Surviving my 2nd Winter of Extreme Van Life, From Blizzard, Snow Storm to Cozy Cold Camping
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- Опубліковано 1 лют 2025
- Surviving another Winter of Extreme Van Life in Freezing Temperatures - from Blizzard, Snow Storm & Cozy Camping to Amazing Cold Beauty.
I started my 2024 Arctic tour on January 7th. After circling the highest mountain plateau in Europe in November and December in Blizzards and Snow Storms, I now head north to the Arctic. I am gonna spend my entire winter on this adventure and this video is from the first 4 days in extreme winter beauty. Living my best life in the van in winter. Also flying my DJI mini 4 pro drone a lot in this video.
I offer my opinions on tires, snow chains, diesel heaters vs propane, 4WD vs FWD and other winter van life related topics, as well as a few new upgrades. Part 1 of many.
#vanlife #wintervanlife
My van is a Fiat Ducato, FWD with Nokian Winter Tires. This is the same as a Ram Promaster in the USA and Canada.
If you want to support my video creation you can sign up for exclusive content & maps at Patreon.com/NorwegianXplorer
Or you can join this channel to get access to maps and perks:
/ @norwegianxplorer
Enjoy camping and van life friends from around the world!
Check out this other winter van life video in the series: • Surviving My 1st Winte...
Surviving my first Winter of Extreme Van Life, Blizzard, Snow Storm Camping & Freezing Cold which includes:
This is my complete first winter of Winter Van Life in extreme conditions in the North, living in a van during freezing temperatures. Starting in January I go through the whole winter season of snowy winter adventures from January to April, with snow storms, blizzards, extreme cold, extreme snowfall, slippery roads and some amazing winter beauty as well.
I also show you what I learned from my first winter in the van.
About me: I am a Norwegian adventurer and wilderness explorer. My youtube channel focus on outdoor wilderness adventures and exploration, backpacking, hiking, canyoneering, skiing, climbing and mountaineering. Nights spent in a tent, alone or with friends. From the snow covered mountains and misty fjords of Norway and Scandinavia to the remote plateaus of Yellowstone and the debts of the red canyons of Utah to the summit of Mt Whitney and the heart of Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park. I love the Wilderness! Email is under "For business inquiries", for general questions please comment on a video, I try to answer everyone.
#wintercamping #vanlife #camping #van #snow #wintervanlife #blizzard #snowstorm
I wish I could of traveled the world during my life. I'm at the end of it now, I will never get the chance to experience it. Just through UA-cam channels like yours.
Thanks Bruno!
Same here.
😢
Brilliant Sunlight
Cheers!!!
Wow, Thank you so much Paxton🙏
Your burger thing blew my mind!! I am definitely going to try that folding method too. Cheers from Canada
Cool, good luck and thanks for watching!
Greetings from the Shetland Islands fantastic video again as always
Glad you enjoyed it, cool that you are watching from the Shetlands!
@@NorwegianXplorer the land of the vikings,, Shetland was once part of Norway :-)
Yes I know:-)
I’ve watched this and your other videos so many times during the night when I can’t sleep, the scenery is stunning and you capture its beauty so well. Very relaxing. It’s so cosy now having the protection and comfort of your van compared to your camping days 😊 Take care 🙏🏽🇦🇺
Glad you enjoyed it!
You, sir, are a phenomenal videographer. I was well and truly mesmerized.
Wow, thank you Judy!
Amazing video no Doubt. Thanks for sharing the scenery is no doubt Stunning!
Thanks!
The most breathtaking views
It is!
Highest praise to you for responding to your comments. Not many do that.
It says A LOT about you and how you appreciate your community. I have no clue how you keep up with it along with everything else. Or how you will keep up with it when your channel really explodes, because it will. 😉
Also, I mentioned your curry mango chutney pizza was fabulous. Now I can’t wait to try your fancy triple-fold burger sandwich thingy. (Folded Feast)🤣
In addition to your superb videos, you provide creative and tantalizing food ideas. Thanks for that!
