Norwegian Mountains, Sogn og Fjordane

(Heimste) Skeisnipa, 1110m


County/Municipality: Sogn og Fjordane/Sogndal municipality
Maps: 1317-I Fjærland (Statens Kartverk, Norge 1:50 000)
Primary factor: 40m
Hiked: June 2012
See also:
Supphellenipa Opptakshaugane
Meneseggi Steindalsbreen
Torstadnakken Grovabreen
Kvannholtenipa Jordalsnipa
See also : Other Sogn og Fjordane  mountains on westcoastpeaks.com


Skeisnipa

Skeisnipa
(Click for larger image)

Introduction

If you ever drive through the village of Fjærland, you'll probably remember it for a long time. A number of magnificent landmarks rise up from the fjord and (Heimste) Skeisnipa is definitely one of them. 

There are two Skeisnipa tops; Heimste Skeisnipa (1110m) is the one closer to Fjærland while Fremste Skeisnipa (1440m) is found 1,6km to the north - on the ridge leading to Jostedalsbreen - Norway's largest glacier.

A marked path runs from Skarestad and up the mountain (described on this page), but because of the Dagmar hurricane (2011), it can be difficult to follow the route in the lower forest. Some scrambling is also required at the steepest section of the route, and those who are not too familiar with using their hands may feel a bit uneasy at this particular point. But if you take the time to visit this mountain, you'll get a view that will be worth all the while...

 

Fjærland view from Skeisnipa

Fjærland view from Skeisnipa
(Click for larger image)

 

Primary factor:

Heimste Skeisnipa (Norge 1:50,000: 1110m, Økonomisk Kartverk: -, UTM 32 V 380953 6815557) has a primary factor of 40m towards the higher parent mountain Fremste Skeisnipa (1440m). The defining saddle (approx. 32 V 381000 6815875) is found between these two tops. Ref. Norge 1:50,000 map (20m contours), the saddle is within the range 1060-1080m, interpolated to 1070m.

 

 

Skeisnipa (2008)

Skeisnipa (2008)
(Click for larger image)

 

Google map

Google's interactive map. You can zoom, pan and click on the markers.
 

 

Trail descriptions

This disclaimer is regarding all of the literature and instructional guides posted on the westcoastpeaks.com website. These instructions are guidelines only, and should not be used in lieu of common sense or judgment when attempting any of the actions involved or instructed. Westcoastpeaks nor myself will not be liable nor will it indemnify any form of compensation to anyone who has injured, harmed or even killed themselves or others while following any of the instructions written within the website. It should be noted by any persons willing to undertake any of the instructions provided that mountains offer varying levels of risk, regardless of size or incline. Risks to be considered are as follows but not limited to: wild animals, weather, the terrain, bad judgment, inappropriate or insufficient equipment, improper training or experience and of course, bad luck...


Route 1: Skarestad - Skeisnipa (Summer)

Difficulty : YDS Class 2+
Exposure : In general no. One scrambling section.
Distance : Approx. 2,75km to the top
Time : Approx. 2-2,5 hours to the top
Starting Elev.: Approx. 30m
Vertical Gain : Approx. 1100m (total)
Map of the area
Map of the area
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Detailed map
Detailed map
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This route description is valid per June 2012

Access

(all distances are approx. distances)

The starting point for this route description is the place Fjærland by Fjærlandsfjorden - a side arm of Sognefjorden. This is only a 20-25 minute drive from Sogndal, which has an airport.

Locate the road into Supphelledalen - signposted "Supphellebreen" (N61.43706 E6.76352). Cross Storelvi river across a bridge and turn right. Drive 670m until you reach a 2-way junction (N61.43473 E6.77513) at Skarestad. Find parking nearby without blocking for other traffic.

 

The route:

 

The route, as seen in Google Earth

The route, as seen in Google Earth
(Click for larger image)

 

Follow the Supphelledalen road 70 meters to the north, then turn left towards the Skarestad farm. At the farm, locate a forest road that runs to the north/northeast. Follow this road 250-300 meters until it forks 3 ways. Follow leftmost road (west/southwest) and you will soon see an arrow painted in red (N61.43685 E6.77034), pointing up the forest. But as the forest was destroyed by the 2011 hurricane, it can be very cumbersome to get to this arrow.

Follow the marked path north up the forest. Per June 2012, it is a huge challenge to locate and follow the path upwards. The Lindesvoi viewpoint is found at 150 meters (N61.43844 E6.77037). There is a visitor's register that you can sign into. From here, the path is easier to follow.

At 350 meters, the route follows the ridge proper and progress is easier. Between 550 and 700 meters, you pass yet another steep section. Here, you will find two pitches that requires the use of hands. Nothing particularly difficult if you just take the time to figure out the correct sequence of handholds and moves. You will also need to trust roots... 

Above this section, you're "home free" and can enjoy the rest of the hike up to the summit (N61.45544 E6.76658) which is not marked in any way or form.

From the top, you also have the option to continue on the ridge, across Fremste Skeisnipa (1440m) and Tyskernipa (1375m) before you descend Flatbredalen to Flatbrehytta (N61.47386 E6.79541) and the marked route down to Øygarden in Supphelledalen. The distance from Øygarden to Skarestad is approx. 2,5km.

 

Skeisnipa tops and Supphellebreen glacier

Skeisnipa tops and Supphellebreen glacier
(Click for larger image)

 

Pictures and Trip reports:


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