FATMAP by Strava

The Big Chasm (pronounced Khasm)

Lyngen

If Mordor had a couloir, this would be it.

Ski Touring Difficult

Distance
7.1 km
Ascent
1.5 km
Descent
89 m
Duration
5-6 hrs
Low Point
49 m
High Point
1.5 km
Gradient
50˚
The Big Chasm (pronounced Khasm) Map

This couloir is steep. Really steep. I was scared at the top. It has unique surroundings though, and the north facing aspect with high walls protects it quite well, so you're not unlikely to find good snow. It's a classic in this area for sure.

Description

Start by the gravel pit on Djupenvegen, and follow the access road up to Ellendalen hydro plant. From there you follow the Ellendalen valley, taking a right before Ellendalstind, following this right fork of the untill you reach the bottom of the couloir.

The couloir itself has a little bit of a Z-shape, with a few good safe spots along the way.

The top section is the steepest, probably around 50 degrees, and being so long and sustained you really feel it. Beware of the lookers left top section, as I've seen it be badly windloaded a few times.

You don't top out on the mountain, as the couloir ends in a little grotto. I've heard one guy tried to access it from the top, but there was apparently pretty meagre rock to place gear in, so going from the bottom is the easiest way. The bonus of going from the bottom is that you get a good look at your run as well. On good snow years the skiers right ramp in the middle section fills in well and you can air from it down into the main couloir.

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 November and April

Features

  • Alpine
  • Cliffs
  • Couloir
  • Ski Mountaineering

Equipment required

  • Skins
  • Ice axe
  • Crampons

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area