Home Members' Articles Holidays RJUKAN NORWAY FEB 2011
RJUKAN NORWAY FEB 2011 PDF Print E-mail
Members' Articles - Holidays
Written by Stewart Herbert   
Wednesday, 22 June 2011 20:25
Slightly different again this year with fewer steps already made and more hard ice to tackle. Some routes ran out of ice and did not really become torquing possibilities as Martin Smith discovered in the Vermork Bridge area, on Tungtvann WI4,recommended by an enthusiastic bystander. On reflection, we don`t think he had done this route...just all talk! It proved to be the hardest moment of Martin`s climbing career so far but he managed with aplomb! We all enjoyed a new (for us) 4 pitch wide waterfall in Rjukan Centre, Tjonnstadbergfossen WI4,having seen it lit up at night for years. It had spectacular huge icicles above the cave, capable of executing the unwary. Fabrikkfossen WI3 with its 7 pitches of varying difficulty and some eye damaging falling chunks of ice proved more challenging than its grade. Likewise, exploring an area above the hospital, appropriately named Sykehusfossen WI4, we found route finding very exciting and went back a 2nd day to work it out safely.

In the Lower Gorge and Ozzimosis, it was enough to repeat some routes when it was either snowing (6th day and no-one really admitting to feeling just a bit tired ) or minus 12-15 degrees. In the Upper Gorge, we were all really pleased to do Bakveien WI4, with a spectacular steep 1st pitch. Rjukanfossen was rumoured to run out of ice at the top so we left that well alone, even though it had been on the list.

The roads and hostel were good. The kitchen at the hostel is still as cosy and we met a lot of familiar faces so it was all very jolly! The prices were comparable with other years so if you are inspired by lots of beautiful ice, start saving up now.

Last Updated on Tuesday, 19 July 2011 21:15