A stunning summit-to-sea journey from the Norangal valley to Hjørundfjord

Statistics

5 - 6

hrs

1,132

m

1,457

m

42

max°

Difficulty

FATMAP difficulty grade

Difficult

Description

The traverse of Lissjenibba (Blaeja - 1420m) is ideal for adventure-seeking skiers who appreciate a journey-style itinerary through an ever-unfolding landscape.

NB you'll need a car to drop you off and a boat to pick you up! The adventure begins at Villa Norangdal in the Norangal valley.

Unless the snowline is very low you will most likely begin the journey with skis on pack and a short walk to reach the snow. Head up the path through the forest until it's time to put on skins then ascend in a westerly direction, leaving the steep slopes of Kalveskredsnipa well clear to avoid any avalanche danger. The Norwegian-style of skin track may head straight up but feel free to put in a more gentle line as you've still got a long way to go! At about 1000m make your way in a northerly direction towards the summit of Lissjenibba (Blaeja - 1420m) itself.

The terrain drops off steeply to the north, offering a stunning views down to the fjord and in all directions. At this point there will be many other skiers simply retracing their steps back down from the summit but not you guys! If the weather and snow gods have aligned you're in for a long descent and some epic fresh tracks! Take the safest and best line off the summit in a S/SW direction - the steep sided slopes off Kardalstindane will be on the skier's right.

There may well be fantastic snow to be found here so be sure to seek it out! Proceed rapidly and with caution as you make your way in between Kardalstindane and Hoghornet as these are prone to avalanches, especially in warmer spring conditions. Once you are through this section, the terrain steepens sharply down to the fjord.

Pick your line wisely as you head towards the forest, seeking out the best snow before submitting to spring and putting skis back on your pack. The walk down through the forest makes this itinerary really feel like an adventure, a feeling that will be further exacerbated as you stroll through the picturesque village of Leira towards Hjørundfjord.

Arguably the most idyllic and beautiful of Norway's world famous fjords, Hjørundfjord is 35km long - an arm of the larger Storfjord that can often be overlooked in favour of better known tourist hotspots.

A real hidden gem, this is a stunning spot to finish your journey.

Now all that remains is to get back on board, open a beer and cruise off down the fjord with a huge smile on your face!