Thank you Paxton! My viewers and community are the best and I try my best to keep up with all comments, I try to answer everything in the morning while I have my coffee.
I always appreciate the musical choices in these videos :) That frozen tree island was just incredible!
Thank you very much!
I'm watching this in the Southern Hemisphere.
It's so hot and humid at the moment.
Amazing scenery and so well put together.
Thanks Robert!
Wow, what an amazing adventure! You are truly an inspiration for living the van life in such extreme conditions. I love how you captured the beauty and coziness of the snow storm and the blizzard, as well as the challenges and joys of winter camping. Your drone shots are stunning and your van looks so comfortable and well-equipped. Thank you for sharing your journey with us and I can’t wait to see more of your Arctic tour. Stay safe and warm! #vanlife #wintervanlife #norwegianxplorer
Thanks so much!
Thank you for sharing this video. The scenery is so beautiful. I don't like being cold so watching your video is a great way to share your experience. Thank you
Thank you very much!
the landscapes are simply mesmerizing
Glad you enjoyed it!
I ❤ that kettle!
me too, it is my moms
Oh how I loved seeing those swans 🥰🦢❄ ~ simply beautiful. Grateful for the winter 🙏 thank you for the gift.
You are so welcome Cali!
Spectacular, Stunning and all the rest! These colors are hypnotic. It was a real fun ride along Jarl. Thanks for publishing so soon. It makes it extra special for sure. Outstanding my man!! God bless!
Thank you my friend, so much more to come! I just crossed into the Arctic today, the wind is howling up here in the mountains
Stunning photography! I remember when I first started taking pictures on vacation. I always loved the water. Unfortunately I came home with a lot of water shots that looked like I stood in the same place for 2 weeks and took picture after picture. LOL. Thank heaven I don't do that anymore. I'm 76 now so I should have shown some improvement. Thank you so much for taking us along on your trips. The winer months with all the snow is beyond beautiful. Stay safe and go with God. AM
Water needs a certain angle lol! Thanks for wathcing!
Stunning yet again..That body of water and snow dipped trees everywhere so incredible...
Please tell us when there are people living in these harsh climates. That fascinates me. What do they do for a living? Why are they living there? I'm so impressed. Your videos keep getting better and better. I love the narrative. It's a great lesson! Thank you! God bless you and keep you safe.
Thank you!
Norway 🇳🇴 looks so Beautiful Thank you for taking me on your wonderful Journey ❤. Lots of love from North of Ireland 🇮🇪♥. STAY SAFE.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Man, this is brutal, but fantastic. Too beautiful!!!🤩🤩🤩🤩
Glad you like it!
Hello my friend, the scenery of the mountains
so beautiful. Wow, very professional. Much 💕💕💯
Thank you very much Jojo!
مناظر جميله جدا ❤❤❤❤
I must say that you do a really good job. When I watch your videos I actually feel that I'm in the cozy van experiencing everything that you are experiencing. Your excellent videos and pictures show that you put a lot of hard work and love into your content/projects. I'm sure it can get lonely and it's a lot of hard work, but keep it up for as long as you possible can. We all very much enjoy your work. I can watch your videos for hours at a time. Well done! I will subscribe and to your channel and now I will donate $$. You deserve it.
Uh, just breath taking views from the drone to dash-cam. Thank you for bringing us along your journey. Love your content my friend. Cheers ☕️
Glad you enjoy it my friend🙏
💯👍!!
Incredible combination of world class videography and soundtrack......
Thank you Kurt and welcome as a member!
Beautiful! Absolutely beautiful! I am really enjoying your calm, relaxing, videos. Thank you 😊
My pleasure 😊
I really appreciate these winter videos. These are places that I would never see but for NE's adventures and editing. Great Work.
Thank you very much!
