My slight advance trepidation lingered all the way to Åre, but then gradually faded, to be completely gone by the time I landed on the hard-packed snow of the Tjallingen trail. In fact, I thought most reports I had heard as to snow and water conditions were exaggerated; I experienced no problems myself. Of course, that depends on how you define "problem": if not being able to follow the trail markers religiously or having to look around a little bit for a stream passage qualifies, then yes, there were huge problems, but if you have just some basic skill in reading the terrain, there were none. It may also be a function of mindset: let Nature guide you, not thwart you. The largest difficulties I had were during the last day down from Sylarna, and those weren't particularly large to start with. All in all, skiing-wise, this was a very pleasant tour, in no small part thanks to my light pack, which was considerably smaller than everyone else's.

And, needless to say, no fault can be placed on the weather. Whatever problems people might have been having, chill was not among them, and every vista was unmarred. This was a stark contrast to the conditions during Fjällfest that had taken place two weeks prior, and it was a welcome one. This also provided me with an excellent opportunity to ascend the peak of Helags, which is something I've been meaning to do at some point. It was a very straightforward climb, and the way down was a whole load of fun. The soft snow was perfect for telemarking; it felt narrow, wobbly – and just plain awesome. Back to basics, truly. And I'm not only referring to the Helags run; the descents at Gåsen, Sylarna and Getryggen were also great – if wet.

This tour also marked several other returns. The first one was general: it's been some time since I did a spring tour in these parts. Next up, I got to see my favorite view from atop Gåsen, and to stay at the cottages below again. I also hadn't visited Helags or Sylarna in many years, and returning to both was swell; the last time I was at Helags the place had not been upgraded to fjeld station status, and I have long felt an urge of sorts to go to Sylarna.

Again, the advent of spring was a positive factor for me, and I was reminded of chiefly the final day of my last spring tour in the area. This the fifth season is really the best of the best, with winter's ease of access marrying spring's reemergence of life. I am very glad that I decided to go through with the tour, and it really was the last chance. Shortly after returning home the trees started leafing, and now the force of summer is growing, with its promise of more hikes...