Skårasalen (about 1,540 m) is a classic fjord-to-summit ski tour above Hjørundfjorden in the Sunnmøre Alps, Western Norway. You start almost at sea level and climb roughly 1,500 vertical metres, so expect a long day of typically 6–8 hours return. It suits experienced, fit ski tourers. The upper slopes are steep and avalanche-prone, so you need solid avalanche skills or a certified guide. The best season is normally March to May.
Skårasalen at a glance
Skårasalen rises on the west side of Hjørundfjorden, in the heart of the Sunnmøre Alps in Western Norway. Hjørundfjorden is a narrow, steep-sided fjord in the Sunnmøre region, south of Ålesund. The mountain has earned its reputation for one reason: you ski tour from the fjord to the summit in a single push. From the top you look straight down into the fjord and across to the peaks on the east side, including Slogen. Few tours give you such a clear sense of how steep and vertical this landscape really is.
Key numbers:
- Summit elevation: about 1,540 m above sea level
- Elevation gain: roughly 1,500 m, depending on your starting point and how far down the snow reaches
- Time: a long day, typically 6–8 hours return for a fit group
- Difficulty: demanding. The upper section is steep, and avalanche risk must be assessed
- Season: usually March to May, depending on how far down towards the fjord the snow line reaches
The route: from fjord to summit
The usual starting points are by the fjord on the west side, including the area around Trandal. Getting there is part of the experience. Hjørundfjorden has few roads, and many people arrive by boat or ferry. Check ferry and boat schedules in advance, especially early and late in the season.
Lower section: forest and steep slopes
The first part climbs through forest and steep hillsides up towards the old mountain summer farms. Early in spring there can be little snow at the bottom, so you often have to carry your skis for a while before you can put on your skins. Take time to set a good skin track, because you will need your energy later.
Middle section: open terrain
Above the tree line the landscape opens up. You follow ridges and gullies up towards the summit area. Wind and snow conditions matter more here. Watch out for fresh wind slabs on leeward slopes and in gullies.
Upper section: steep to the summit
The final part is the steepest. Slopes of 30 degrees and steeper are common in this type of terrain, and there may be cornices along the summit ridge. Many people leave their skis some distance below the top when conditions are hard or icy and walk the rest. Bring ski crampons, and consider an ice axe and crampons when the snow is firm.
The descent
The descent mostly follows the same area as the ascent, and it is the reason people come back: a long run with the fjord below your skis the whole way. Conditions change from summit to fjord. You may find powder or firm snow at the top and heavy, wet spring snow lower down. As the day goes on, sun warming can make the lower slopes more avalanche-prone than they were in the morning.
Avalanche risk on Skårasalen
Skårasalen is avalanche terrain. That applies not only to the summit, but also to gullies and steep slopes further down. You are also exposed to avalanches from terrain above you. Some basic rules:
- Check the avalanche forecast for Sunnmøre on varsom.no, Norway's official avalanche warning service, the evening before and in the morning. Read the avalanche problems, not just the danger level.
- Follow the weather. New snow, wind and rapid warming are the most common warning signs.
- Start early on spring snow, so you are down before the sun has warmed south-facing and fjord-side slopes too much.
- Carry full avalanche gear: transceiver, shovel and probe. Practise companion rescue with the people you tour with.
- Keep spacing on steep sections and when crossing gullies. Regroup in safe spots.
- Have a plan B. Decide in advance where you will turn around, and be willing to do it.
If you have limited experience in steep mountain terrain, an avalanche course is the best investment before a tour like Skårasalen. You learn to read terrain, snowpack and forecasts, and you practise companion rescue. See for example our basic avalanche course in Stranda or the overview of all our avalanche courses.
Best time and conditions
Hjørundfjorden lies close to the coast, so the snow line can vary a lot from one winter to the next. Many consider March and April the best period: the days are long and there is often snow far down. In May you can still get good skiing up high, but you will need to carry your skis further on the lower section. In midwinter daylight is short, and the coastal weather makes it harder to hit a good window.
Gear and preparation
- Touring skis with skins and ski crampons
- Avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe
- Wind- and waterproof shell, warm layers, extra gloves and hat
- Sunglasses, goggles and sunscreen, as there is a lot of reflection from snow and fjord
- Plenty of food and drink for a long day
- Ice axe and crampons for firm conditions near the summit
- First aid kit, a fully charged phone and a plan for raising the alarm in an accident
If you are missing any avalanche gear or skis, you can rent them from us. It is better to do the tour another day than to go without full equipment.