Good to see you back on the road after your winter holiday. Winterizing your van for the coming winter makes good sense. Some wonderful drone footage here of the drive on the Hardangervidda Plateau. So vast and open, just snow, sky and clouds. You had good weather here, clear. I guess it was a break in the weather. The frost on the trees was a thing of beauty like a sculpture. ❄️
Thanks Rick, yes this was the first leg of the previous winter tour, hardangervidda is a good place to go since it gets snow early
Wow! What a fabulous view to wake up to. I've only just started watching your vlog, and i must say I'm captivated by the scenery. I have trouble sleeping of a night and the sound of the snow blizzards have knocked me senseless. I have to watch each program again because i keep nodding off. The snow and the wind are hypnotic. I do feel for you eating pizza 24/7. What about a curry and rice, easy to do on that gas top. Loving seeing Norway its very similar to Scotland. All the best 😊
Thanks Karen, keep watching:-)
Let it be driving along a beautifull fjord or over the white-frozen Hardangervidda, let it be pink sunset or golden sunrise, the views are breath-taking. I'm really happy Jarl you had such a fine couple of days, full of happy sunshine ! Once again you were the King of Winter-wonderland. Watching the video I could feel the freezing cold .... What an awesome light ! What a magnificent soft atmosphere ! Thank you so much for those fantastic images 💜 ! - I always watch with suspense what you are preparing for dinner, so tasty ! - And now, heading to Lofoten, I'm curiously looking forward 😆 ! ( Here in the East of Belgium, near German border, in Elsenborn, they had minus 23 one night. To-day, in Ardennes, Hoge Venen, 700 m, ski-pistes are crowded with people. In G(h)ent, not a single flock of snow ! ) - I wish you a happy continuation of your journey, Jarl !
Thank you Regine!
Hello from Wales :-) I thought I had subscribed a long time ago, but I was mistaken. I have now! I've watched many of your videos and find them a perfect antidote for this crazy world we live in. My mind is transported to a more peaceful place, where your love of outdoors, nature, changing seasons, beautiful geography and spectacular scenery permeate through your videos. Thank you for posting your adventures. They are enjoyed by so many people. Wishing you good health and happiness in this new year :-)
Thank you so much Gary and welcome!
I would love to go to Wales!! I’ve heard it’s a beautiful country.
Gracias por compartir esos hermosos paisajes....saludos desde Uruguay!!!
Thank you, greetings!
👍Hey there Norwegian Xplorer!
It's great to see your videos again & as always, my first expression displayed, when I saw your video & saw the scenery & heard the music, was smile.
Your relaxing & beautiful videos, remove any internal anxiety or stresses that I sometimes feel.
I arrived home from Norge a few days ago, after enjoying almost 7 blissful weeks there. I certainly plan to revisit as soon as I can.
I've unfortunately been very ill since I arrived home & I'm just doing my best to recover quickly & get back on the road.
I suspect it may be from the change of hemisphere's & climatic conditions, plus the very long flight, dry air etc;.
The people of Norge were so so nice everywhere I went & my Norwegian has really improved too, which is great!
The Winter scenery abound, especially during my train ride from Oslo to Bergen & taking the Flåm Railway journey has left me literally speechless. Beyond amazing & beyond spectacular scenery everywhere. I could have stayed there until the end of Winter! lol
Lofoten Islands.....I had to keep pinching myself & I said, Can this be real?!
Anyway, I could go on & on here, but it's back to bed for me.
Tusen takk as always, for another awesome video shared & I must slowly catch up on all your videos day by day.
Cheers & Peace✌
Sounds amazing my friend, get well soon!
👍🙏@@NorwegianXplorer
Mesmerising scenery and sound track.👍
Thank you so much!
Thank you for taking us to these amazing places.. ❤🎉 Drive safe
Thank you too, appreciate your concern!
Your Perseverance and Curiosity in human form on earth.
Thanks!
Just the best! That "burger thing" looked so good. I bet you ate it all. 😊
It is great!
One of the things that I like is that you answer questions and comments. Thank you! 😍
You are so welcome!
The scenery just gets more and more beautiful with each video. Love the drone footage. Go well.
Thank you very much Brian!
Norway is gorgeous!
I tend to just watch Van lifers on UA-cam these days and it makes me realise how free this lifestyle makes you instead of being shackled to houses and belongings and 9 to 5 jobs... I love snow and Scandinavia and your images make me so jealous of your life.
