Fagerfjellet

Lyngen

A good, easily accessible peak for when the avalanche risk is high.

Ski Touring Moderate

Distance: 9.2 km
Ascent: 960 m
Descent: 960 m
Duration: 4-5 hrs

Low Point: 66 m
High Point: 932 m
Gradient: 32˚

This is an understandably popular peaks for Tromsø residents because it's close to town and safe when other peaks might be impassable due to avalanche risk. This is not to suggest that you should come here in any conditions and that it is always safe, just that it is safe most days of the winter, which certainly isn't the case with some of peaks in the region.

Looks like we got down just in time! Heavy snow back at the parking area Photo: Charlie Boscoe

Great skiing through the trees Photo: Charlie Boscoe

Description

As with so many tours here the day starts with a skin up through trees and this is a good opportunity to double check that conditions look and feel as you expected. When you emerge out of the trees head south-southeast up a wide open slope and then climb west up a short, vague gully to reach the upper part of the mountain.

Continue south-southeast, essentially making a long traverse under Point 871m to the summit of Fagerfjellet itself. Obviously if the weather turns on your ascent then any point along the ridge between Point 871 and Fagerfjellet makes for a good high point to aim for. The shape of the mountain, with it's long, plateau like ridge that you've just skinned up, makes the summit feel somehow detached from the valleys below, as if you are sitting on a higher plain rather than the summit of a mountain. Enjoy the ambience then focus on the skiing!

The ski down, whilst mellow, is really fun and the big views, particularly across to Tromsdalstinden, are excellent.