The highest mountain of Arnøya - fantastic skiing, immense views and an airy, exciting summit ridge

Statistics

6 - 7

hrs

1,226

m

1,226

m

35

max°

Difficulty

FATMAP difficulty grade

Difficult

Description

Arnøya means "eagle island".

Not only is it home to many eagles, the island also hosts some of the best ski touring in Northern Norway.

The highlight is arguably the island's highest point - Arnøyhøgda (1170 m).

The tour begins right on the road - there is only one on the island.

Cross the inital flat plains to reach a drainage, which you can ascend on either the right or left side (in spring time the right can be hard in the morning - the left side is often softer from the morning sun).

You reach another plateau.

The easiest way onward is to work along a bench, ahead and beginning on your left.

On the bench you are exposed to an avalanche path on the south face of peak 822 m - make sure you cross it early in the morning.

A wide valley brings you a ridge.

It is recommended to ascend the slopes to the right of the ridge and cross onto the ridge higher up - the ridge itself is often quite icy due to strong winds.

Ski crampons may be required due to the slope´s exposure to wind and sun.

After gaining the ridge, traverse to low-angle ground and work your way to the base of the summit ridge.

You will need to bootpack, but it is worth taking your skis with you - high up are flatter sections that easier do on skis (and are skiable).

The final 100m of the ridge are very exposed.

You should leave your skis on a small foresummit.

Consider using a rope and/or digging a good foot path, mindful of the cornice to the right.

On the summit you are rewarded with stunning views to the open sea on one side, and Kågen and the Lyngen Alps on the other.

For the descent, follow the same way down (bootpacking some sections if you are not a solid skier), but skirt the west face of Laukslettinden instead of passing beneath Peak 822.

An alternative route is the NE route of Laukslettinden - to be published soon.

For coffee and waffles after the tour or for an overnight stay, consider Lauksletta Overnatting at the base of the mountain - it is worth it! Remarks: a) The ski grade of 2.2 assumes bootpacking short sections on the ridge - the grade is higher if you decide to ski most of the ridge back.

b) The exposure grade E3 is due to final meters on the summit ridge!