I was amazed to see swans on the water in your drone images. I thought swans in the UK left before winter to get away from too cold weather (which it isn't in the south) but obviously they leave to seek better and colder climes. Thank you for your work and making me dream of being there in the beautiful snowy landscape too. ❤
Thank you Carole!
your scenery shots are just beautiful,i am crippled and vicariously travel with you,thanks from New Zealand!
Glad you like them follow me around:-)
I have Norwegian in my DNA and I love watching anything about Norway 🇳🇴 you do it so well.
Thank you, new one tomorro!
… the view of nature is wonderful… thank you … .
Thank you too!
The images are stunning ! Thank you 🌱🌱
Glad you like them!
The drone shots and music are amazing great video and great adventure ! Cheers🍻
Awesome, thank you!
I uh……don’t know how to choose every description n the dictionary describing how wonderful these times spent with u Jarl. My favorite car rides r with u. The only thing that would change that is if I were there n the passenger seat for real.
I absolutely love u n black. It shows how blue ur eyes really r. Ur adding a little bit more making the Grey Warrior more homey n I love it.
The views. AH THE VIEWS ! AMAZING ! SPECTACULAR ! MESMERIZING ! I didn’t think ur videos could get better…….till the drone. It’s takes us to the impossible.
The views. The drives. The Grey Warrior. The coffee. The talking. U !
ALL SO WONDERFUL ! Thank u Jarl for taking us with u !!!!!
👍🙏❤️‼️
TJ
Thank you so much dear friend, it is turning into an incredible adventure as I am now hunkered down stuck in an Arctic blizzard, just 2 m/s below hurricane force. Found myself a "sheltered" spot, but it is crazy right now🫶
Hello Jarl awesome scenery spectacular aerial footage beautiful sunrise the snow covered trees, what an amazing video thanks for sharing stay safe and warm 😊
Many thanks Sonia!
Every night before I sleep I watch your video and it's make me feel amazing...
I am so glad to hear that, as I do the same with some of my favorite channels on YT.
Thank you. You are so tough, and peacefull in the same time. And have a great eye for beauty.❄️
Thank you so much Tanja!
I just love the views you captured!
Thank you!
Beautiful countryside! Thanks for another great video.
Glad you enjoyed it
Good Evening Mr Jarl ...we had the same temps here in Alberta as you this past week Polar Vortex , it’s warmer today to around Minus - 15 /20 being Saturday .
Stunning Views Absolutely Magical reminds me a little like the Rocky Mountains 🏔 Beautiful first stop what a scene from the window with your morning coffee ☕️
Love that Cosy Sweater-🍁...the journey on your travels is magnificent.
oh that Blue Blue Sky ..
I think you are correct Tires are most important in the slippery Ice ......
the Frozen Trees Wow
Were they Snow Geese on the Water Mr Jarl
Happy New Year Safe Travels In 2024 ... I am Coming Along ☕️💕 Yummy Supper to end .
Thank you, those where swans on the lake
That purple view !! Damn. ❤❤❤❤
Yeah it was awesome!
Enjoying with you everyday 😊
Thank you!
Sometimes its hard to believe we are on the same planet. The iced-over trees gave me goosebumps. As always, beautiful work.
Thank you so much!
Beautiful trip as usual Jarl...love the Drone shots your bringing to us...and I think you should take a cooking lesson from Gordon Ramsey for your meals...that last hamburger quesadilla thing you cooked up in the pan had me lmao...I think you needed a couple of beers that get that one down, lol...God bless you Jarl, be safe on the roads and conditions!!!
Thanks Craig!
Oh man you are wearing the dale sweater! I just found the pattern last week and am going to knit one! And mittens that match!!😊
Nice!
