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ski tourers in snowstorm, black and white photo

Journal at Nature’s Edge

Turning extreme conditions into unforgettable experiences

Fred Buttard, co-founder of Klättermusen Experiences and IFMGA guide, shares stories from trips that pushed limits – and others that delivered pure, unforgettable moments of laughter and awe.


– Are you game?

ski gear up close
Fred in sunglasses, basking in the sun, in snowy landscape
Person jumping/falling from the side on slope
It was so unreal and perfect that everyone was silent, just taking it all in
ski tourers in sundown, sky turning pink

What is your favorite moment from a trip you have guided?

– I am obsessed with skiing in the best light at the oddest times of day, and I love making crazy plans and shenanigans to make it happen. Once, in Finnmark, Norway, we paddled kayaks with all our ski gear across Øksfjord late in the afternoon, had a fire and barbecue on the opposite shore, and started hiking at 9 p.m. We reached the peak by midnight and then had to wait another hour for the light to be perfect. At 1 a.m., we began our descent on perfect corn snow, under pink light, with amazing views of the fjord. It was so unreal and perfect that everyone was silent, just taking it all in.

two men on motorboat driving away from the sailboat SkyDance

Whats your funniest memory with a guest?

– Oh my god, so many moments like this! One that stands out was in Greenland with the SkyDancer. It was a windy, white-out day, but the group was game anyway and the snow turned out way better than expected. When it was time to head back, the SkyDancer crew arrived in a dinghy, with Estella and Nick onboard, blasting a weird techno-pirate mix and bringing snacks, drinks, and pure energy. We lost all sense of time, laughing, sharing stories, and soaking in the long May light. The guests still talk about it—it was one of those unforgettable, perfect days.

skiers high five-ing, black and white photo

Worst weather you’ve experienced on a trip?

– During a Kebnekaise Haute-Route, we toured Jojoleden from Nallo to Tarfala. We started under heavy snowfall, moving through deep snow across mellow terrain to Unna Räitastugan. From there, the clouds closed in and visibility dropped to zero. The winds picked up as we crossed the lake to Tarfala, with gusts sweeping us off our feet multiple times. Reaching the hut that evening, the sauna was pure bliss.

There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing
person fixing gear on back pack

When was your gear really put to the test?

– On a trip to Loppa, Norway, last year, a polar low hit the region. The worst storm in a decade. Roads were closed, and power was out for more than 24 hours. For several days, we faced howling winds, heavy snow, and rain. But the group was strong, so we adjusted the program and went out anyway. In the end, we all had a blast. It was a real-life demonstration of the Swedish saying: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.”

Test Yourself This Winter:

Connect with Fred

Whether it’s choosing the trip that will push your limits, diving into the details of our Arctic routes, or planning a private adventure, Fred can guide you through it all – and share more stories behind every storm we’ve faced.

Our Head if Experience Design & Guides, Fred, walking high up in mountains holding skis carrying pack and gear, leading a group

Head of Experience Design & Guides

Fred Buttard

Fred is a French IFMGA Mountain Guide with 25 years’ experience leading ski trips and expeditions around the world, with a focus on northern Scandinavia. He has been guiding in Finnmark since 2007 and also pioneered trips in the Swedish mountains. At KMX, Fred designs our journeys and oversees our team of guides. You can contact him with questions about destinations, local conditions, weather and snow, history and culture, or technical advice on skiing and kit.

Contact Fred:

I am available to contact on weekdays.


Contact by e-mail: fred@kmexperiences.com

Contact by phone: +46733745959


If I’m not able to pick up the phone, please leave a voice message or send me a text, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.


You can speak with Fred in English, French and Swedish.