Unlike the standard route up Istinden I opted to head up via lookers right of Tverrelva creek. Finding the summer road I was able to climb all the way to the alpine just below the face itself. While putting in the skin track you need to think of wether you are going for one lap or multiple. Since I wanted a few runs I put in a mellow skin track following the Ridge separating the north and east sides of Istinden. Once the terrain started to get steep I switched over to cramponing and wrapped around all the way to the high point just above the north face.

Standing on top it is good to descend following your tracks all the way down to just above tree line. If you want to head back up just follow your tracks back up to the summit and ride just a few meters off to the side of your original run. You can keep doing this all day without ever touching any of your other tracks before it is time to head back down to the valley.

Once your legs have had enough just ride back down where you put in the skin track. Since it is a summer road you can ride all the way to the valley. More adventurous people can go through the trees but they are quite thick and would be hard to have a good run riding.

This tour is a unique option to get away from the crowds and have a popular area to yourself. I was able to get in 5 runs before I was concerned about my water situation so maybe bring a stove to melt snow as there is no spot to refill your bottle while on this tour.

For more photos and information on the route check out this link https://www.whereiskylemiller.com/tamokdalen/istinden-northeast/