through the forests.

The views are spectacular - on the fell and across the Lapland landscape! The light was clear and crisp that day. It was so bright at the crest I wished I had sunglasses with me, even though it was January in the Arctic.

Near the top, going is rough, rocky, sometimes steep. Changes begin at the first plateau. At first a few trees grow amid very small shrubs. There is still very little soil here, but just enough to support some life. The sparse trees are stunted, twisted and knarled.  Standing alone, burdened with snow they are the survivors.

As we descended down the fell the trees grew closer together -- not as a forest, but as individuals in proximity to others.  The distance between trees were so regular they look planted by man, but I think this must be the separation needed to maintain enough nourishment for life.

Further down the fell the forest begins.  I think this is where  any soil from above blows.  It certainly was where the snow had blown! The problems walking quickly change from not enough snow to cover the rocks to snow well over a meter deep! In places it was too soft to support snowshoes. Several times I sank waist to armpit deep in the snow, while wondering if I would get off the fell.

As the afternoon was quickly passing the colors of the closing day became extremely memorable. Even the setting sun gave off a brilliant light that contrasted against the deepening shadows.  The Belt of Venus around the horizon was the most perfect and intense I have ever seen.

Gallery of a hike down Levitunturi

Place cursor over thumbnails below to see more scenes hiking down Levitunturi.