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Trollfjord: Peak 975 South Couloir

Lofoten

Spring couloir skiing at its finest if timed right

Ski Touring Severe

Distance
9.9 km
Ascent
1.2 km
Descent
1.2 km
Duration
5-6 hrs
Low Point
9 m
High Point
921 m
Gradient
57˚
Trollfjord: Peak 975 South Couloir Map

Trollfjord is legendary. Towering and sharp peaks above a steep sided and enclosed fjord, it is difficult to access except by boat. Ski touring trips are therefore typically undertaken from an approach by boat, adding to the sense of adventure skiing here. There are several interesting north facing lines coming down from Trolltindan. However, there is superb ski terrain which is sometimes overlooked just to the north and above the lake of Isvatnet. These slopes have a predominantly sunny aspect and can therefore give great spring skiing later in the season.

Description

One of the best lines of this area is a beautiful couloir coming down from an unnamed peak marked at 975 meters. Starting from the dock at Trollfjord, head west for around 2 km, passing the first knoll to the left side. Some of the initial ascent is a little steep and bushy but the skinning soon gets easier as you approach the lake of Isvatnet. The West facing slopes of Trollfjordtindan just above the lake also provide great skiing in the afternoon down beautiful and uniform 30 degree slopes.

From just above the lake, rip the skins and drop down 150 meters elevation skiing northwards and traversing the small lake on the skiers left side bank. Be very careful before attempting to ski across any frozen body of water, it might not be safe to do so in the spring.

Peak 975 can then be accessed by skinning up around its north-east side and the couloir can be skied onsight in a loop. It also makes for a very nice ski tour by simply skiing back down the same way. From just below the summit of peak 975, the entry to the couloir is not too difficult to find. The line faces south-east so be sure that the snow hasn’t heated up too much before dropping into the line. The couloir starts off at 45 degrees before the angle lessens. You can then rejoin and skin back down the same way the you skinned up. This makes for a fantastic ski-touring journey and can be combined with a skin back up the west facing slopes of Trollfjordtindan in the afternoon.

Difficulty

Severe

Steep skiing at 38-45 degrees. This requires very good technique and the risk of falling has serious consequences.

Medium Exposure (E2)

2 out of 4

As well as the slope itself, there are some obstacles (such as rock outcrops) which could aggravate injury.

Remoteness

3 out of 4

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

Best time to visit

between March and April

Features

  • Alpine
  • Couloir
  • Ski Mountaineering

Equipment required

  • Skins

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area