FATMAP by Strava

Melshornet

A scenic and easy little tour which enjoys fabulous views.

Ski Touring Easy

Distance
6.3 km
Ascent
565 m
Descent
565 m
Duration
2-3 hrs
Low Point
244 m
High Point
801 m
Gradient
24˚
MapGPX Flyover
Melshornet Map

If the sky is grey or if there is high avalanche risk, this is a very worthwhile peak to know about because it can be done in just about any weather or avalanche conditions. The terrain is low angled, the skiing mellow and the route marked by plastic poles, meaning that in all but the harshest of whiteouts, getting lost is unlikely to be issue.

The first section of the descent.
The first section of the descent. Photo: Charlie Boscoe
Moody views across Ørstafjorden.
Moody views across Ørstafjorden. Photo: Charlie Boscoe
Emerging out of the trees and into the more open terrain.
Emerging out of the trees and into the more open terrain. Photo: Charlie Boscoe
The final blast down to the car.
The final blast down to the car. Photo: Charlie Boscoe
The beautifully crafted orientation table on the summit.
The beautifully crafted orientation table on the summit. Photo: Charlie Boscoe
  • •
  • •
  • •
  • •
  • •

Description

The route starts at a large carpark on a quiet forested road and the initial section of skinning is straight up a nice mellow track through peaceful forests. At the tree line there are a couple of little chalets on the left and after passing these you emerge into more open terrain. Follow a wide and vague valley west and then begin heading north, aiming for the foot of a broad ridge. Cross over the ridge and make the final climb up to the summit of Melshornet.

The highest point of Melshornet is 20 metres back from the steep north face of the mountain, but the orientation table (which is a beautiful piece of engineering) and the summit cairn are right at the top of the north face, and most tourers don't bother tagging the highest point and treat the cairn as the summit of the mountain.

The views from the top are fascinating, and it can take some time before you really get your bearings and figure out which peak and fjord is which. Most map geeks will relish half an hour on the summit relating what they're looking at to what they can see in FATMAP.

Ski back down the same way and enjoy the cruisy skiing.

Difficulty

Easy

Wide gentle slopes at around 20 degrees or less.

Low Exposure (E1)

1 out of 4

Exposure is limited to that of the slope itself. Getting hurt is still likely if the slope is steep and/or the snow is hard.

Remoteness

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between December and April

Features

  • Tree Skiing
  • Single Descent

Equipment required

  • Skins

Guidebooks in this area