One of the most appealing things about Norway is its people’s love of “friluftsliv”.  The word doesn't have a direct equivalent in English but its literal translation might be "fresh air life" or "outdoor life".  It describes the characteristic Norwegian ethic of enjoying and sharing the outdoors, physically and aesthetically, regardless of season or weather.  Friluftsliv is expressed in walking, skiing, climbing, sailing, outdoor skating (on lakes), fishing, ice fishing, hunting, you name it.

People of all ages ski in a variety of terrains, parents pulling Fjellpulken (covered sleds) with toddlers, dogs with and without booties and coats, people hundekjøring (ie skiing with the willing assistance of their energetic dog(s), including racing), it is all part of the outdoors enjoyment here. 

You have to have a good reason (usually to do with running a business) to be allowed to use a snowmobile (they call them “snøscooters”), which is a welcome change from places like the USA where skiers have to contend with snowmobiles in many places and you have to wear orange when bushwalking in the hunting season to avoid getting shot.

Mind you, I’m told that hunters can be a hazard in Norway in autumn too, especially after they’ve had a few aquavits to ward off the autumn chill.

You can buy GPS collars for dogs too. They help you find Fido after s/he’s gone on a wild moose chase.

Fjellpulken (a word which I think denotes both a brand and a generic piece of equipment, like “Esky”) are common.  The most deluxe are two-child models, with roll bars, adjustable-width runners to allow for varied terrain and groomed tracks, two perspex windscreens that fold down for protection in bad weather, and a variety of zippered enclosures.  I saw one pulk loaded with a family’s hut provisions, a baby inside, and a toddler on top dragging his leg in the snow so as to give Pappa a better workout.  No gym fees needed for Pappa.

Pulks are also used to carry food and gear on long trips, one of the most notable of which is Lindesnes to Nordkapp (go on, get your atlas out), a mere 2,500 km, give or take, depending on the route.  This epic has been done about 280 times, in winter, summer and a combination of both, by (among other things) skis, hundekjøring, foot, bicycle, sea kayak, rowing boat and skateboard, the oldest person being aged 70.  No Australians yet as far as I can tell.