Not all summit tours need to be long, and some can even start with a descent – like the forest area between Breiastølsdalen and Ørekvam. Sheltered from the wind, you'll find mostly untouched snow, and the gentle birch forest offers a couple of hundred vertical meters of fantastic skiing! Follow the cross-country trail for about 1.5 kilometers from the parking lot at Gullingen ski center. Before you reach Heiabekken, descend the slopes towards the abandoned farm on the south side of the road. Then it's time to put on your skins and head back up – you can do several runs here in one day! If you bring a headlamp, this is also a great evening trip.
Few people utilize the mountains of 'Vintraleå' in winter – despite the name, which suggests favorable climatic conditions for skiing. They are located on the west side of Sandsfjorden, are clearly visible from Sand, and offer both steep and not-so-steep mountainsides. Storurdsnuten is a great summit tour suitable for beginners, where you don't need to venture into steep terrain. The peak is 885 meters high, and from Tysseland, it takes a couple of hours to ascend. In the picture, Petter Nilsen is on his way up the last few meters with Sellandsnuten in the background.
Krokavassnuten is one of the finest cruising peaks in Suldal! The peak, at 955 meters above sea level, is located on the southwest side of Tysselandsdalen and is clearly visible from Sand, just above a distinct gorge. From the summit, you can carve your way down towards Sandsfjorden with the sun on your face and the wind at your back. The easiest way to reach the top is via Tysselandsstølen, and you'll ski down more or less the same way you ascended. If you want good snow all the way down, it might be wise to start early, as the mountainside is often bathed in sun all day long in spring. For the same reason, it's not a trip you can take in May.
If you're looking for easily accessible, technical, and steep skiing, the summit of Reinsnuten is a great option. There aren't many vertical meters, but on the other hand, you can do many runs in one day! Descend into Bergjordholet from the west side of the summit, down the steep side towards the marshes above little Heiavatnet, or down the summer trail from the top. If it's icy and hard, crampons might be useful for the final steep section. On your way back, you can traverse below Bøljanuten and get about 300 vertical meters of consistently steep skiing down towards Stavastølen.
Note: The steepest slopes are potentially avalanche terrain and are safest to ski on spring snow. There are also gentler alternatives almost to the summit, and nice cruising where you never ski steeper than 30 degrees.
At 1606 meters above sea level, Snønuten is one of the highest peaks in Rogaland, and perhaps the most well-known. This peak, towering over Dyraheio, offers some of the best spring ski touring experiences Suldal has to offer.
"There must come a time when everyone who can, in any way, goes to the mountains; when the ailing travel here instead of to those spas; and when pale, anemic city ladies, these 'culture-cripples,' come up here to learn to be proper people." A.O Vinje wrote this in 1862, and he was, of course, absolutely right.
And it's not just 'culture-cripples' and 'pale city ladies' who benefit from getting to the mountains. Here, for example, are Aslak Moe, the undersigned, and the photographer on their way down from the queen of the Suldal peaks, Mælen, with Lake Suldalsvatnet in the background. Climbing Mælen from the south side is a strenuous trip, but in return, you get some of the finest skiing Suldal has to offer. This is a trip best suited for spring snow, and you can choose between challenging steep skiing down towards Kvanndalsdammen or gentler cruising down towards Skithaug, which we chose this time. If you need to get to the mountains to get used to being people, build character, or simply enjoy yourself, Mælen is an excellent option.
- Monsaskukken
- Hellersnuten
- Bøljanuten
- Storurdnuten
- Hegerlandsnuten
Off-piste skiing is only recommended for experienced skiers, and we remind you of the importance of checking the weather forecast and local conditions before embarking on a trip. Read more at varsom.no. If you don't have prior experience, guided tours with experienced skiers are also available. Contact us for more information.
Tour descriptions: Mads Drange
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Gata 22, 4230 Sand (Summer season)
Sandsvegen 134, 4230 Sand (All year)
Tel: (+47) 995 63 001
E-mail: suldal@visitsuldal.no
