Romsdal offers ski tours that start close to the fjord and climb into alpine terrain. Kirketaket is a popular classic, Vengedalen has steeper objectives for experienced skiers, and from Trollstigen the season can last into early summer once the road opens. March and April usually bring the most daylight and stable snow, but the avalanche forecast always decides. You can also go snowshoeing, take an avalanche course or try winter kayaking in Ålesund.
Why Romsdal is a great ski touring destination
Romsdal (Romsdalen) is a valley in Møre og Romsdal county in Western Norway, famous for steep mountainsides that rise straight up from the valley floor and the fjord. For backcountry skiers, that means plenty of vertical in a short distance, with views of both the fjord and jagged alpine peaks. Åndalsnes is the natural base. The town sits at the head of Romsdalsfjorden, and you can get there by car on the E136 or by train on the Rauma Line (Raumabanen). Several ski tours start within a short drive of town.
The proximity to the coast shapes the conditions. Snowfall can be heavy, but the weather changes quickly. Wind moves the snow around and builds wind slabs on leeward slopes. A good ski touring day in Romsdal is therefore as much about choosing the right mountain on the right day as it is about fitness.
Classic ski tours in Romsdal
These are some of the tours and areas that come up again and again when people talk about ski touring in Romsdal. Always check the avalanche forecast, the weather and your own experience before you go. None of these tours is safe in all conditions.
Kirketaket
Kirketaket is a short drive from Åndalsnes and a popular classic. The climb is long and steady, and from the summit you look out over the fjord and towards the alpine peaks of Romsdal. The tour is often considered manageable for experienced ski tourers. Even so, some sections are steep enough that avalanche danger must be assessed carefully, especially after snowfall and wind.
Vengedalen
Vengedalen is a side valley of Romsdal and the starting point for several ski tours in alpine terrain, including Store Vengetind. That summit requires alpine experience, and many turn around at the col below. The valley is best suited to skiers who already have ski touring and avalanche skills. Check the road conditions into the valley before you set off.
Trollstigen in late spring
When the mountain pass at Trollstigen, the famous hairpin road, opens in late spring, you start high and quickly reach snow-covered high mountains. This makes it possible to ski well into the season. Spring snow requires its own assessments. Wet avalanches and slush become a concern as the sun and temperature rise during the day, so start early and be down before the snow gets too soft.
Alternatives on bad-weather days
In strong wind, poor visibility or high avalanche danger, it is often wise to choose lower and gentler terrain, such as tours in the forest. The summit is not the goal every day. Turning around is part of ski touring culture in an area like Romsdal.
Best time for ski touring in Romsdal
The season depends on how much snow falls in a given year. As a rough guide:
- January–February: Short days and often cold. You may find good powder, but little daylight and unstable periods mean you should plan tightly.
- March–April: Longer days, often more snow at altitude and more stable periods. Many consider this the main season.
- May–June: Spring snow and tours from higher starting points, for example when Trollstigen opens. Start early in the day.
Whatever the month, the current state of the snowpack and the weather matter more than the calendar.
Avalanche safety
Many ski tours in Romsdal go through or below avalanche terrain. Some basic rules:
- Read the avalanche forecast on varsom.no (Norway's official avalanche warning service, also available in English) every day, including the avalanche problems and which aspects and elevations the forecast applies to.
- Carry an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe, and practise using them.
- Tour with others, agree on turnaround points in advance and keep spacing in exposed terrain.
- Watch for warning signs such as whumpfing, shooting cracks and fresh wind-drifted snow.
- Have a plan B with gentler terrain.
If you are new to the mountains in winter, a course is the safest way to get started. We run a basic avalanche course in Åndalsnes, and you will find more options under avalanche courses.
Ski touring packing list
- Touring skis or splitboard, skins and ski crampons if needed
- Avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe
- Windproof and waterproof shell, warm wool layers and an extra jacket for breaks
- Hat, gloves, sunglasses and sunscreen, as the spring sun is strong on snow
- Drinks, food and a first aid kit
- Map, compass or GPS and a fully charged phone
