Mountain Touring Expedition
This successful tour (8 nights total) was carried out in 2014 and 2015 by a small group from the UK skiing through the most spectacular areas of the Jotunheimen Nationalpark. After a brief pause, we plan another trip in April 2019. Expedition dates will be given shortly.
The Jotunheimen, mainland Norway’s major massif, borders in the east to Sjodalen and Valdresflye, in the south to Skarvheimen, and in the west and north to Sognefjellet and Bøverdalen. (See Google maps)
Here there are groups of sharp ridges, many ending in towering peaks. There are high plateaus and glaciers, with many that are steep and inaccessible, others with deep valleys and cols between peaks that are favourite tour routes for many hikers and skiers. Between the peaks and ridges there are deep valleys, many with rivers, waterfalls and lakes. Here are all Norwegian summits above 2300 metres, including Galdhøpiggen at 2469 m and Glittertind at 2452 m (with its glacier in 1999: 2472 m)
Both novices and experienced climbers trek the Jotunheimen. Hurrungane Mountain and the peaks between Bygdin and Gjende are climbing favourites.
Maps:
In addition to the main 1:50,000 map series, the 1:100,000 Cappelens trekking map of Jotunheimen (2000) and the 1:50,000 Ugland IT trekking maps of Jotunheimen East (1998) and West (1998) as well as the 1:50,000 trekking maps of Beitostølen (1998), Vang in Valdres (2003) and Årdal (2000) are excellent for the areas they cover.
The Guide; A well qualified and experienced Destination Setesdal guide with local knowledge will lead the tour.
Brief Expedition program/route;
- Overnight Bessheim DNT Hytte
- Bessheim-Glitterheim
- Glitterheim-Spiterstulen
- Spiterstulen-Leirvassbu
- Leirvassbu-Olavsbu (Self-service hytte)
- Olavsbu-Fondsbu
- Fondsbu-ski or tracked vehicle to Tyin (Transport to Oslo)
Distance; Approx 100 kms in total
Persons who have proven winter expedition experience in a cold/winter mountain environment and are capable/competent Nordic skiers can take part. Those interested in this tour will be asked to provide a CV.
More details about the expedition and booking conditions contact Brian Desmond on briandes@frisurf.no or tel 004790140857