Cabin owner and former mayor of Tønsberg, Petter Berg, could hardly see the cabin when he recently traveled up to Killingdalen.
– The cabin is next to the road, but is almost covered in snow, Berg tells TV 2.
– The first thing I thought was that this will take time, but that it was just a matter of getting started and taking it one shovelful at a time.
It was Tønsberg magazine who first mentioned the matter.
Had to dig in
The Berg cabin is located in Veggli, close to Hardangervidda, where large amounts of snow have fallen recently.
– The snow fell evenly with the water board on the roof, and we had to dig down to the cabin. In addition, there were large amounts of snow on the roof, he says.
Berg and the traveling party had to first prioritize shoveling a passage to the door, so that they could get inside. Then they spread out.
– We spent Thursday and the morning on Friday shoveling and digging out the cabin.
ALMOST INVISIBLE: Petter Berg’s cabin and annex had almost disappeared in the snow. Photo: Private
He explains that there had also been extra snow in front of the cabin as a result of road plowing.
– There the snow depth reached two metres, and covered the entire west wall and an annex which is next to the cabin. There was around a meter of snow on the roof, says Berg.
Warn the cabin people
He was last at the cabin late in the autumn, but says that there have been large amounts of snow over Christmas and the New Year weekend.
– Those who have not been to the cabin since before Christmas will be in for a surprise when they discover the large amounts of snow that have fallen this winter, says Berg and adds:
– We get to enjoy that. It provides wonderful opportunities to practice skiing!
THE TERRACE: Here you can see the high snow banks in front of the cabin. Photo: Private
Communications manager at Gjensidige, Bjarne Aani Rysstad, says that it is most important to shovel the cabin roof when there are large amounts of snow. Large terraces, or snow that presses against external walls, should also be shoveled.
– It is important to be careful, and not risk or speculate that the roof will hold. If large amounts of snow come crashing down, it can also cause damage to things other than the roof, and in the worst case also personal injury, says Rysstad to TV 2.
He further explains that you can also risk a reduction in compensation if you have not taken precautions and shoveled.
– Older cabins can withstand much less than new cabins. It also depends on the span, but the most important thing is not to speculate on this. Rather go a little too early than a little too late, emphasizes Rysstad.
MOWING THE ROOF: Communications Manager at Gjensidige, Bjarne Aani Rysstad, says that it is important to shovel the cabin roof when there is a large amount of snow. Here he shovels the cabin roof himself. Photo: Private
Should go up more often
The communications manager in Gjensidige encourages alliances with various cabin companies to get help shoveling when the snow is at its worst.
– There are also some Facebook groups where you can find help. But be careful who you use, so that you don’t become liable if someone you use should injure themselves in an assignment for you, says Rysstad and continues:
– And regardless of who is on the roof, yourself or others, be aware of the risk and take any safety measures.
Cabin owner Berg says that they will go up to the cabin regularly to monitor the snow depth going forward.
– And of course to enjoy the magnificent nature. We’re Norwegians, so we should just enjoy the winter – as soon as we’ve finished shoveling and secured our cabins, says Berg.
HAD TO DIG A WAY: Petter Berg had to dig a way into the cabin. Photo: Private
