Norwegian Mountains, Sogn og Fjordane
Vassdalsnipa (1430m) on skis, May 8 2011
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Vassdalsnipa
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This turned out to be a very memorable weekend. I met Anne in Balestrand on Friday afternoon and we went to a Kari Bremnes concert - part of Balejazz at Kvikne Hotel. I don't attend too many concerts. Let me see - I might have been to 3 including this one. But Kari Bremnes held a fine concert and so I am open to more...
On the next day we hiked the Fløyen mountain above Vadheim before we returned to Balestrand and set up camp on a pier by Vetlefjorden. That was one of the finest campsites I've had. Dozing on the pier, nipping champagne, my darling making a wonderful dinner (yes, I know how that sounds like...), watching harbor porpoises swimming back and forth... - oh! sweet life!
Vetlefjorden - Sunday morning
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On Sunday morning we broke camp after a delicious breakfast and drove up to Gaularfjellet. The target was Vassdalsnipa and the weather was drop dead gorgeous!
At the trailhead, we met Alf Tore Engeset - from Sogndal - and an acquaintance of Anne. We decided to ski together. The route was simple; into Vetla Eikjadalen and then straight up. But Alf Tore told us that he would ski down to Vetlefjorden via Eikjadalen.
The route
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We headed out 10:30am and after crossing Haugane, we had to start looking for a place to cross the river Gaula. Eventually, we found a good spot and could continue into Vetla Eikjadalen.
Into Vetla Eikjadalen
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We began our ascent towards Point 1305m at the first of the two lakes deep in the valley. I recall thinking the ascent route looked steep from a distance but as we came close, it didn't seem so steep any longer. On very hard snow, this hillside could have been a problem...
After a 1,3km climb, we arrived on Point 1305m and had a good view towards Vassdalsnipa's summit ridge.
Vassdalsnipa ahead
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We arrived on the summit 12:28pm - very close to two hours after leaving the trailhead. The nearby mountains are quite a sight and it was just great to be up here!
Glad to be here!
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Alf Tore left before us. He was down by Point 1305m in no time, and then he vanished out of sight. I'm sure he had a very good run down Eikjadalen!
At 12:40pm, Anne and me headed back down. We enjoyed ourselves big time in spectacular nature!
Descending Vassdalsnipa
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The time was 1:53pm when we returned to the trailhead. The total skiing distance was 12,5km and the total elevation gain was approx. 850m. It was time to say goodbye to my girlfriend and return to Sunnmøre. But hopefull, we will return for Balejazz one fine day and ski another mountain in this beautiful region!
Feeling small...
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