Description

Hattavarre, directly west from Sjufjellet, stands out like a fort with a prominent rock band guarding its summit.

This may be one reason why it is not the most visited peak although it offers some interesting skiing and possibilities for adventurous lines.

The big white open slopes under the summit crest are truly inviting and the ski mountaineer freerider will find the couloir leading up to the summit interesting! Hattavarre (or Hahttagaisi), at 1407m, is an interesting mountain that offers good skiing and exciting routes leading up towards its summit.

Being one of the first of the higher mountains SW in the Tamok valley, it can get a bit beaten up by wind but when in softer condition, the skiing is really nice and exciting.

The steep rock band forming a king’s crown under the summit plateau of Hattavarre gives the mountain some added difficulty.

There are two regular passages to attain the summit, one by climbing the obvious slanting couloir (45°) from South described here, or by gaining the west ridge and then traverse around the mountain to reach the summit from the north side (a route which is also in FATMAP).

Both options require very stable snow conditions.

You’ll see the couloir clearly on the South face like a weakness in the rock band.

The slope is getting gradually steeper as you approach the rock band (40°) and at some point you’ll start traversing the slope to get to the couloir.

The couloir itself is steep but short 45-50° depending on the snow.

Bring crampons and an ice axe if your plan is to summit from here. Most people ski back the way they came and the best and most consistent skiing will take place under the prominent rock band below the summit (from about 1250m and down).

The angle under the rocks is consistent and perfect for fun riding at around 35°-40°.

Needless to say you are also in a the perfect avalanche prone release zone here so it is important to take care! In fact, one of the largest avalanches in Norway happened on Hattavarre in year 2000.

1,5 km of the Tamok road was blocked as a result… Because of the extra added difficulty to reach the summit itself, most skiers are happy to turn around under the rock band.

But if you have the safe snow conditions, why not make your adventure?