Snow report Northern Norway, 05/01/2016

Snow condition

Despite the proximity to the fjord, you 'only' have to carry up to about 400m, then the whole thing quickly turns into a thick layer of slush. Spring has definitely arrived here in Norway too. Further up, very good snow conditions in this area (Sunndal), well above average according to the locals. Even the glaciers were still passable without a rope.

Snow quality

Yikes! The slush at the bottom is still the most fun. Further up, merciless, energy-sapping wind/breakage harsh, criss-crossed by wind-joints.

This weekend it was level 3! In addition to the obvious potential for wet snow, there was also talk of a pronounced weak layer further up, which was very difficult to assess, as the wind-pressed cover was often stable and therefore safe in principle, but then you come to a softer spot again and have a bad feeling.

Overall impression

I have to give it three very subjective stars. We had two super beautiful, north-facing tours in Innerdalen, one of them with the best sunset ever (at 21:15!), the other over glaciated terrain. The final tour in the well-known Storlidalen was nothing special. Also included: wind, sun, snowfall, views, deep views... Everything you could wish for when ski touring - except good snow. For pure freeriders, the 4200 vertical meters in three days without a real powder reward would probably have been nothing.pictures follow