The Sunnmøre Alps is a coastal alpine mountain range, and consists of the mountains on both sides of the spectacular Hjørundfjord. From many of the summits you get a view, way out in the North Sea!
Photo: Terje Rakke/Nordic Life/Fjord Norway
In addition you have the vicinity of four ski resort; Bondalseidet Ski Centre, Strandafjellet Ski Centre, Sunnmøralpane Ski Arena and Stordalen Alpine Centre. The mountains are steep, but in the area you will find a number of safe ski routes.
The coastal climate means that snow falls in huge amounts in a short period of time, so in early winter it is important to be around at the right time to get perfect conditions. If you are really lucky you can actually go all the way from the summit to the waterline in one run.
From late march until late may, the snowpack and weather is usually more stabile. There are many cabins, chalets and camping sites in the region. In the area you may also join a Ski and Sail adventure.
Kolåstinden (1432 m)
Moderate walk. Kolåstinden is a classic, starting at Standalhytta. The route goes up Kvanndal, up to the narrow passage Stretet - which leads into the Kolås glacier. Same way down, or the steeper alternative,down Kolås glacier.
3 - 4 hours, about 1 050 meters above sea level.
Grøtdalstind (1331 m)
A long, steady uphill provides value for the money in form of a great descending stretch. The tour starts from Frøland valley near Sæbø, up a steep flank, and eventually along the ridge, until you reach the top.
4 hours,1 200 meters above sea level.
Skårasalen (1542 m)
This mountain offers a round trip you’ll never forget. The ascent from Kvistad Valley runs steeply up to the top. The trip down again runs on the north side, down Little Skåra valley to the fjord. Then you have to call the ferry or water taxi for transportation back to Sæbø, where you should have a car parked.
4 - 5 hours,1 200 -1 300 meters above sea level.
More information
http://www.visitalesund.com
Mountain Guides
www.sunalp.no
www.didadventure.no
Getting to Sunnmørsalpene
From Oslo:
Sunnmørsalpene lie approximately 550 kilometres northwest of Oslo.
By car: The drive from Oslo takes approximately eight hours (ferries not included). Follow the E 6 from Oslo to Otta, and then follow Rv 15 to Nordfjordeid. From Nordfjordeid you follow the E 39 to Volda and Ørsta. Ferry between Folkestad and Volda.
By bus: Daily departures to Ålesund, Volda, Ulsteinvik and Ørsta (approximately 10 hours). For timetables and booking, please contact Nor-Way Bussekspress.
By plane: Daily departures from Oslo to Ålesund Airport Vigra and Ørsta-Volda Airport Hovden. Flight time approximately 55 minutes. For timetables and booking, please contact SAS and Widerøe.
From Stavanger:
Sunnmørsalpene lie approximately 570 kilometres north of Stavanger.
By car: The drive from Stavanger takes approximately 10 hours (ferries not included). Follow the E 39 northwards from Stavanger via Bergen. Ferries between Oppedal and Lavik, Anda and Lote, and between Folkestad and Volda.
By plane: There are no direct flights between Stavanger and the airports near Sunnmørsalpene. However, you can take the plane from Stavanger to Oslo or Bergen, and then catch a new plane. Daily departures from Oslo to Ålesund Airport Vigra and Ørsta-Volda Airport Hovden. Flight time approximately 55 minutes. For timetables and booking, please contact SAS and Widerøe.
From Bergen:
Sunnmørsalpene lie approximately 340 kilometres north of Bergen.
By car: The drive from Bergen takes approximately six hours (ferries not included). Follow the E 39 northwards from Bergen. Ferries between Oppedal and Lavik, Anda and Lote, and between Folkestad and Volda.
By bus: Daily departures to Volda, Ørsta and Ålesund (approximately nine hours). For timetables and booking, please contact Nor-Way Bussekspress.
By plane: Daily departures from Bergen to Ålesund Airport Vigra. Flight time approximately 45 minutes. You can also take a plane from Bergen to Sogndal, and then catch a new flight between Sogndal and Ørsta-Volda Airport Hovden. Total flight time approximately one and a half hours. For timetables and booking, please contact SAS and Widerøe.