Description

The west shoulder of Store Kågtinden is usually reserved for ski-by-boat tourists.

It can be approached on foot as well, however.

This makes for a lengthy, but worthy outing.

You lose some of the fall line skiing summit-to-sea feeling, but are rewarded with stunning views as you cross the island from east to west.

This tour can be combined with other tours - for example as traverse with the fantastic NE route (https://fatmap.com/routeid/863195/store-kagtinden-(1228-m)-ne-route).

The tour starts with a flat slog through Storbuktdalen, with great views to the Kågtinden south flank (hint: there are some ski lines there!).

As you reach a pass at 500 m, you can either cross the lower SW facing slope or, safer, descent a little and re-ascend.

This slope sees a lot of sun in the afternoon - keep that in mind for the way back! More traversing gets you to a plateau below the west shoulder (ca.

420 m elevation).

This broad shoulder takes you straight to the summit ridge.

The final summit ridge is a a short but exposed ridge - leave your skis behind and watch your step! DESCENT: For the descent there are several options.

For most folks there two two best ones are: a)Ski down the same way you came.

If you do ski down the same route, keep in mind timing and warming.

You need to travel underneath some large sun-ward slopes to get back home! b) Via NE route (shown here): The drop-in is just below the summit ridge.

The entry is a steep (40-degrees, depending on snow built-up) funnel/ramp on the skiers right side.

In some years, a rope for the less secure may be required.