(Ice Climbing) An American in need of Troms ice climbing info!
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Hey!
I come from a land far away called America (perhaps you have heard of it?). But now I live here in the wonderland of Troms! Though I have been fortunate enough to get a bit of climbing done in Kvaløya the temperatures are dropping and I start to think about ice! I know the problem is getting really bad when I am sitting up late at night sharpening my picks and crampons... plus the noise really creeps my flatmates out...
This is the first winter that I have spent in Troms and I don't know anything about the ice climbing scene here. So if you have a moment please help me!
-Where are the best climbing areas?
-What is the season length like?
-Are there forums where people post climbing conditions (perhaps this one?)
-Anyone interested in another partner for their list?
Anything you can lend would be much appreciated!
Tusen Takk,
Randolph
randolph.w.rhea@gmail.com
48043003
Have a look at: http://forum.steepstone.com/viewtopic.php?t=1494&sid=796f11b14b36f267ba902af2b2305dad
I live in Målselv (Bardufoss - bit further inland) and we have plenty of ice this way, as the conditions inland are more stable and colder, to be expected.
I have limited big ridge mountain experience, although some Scottish winter experience (gullies, etc), having lived out there 4 years, and more active climbing there than i have been able to be here.
I am from the UK and moved out here a few years ago. I moved out here to Målselv from TRomsø itself as there is a good snow, a (free!, military) climbing gym and also good ice potential here. i have met a few folk who climb but it is rather slow work to get regular trips out, as often the case when you are new someplace and not so madly confident at the sport.
If you have a lot of experience and want to practise on something rather further a field than Tromsø immediate area, give me a buzz. I know a few folks down here you might be able to link up with, who are active on ice in winter. If you have a lot of experience you might rather go out with them than me (;)) But would be best to talk or meet first, maybe.
Anyhow, pleased to meet you, welcome, and enjoy your winter here. It is fantastic :)
helen
...and who cares if you keep people awake sharpening axes. normal behaviour if you ask me!
Helen,
Thanks for your enthusiastic response! I am keen to climb as much as possible in the coming months. I have done a fair bit of ice climbing but would say I am not 'wildly confident' as you said.This will be my first season back on ice after a shoulder injury put me out of commission last February. I spent the start of last winter in the Canadian Rockies where I was happy leading WI4and following WI5; leading bolted M6 and top roping M8. After about a month of full time climbing I was starting to follow a few name routes like polar circus (V, WI5, ca. 700m). Ideally I would be keen to start with some nice long WI3 routs and move from there.
Does this sound comparable with your experience level or that of those in the Målselv area? I am super easy going and just keen to climb with people who can share the area with me. I have a car so it is possible for me to make the weekend trip to the Bardu area if there are people keen to head out and get some climbing done.
Let me know what you think!
in Målselv there can be routes everywhere, but not many people out, and of course the zero (ca.) daylight makes it all a bit more exciting.
i can invite you down when the season gets going more. still early days here yet. if i am back in tromsø some date soon (I was in the city last weekend, and, unlike you, i don't have a car! ;)) then we could meet up in the meantime. i climb at the wall in town when i am back.
i can pass your details and experience level to my friend here. he is military and seems v busy mostly, but he is a good sort. do you ski? he likes to ski and climb (sometimes both on the same trip)
waterice 3 and long easy routes sound nice. as does 'road-side' ice-cragging or shorter stuff. I need to get more of this before any hard mountain stuff.
i am not at your level, lacking my own axes (but i do at least have crampons and (leather) boots).
have you been to Rjukan, (Telemark)? I was there a year ago. that is a good venue for a nice winter trip (if you don't mind meeting a few Brits down there!)
i think you will find some good people in TRomsø. In the meantime if there are trips here i hear about i can ask if you can join us. no problem :)
take care
Thanks Helen!
I am exited to climb at whatever level whenever. Just let me know when trips start going. I also ski and plan on doing that as much as possible too. So keep me in the loop!
Really? No one else out there in Tromsø who knows something about good ice climbing in the region? Or that is looking for a keen partner?
Randolph
thats cool. well, I'll save your email address and we shall see. Bring on the snow, is what's next, I guess!
of course, I'll keep you informed
helen