Description

This great ski traverse that is usually reserved for ski boats.

It can be done on foot as well, however. This makes for a lengthy, but worthy outing but you are rewarded with stunning views as you cross the island from east to west, and great skiing.

Travelling on big north and south facing slopes requires solid tour planning and avalanche terrain management. The avalanche bulletion can be found at: https://varsom.no/en/avalanche-bulletins/forecast/Nord-Troms/ 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.

Recommended are: a) Full traverse, 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. The slope quickly lessens in angle, with a long pitch at 30-35 degrees.

Several more great pitches follow, never exceeding 35 degrees.

Finally you reach the lake Isbuktvatnet.

Crossing the lake Isbuktvatnet is usually OK into May...but that varies from year to year.

You can skirt around the lake on skiers left side if it doesn't look possible to ski across the lake.

A few last turns bring you back to the road.

If you did not park cars at start and end point, simply follow the road back to the start point. More information on the NE route can be found on: https://fatmap.com/routeid/863195/store-kagtinden-(1228-m)-ne-route b) Ski down the same way you came, via the west shoulder.

Do not miss the left-turn at 450m! Also keep in mind timing and warming.

You need to travel underneath some large sun-ward slopes to get back home.

This route is rated as 2.3/S3 - hence less demanding in terms of skier ability.