July/August 2026, 150 years after Slingsby’s seminal ascent of Store Skagastølstind
This advance notification of the ‘meet’ allows members to plan and liaise with others as it is likely that there will be higher than usual demands made of the limited local resources. When and where to go can be very flexible.
Cecil Slingsby’s solo ascent of the Norwegians’ “unclimbable” tower marked a turning point in the development of their mountaineering. Local and national events are being organised for the July/August period. Both in the Hurrungane and throughout the Jotunheim, there’s plenty to interest mountaineers, hut-to-hut tourers and climbers, even kayakers and mountain bikers too: 14 peaks over 2000m, glaciers, 25km long lakes, and a network of huts.
Hurrungane is probably the most alpine region in Scandinavia, much further north than the central alps. Paths are less obvious, junctions not signposted, there are river crossings, some huts require a key and may be without provisions, others offer self-catering from a larder, or with meals provided.
Celebrations planned in the Utladal area start Friday 18th July and run through to the Monday. Tuesday, 26th is the actual anniversary and Storen is likely to be overcrowded.
Short videos of the area: Jotunheim DNT Huts Årdal Årdalstangen Fondsbu Beitostolen.
A more comprehensive information sheet is available HERE
If you are interested please indicate on the booking form below or contact Michael Smith direct, smithjura@hotmail.com. Please note that the WhatsApp group for this meet is not part of the YRC Community as it is envisaged that non-members may need access.
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My typo error…. the actual date of the first ascent was 21st July. Everyone out there is expecting Storen to be busy that day.
Accommodation options (camping, hytte, apartments, hotel) said by the local team to be priced up and ready just after Christmas. There are plans to use a mix of English and Norwegian in the lectures/readings. A brochure of some local ‘hikes’ is being prepared and an electronic copy is supposed to be sent to me in time for translation into English and circulation electronically – I do know though of several sensible outings including some with overnights.
Conrad likely to be looking for someone wanting to go after the main events and stay on for a week or more.
Groups of four might consider car hire. Bus services make Ardal and Bygdin/Gjendesheim both accessible from Oslo and (less conveniently in the case of Gjendesheim) Bergen. Trondheim works too if using a car but not if intending a traverse of the Jotunheim.
Now with added option in August! 9-17 August in the Molladalen area (nearest urban centre is Orsta) we are invited to join the locals in celebrating Mohn and Slingsby’s ascents in that area 150 years ago. I don’t have a lot of information, nor have I been to the area, but having met their representative making the invite I am confident there will be a welcome.
See https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/fx3s3egzp4ay1q2oblsuz/ALiu7OQvPgV1EUWHW2YJDH8?rlkey=l3ckul8b3wy1jew2v77qna7pl&st=p20124ai&dl=0 for more information
I’m also interested in this Norway trip along with my wife ….. could build into a wider trip Pete Brackley
Pete, you need to express interest in the meet by filling out the form above. This does not commit you to attending the meet but it will get you linked to the WhatsApp group.