Tusen Takk (Norwegian for a Thousand Thanks) is an expedition that took place in Norway between 21 March and 10 April 2010. A team of 10 Royal Marines skied 1000km across Norway through the Rondane, Douvrefjell, Jotunheimen and Hardangervidda.

The team covered an average of 50km a day over 20 consecutive days. This is the equivalent of 1 and a third marathons on skis a day, with an overall height gain exceeding an ascent of Mt. Everest.

The team consisted of 5 experienced skiers, most veterans of the Falklands, with a total of 82 Norwegian winters and 160 years service in the Royal Marines under their belts; and 5 younger skiers, most veterans of Afghanistan, from 45 Commando Royal Marines and the Brigade Recce Force; the old guard handing over to the new guard so to speak.

The team commented on their experiences:

Lieutenant Colonel Gary Green

Avalanches, awful weather and the snow conditions all conspired against us. We never made the 1000km, but I believe we have all benefited from the experience. We have achieved a great deal; young have learnt from old and old have learnt from young.

Twelve Royal Marines and a Telegraph Reporter skiing together successfully and without injury from Lillihammer to Rjukan via 4 of Norway’s magnificent National Parks is an outstanding achievement and every team member should be justifiably proud of their contribution and look back on the challenge with a smile on their faces.

For me, this has been a personal journey, brought about by the tragic loss of my wife Dionne to cancer. Nine hours of skiing a day, in my own little world and thoughts, looking at the backpack or ski’s of the person in front of me has helped me tremendously to come to terms with my loss.

I have had the time and space to think about my dear wife and children and I truly believe that I have come out of this a stronger person and I can now go forward with the rest of my life. Dionne was my inspiration to do this and she was with me for the whole 20 days. I will look back on this time and cherish the experience; always.

Colonel Jim Hutton

For me, this was a splendid journey that saw us take 12 Commandos and a journalist across a significant chunk of Norway enduring the worst of weather and snow conditions that could be thrown at us.

We had hoped for 20 days of brilliant Easter weather, we got 2. The rest saw us battling through storm, blizzard, cloud, hail, sleet drizzle and fierce winds. We had to dig deep to push through the weather and complete our planed daily journeys. Even at its worst we still went back out to ski a few more kilometres, because we could. In hindsight, we did not need to, but we did it anyway. It typifies what makes a commando different from others. That ability to remain cheerful in adversity and through determination and sheer doggedness, get on with the job.

Watching the younger marines improve their skiing skills, keep their chins up and play a role in the daily routine was energising for all of us. Having the opportunity to ski with old buddies with a wealth of experience honed through years of soldiering in harsh operational environments was a pleasure and truly memorable. Watching and following Jon up the Hallingskarvet as he kicked steeps up the 40 degree slope was inspiring. Skiing downhill over hard neve on Day 20 with everyone smiling and loving the experience was fantastic.

Remembering, at Lake Tyin our family, friends and oppos who had passed, was an important part of the trip and seeing and reading the daily messages of support on the Blog and the continued donations into the charities was terrific. Seeing my buddy for the trip, Jimmy, improve, mature and keep smiling was just great.

Jamie was with me in spirit throughout the journey and Sally’s cancer was never far from my mind. I have spent a long time thinking about what is important to me in life and having the time to actually do that as we skied endless miles in whiteout was a rare if somewhat odd opportunity. Tusen Takk to all.