TheNorthwest is a nickname for the low-pressure weather fronts that carry huge amounts of moisture from the Atlantic to the mountains in Møre og Romsdal and dump shocking amounts of snow in winter. The snow lies between the mountain peaks and fjords, giving panoramic views and downhill descents that you can only dream of. Well, unless you travel there to see for yourself.
Hundreds of mountain peaks and valleys in all directions are what make Møre og Romsdal Norway's number one mountain-skiing area, and it’s just a short distance from the coastal towns of Ålesund, Molde and Kristiansund. This fjord and mountains offer an endless number of very diverse skiing opportunities.
For most people, the surest way to the best snow is with a guide. The northwest also means plenty of weather, which affects different parts of this compact mountain region in different ways. There might be deep fresh snow in one valley when at the same time it's completely blown away in another. When the depth of the snow goes from zero to two meters in just two or three days, on mountains that rise up to 2000 meters above sea level, the excitement for snow needs to be tempered with a great deal of humility and respect.
Our top tip for trips in Møre og Romsdal: use a guide
‘You can depend on the northwest,’ says Bjørn Kruse, certified mountain guide at Romsdal Lodge. For any skiers wanting to broaden their horizons this winter, we have spoken with three pioneers of guiding in Nordmøre, Sunnmøre and Romsdalen valley.
“A mountain guide lets you get the most out of your trip.”
«Nordvesten» er kallenavnet på lavtrykk med mye fuktighet fra Atlanterhavet som blir presset mot fjellene i Møre og Romsdal, og slepper enorme mengder snø vinterstid. Snøen legger seg mellom tinder og fjorder. Hundrevis av topper og dalfører i alle himmelretninger gjør Møre og Romsdal til Norges toppturområde nummer én med kort vei til kystbyene Ålesund, Molde og Kristiansund. Det skaper panoramautsikt og nedkjøringer du kan drømme om. Eller du kan rett og slett legge skiferien hit.
“You can depend on the northwest.”
– It's very useful having access to a guide’s core expertise, both while on the trip and during the planning stage. Most of our guests have busy lives and jobs and it takes time to plan a decent trip in a new area all on your own,’ says Anne Stine Mathisen, manager of Contrast Adventure in Sunndal.
A guide is just as eager to get home safely as you are, and has the undeniable advantage of possessing all the necessary expertise. By spending time with a local guide, you’ll acquire new knowledge about travelling in the mountains during winter, and gain good insight into the mountain culture in Møre og Romsdal.
“Sometimes people think you need to be an expert to join a tour, but this absolutely isn’t the case.”
– It's very useful having access to a guide’s core expertise, both while on the trip and during the planning stage. Most of our guests have busy lives and jobs and it takes time to plan a decent trip in a new area all on your own,’ says Anne Stine Mathisen, manager of Contrast Adventure in Sunndal.
A guide is just as eager to get home safely as you are, and has the undeniable advantage of possessing all the necessary expertise. By spending time with a local guide, you’ll acquire new knowledge about travelling in the mountains during winter, and gain good insight into the mountain culture in Møre og Romsdal.
“Sometimes the difference between a bad and a wonderful skiing experience might be just fifteen metres to the left or right.”
Before you travel
- Thank about the area you want to visit rather than which summit to ski
- Listen to advice and tips from the guide
- Make sure equipment is worn-in, especially footwear
- Be in good physical shape
- Do a few training trips
- Know your own abilities
- Be prepared for plans to change
- Plan for a tour that both you and your companions can manage
- Know your avalanche equipment
- Download the Varsom app
It’s possible to rent equipment that you don’t have. Ask your guide what's available in the area you’re travelling to.
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