Really good drone footage. The tracking feature is fantastic. I have a couple of 1st gen Mini Mavics which don't have that. Hard to ride/drive and operate one. Sent one to Ukraine to my best. She uses it for scenery inspection. That really adds a new side to the vids. Incredible scenes around the lake. The water in the lakes, how come it isn't frozen? Power plants, hydro dams or natural thermals keeping it warm. There was steam or fog rizing on it. The houses on the plateau, no power looks. Summer homes or owned by the Park? Diesel about $8 dollars a gallon, there about? With my older FWD vehicles I used to put them in neutral going down hill as not to loose steering control. With the newer electronic control aids I guess that isn't necessary anymore. We could always call Matt if you end up in a snowbank.. Just drive as fast as you are willing to crash. Good vid jarl/ Much enjoyed. Look forward to amazing scenery and light show around Lofoten area. Be safe.
Thanks Sam, I am calling Matt in the next episode lol! The fjords are not frozen very often, but the inner parts are frozen now, and the river with the swans was not frozen either, I think it is because of hydro power dams yes. The cabins on the mountains are old and got no power, only wood stoves and maybe some solar panels for reading light in summer. 8$ a gallon sounds right yes. I gear down to slow the van going downhill, breaking on the gears.
I love your videos, top work, and stunning scenery! I live in hot a humid Queensland, Australia, which is amazing for solar power, but I long to be able to visit a real cold weather country, so I can really experience the true beauty for even a coup,e of weeks in a rental van. I travel around Australia, but mostly it is about trying to keep cool, so the air-conditioner runs a lot of the time, especially in Queensland.
Stay safe and well.🌞
I can only imagine how hot it would be in a van in Australia, it can be a challenge even here in summer, winter is awesome, I am not sitting hunkered down in a near hurricane blizzard, fascinating lol!
True comment on the 4-wheel drive. I drive on ice/snow for months in the winter here in the high Utah backcountry, but just slid off the road with my 4WD Tacoma down an embankment into the trees on solid ice.
Thanks! Hope you are ok! Did you call Matt?
Thank you so much for all the work you do in putting up these amazing videos, Jarl. If I had seen such videos 50 years ago it would have changed my life. Definitely would have added goals to do some of what you’ve done and seen.
Thanks Jeanette, it is never too late:-)
Really liked your Norwegian ingenuity on insulating your radiator. Your magnificent lakes surpass our New Mexico lakes. Everything tastes better with hot chili sauce.
Thank you!
Brother may peace be in everything you see and do thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching!
Amazing video , even more stunning scenery we did Sweden on the bike in 2004 , but now we have a Crafter converted Norway is definitely on our to do list thanks Chris
Have fun!
This was so very beautiful. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Amazing video !!👍
I don’t think i agree with your choise of tires. I prefer spiked tires in the winter time.
I am looking forward watching the next episode on your trip to Lofoten and into the arctic.
I really enjoy this !
Thanks Håkan, new one tomorrow!
Another amazing video! That view at 10:05 is really spectacular 😍
So many fantastic panoramic views 💯👌❄️❄️❄️
Thank you for sharing nature's treasures.
Keep exploring Jarl! 🙏👍🚐
Glad you enjoyed it my friend!
Hermosos lugares no me vánso de mirar los hermosos paisajes acá tenemos en Uruguay un grado bajo cero y pasamos frío me imagino ahí acá no tenemos hielo solo heladas en invierno y la sufrimos exelente el programa sigue mostrándonos esos lugares hermosos desde uruguay mercedes😊
Hello and Thank you Mercedes!
You bring so much happiness to my life by traveling with you on your journeys. I am glad to see you out of the extreme elements and in your van. I enjoyed being with you but was always somewhat afraid for you. You are an amazing gentleman and very humble. Not a lot of you left in this world. I would love to do what you do but my health (COPD) (on oxygen) will not allow me to breathe in the extreme cold 🥶 temperatures. Still I find peace just being able to travel thru your eyes. Thank you for your love of exploration. Thank you for allowing me to travel along. God Bless you and give you peace. Safe travels and continued kindness from all that you meet. 🥰 much love because that is who I am.
I am glad you find my videos helpful, thanks for following along!
Scary beautiful brave man love your video just found you A golden✌️💪👍🏻🥶
Thanks and welcome!
