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Middagstinden (1006m)

Lyngen

A classic Kvaløya tour, with a little alpine adventure if you would like to reach the very top.

Ski Touring Difficult

Distance
10 km
Ascent
998 m
Descent
993 m
Duration
5-6 hrs
Low Point
104 m
High Point
893 m
Gradient
57˚
Middagstinden (1006m) Map

Middagstinden is one of many fine ski mountains on Kvaløya. Most people end their tour on the "ski peak" which is around 990 meters above sea level. The "ski peak" is about 100 meters below the highest point. If you would like to reach the very top, you should bring your crampons and ice axe.

Description

The starting point for the trip is at the bridge over the "Tverrfjellelva" just west of "Kattfjordvatnet". From Tromsø it's about 20 kilometers to the starting point, where there is a good amount of parking facilities on the right hand side (just after the bridge).

The route follows the river valley in a gentle climb up to "Tverrfjellvatnet" lake at 465 m. From here a flat leg starts where you cross the lake at almost one and a half kilometers. When you have crossed the lake a small hill sends you up to the small unnamed lake at 554 m. The only remaining part is the south-facing top slope. It's about 30-35 degrees steep for an approx. 400 height meters, up the west ridge. The last part of the slope is the steepest, and depending on the conditions you may have to carry your skies.

If you are going to the top, crampons and ice axe are a must for most people. From the "ski peak" it's recommended to go down the north side of the ridge, around a small rock tower and "climb" down the south side at the next rock tower just before the top. A tip from the local "mountaineer king" in Tromsø, Kugo, is to reach the summit from the north, which is the easiest way. The last meters to the top are very steep and exposed. But you are rewarded with a fantastic view.

Descend the same way you ascended. If you don't want to descend the the long flat section over "Tverfjellvatnet", you can go down a couloir, south-east of the lake at 554 m. This is steep, around 40 degrees, so it's not suitable to ski here on any day. It may be a good idea to start early in the day, if you are going to Middagstinden due to the south-facing top flank.

Difficulty

Difficult

Serious gradient of 30-38 degrees where a real risk of slipping exists.

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 January and May

Features

  • Face
  • Alpine
  • Single Descent
  • Ski Mountaineering

Equipment required

  • Skins
  • Ice axe
  • Crampons

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area