WOW! The island of frozen trees is magical!❤
I totally agree, I didnt even see the swans as I was flying the drone
Stunning....what a life you're living I'm jealous of you...
😊 thank you, I am very happy doing this:-)
Absolutely stunning!!! I just love your winter videos!! I wish we had more snow here in England as I would love to camp in it Thank you for another wonderful bit of relaxation, take care out there ❄️❄️🩵
Thank you very much!
Ben bir karavan sevdalısı olarak Teşekkür ederim sana bu güzel doğayı yaşattığın için tadını çıkarmaya devam 👍🇹🇷
Thank you!
Purple, orange, pink and the light is soft and beautiful! Looks like another planet! Very nice!!
Thank you so much 😀
The videography and composition perfectly captured the enthralling landscape of the Scandinavian region. One of my favorite shows on Netflix was Lilyhammer. It was sad when the show got canceled back then. Wishing you the best for 2024, and safe travels on your journeys ahead.
Thank you, passing through Lillehammer in the next episode
Goody! Another amazing adventure with my virtual friend! Can’t wait for lots more!
Much more to come!
Love your sweater!
Thank you!
Norway's landscapes sceneries is captivating . I always look forward to another winter tour. Nice idea on the insulation! And a warm cup of coffee 🫖☕!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Norwegian Xplorer is great. Thanks for this stuff.
Thank you!
Really, I love those landscapes, your drone views, that snowy and soulless nature. Thank you
Thank you so very much!
Hola, hola desde El Sureste mexicano Tapachula Chiapas, espectaculares paisajes y maravilloso viajar al círculo polar ártico, Felicidades idades amigo y buen viaje...
Thank you!
Som altid elsker jeg dine videoer. Total afslapning. Tak. Tusind tak. 👍
Tusen takk:-)
Another great video . Beautiful scenery, and that pink sunset . Just wow !
Glad you enjoyed it
It's always beautiful videos but this one is an extrem beauty!! thanks for sharing this winter landscape . Take safe on the road, it's very dangerous.
Thank you!
Oh no, gurkins 😮 😂 hello from Australia. Enjoy watching your videos 🍻
Thank you, what is a gurkin?
@@NorwegianXplorer those little green things on your sandwich, looks like a cucumber 🤣, they have them in McDonald's burgers but no one likes them 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Aha, they are cucumbers as far as I know
Hi jarl truly amazing thank you for your time to share your experience it’s all been said before I know but perhaps you don’t know what it means to your viewers how much it takes us with you the beautiful landscapes the attention to detail Wayne
Thank you Wayne, I really appreciate you all for watching my videos, means everything to me!
You are so committed to your channel. I admire your persistence. I totally enjoy your contents! I will be with you on your winter journey around Norway and beyond! I am excited to see the northern side! More power to you and your channel 🎉
Thank you so much Marie, really appreciate it!
Looking at these glorious winter snow scapes is divine. The clean fluffy white landscape of Scandanavian winters is second to none. There is a unique beauty to these Norwegian winters amongst the pastel sky that no other area can gift to us. I love your drone. Great crisp clear filming and smooth movement. Loved your camp sites and loved driving through the gorgeous forest areas. It looks like you have this van life down pat! Looks like you could get used to this for a long time. You have a great system. Love your heating system as well. Thanks for the discussion on tires. I was wondering myself. blessings
Thank you so much!!
Keep going man like ur videos .
We need everyday video 😅
Thank you
I'm sitting here in 90 F hot and humid weather. These arctic videos are really cooling me off. Ha!
Great to hear:-)
Amazing beautiful winter landscape. Thank you !!!! Blessing Sr
Thanks!
Love this channel man!!!
Thank you:-)
Thanks!
No problem!
Incredibly beautiful! Thank you!
Thank you linda!
you are very professional in camera and making videos ..i enjoyed more than 1 hour and i relaxed thank you good man from "ALGERIA" ..NEW SUBSUCRIBER
Thank you and welcome!
one word for all of this..... beautiful ! Thank you.
Wow, thank you!