Couloir skiing in Oppdal

Earlier this year I had the chance to realise a project I’ve thought about for several years: Skiing the couloir called Storskæra on Allmannberget, a mountain in Oppdal, Norway. The couloir is very visible from the highway going through Oppdal, and I’ve thought about it virtually every time we’ve been passing through.

I remember when I first heard about people skiing down Allmannberget, about 15 years ago (though the first descent was probably much, much earlier than that). I was not familiar with steep skiing, and I couldn’t comprehend that it was possible to get down on skis in that sort of terrain. At the time, I wasn’t sure if I believed that people were doing it.

Now, on the other hand, I realise that Storskæra is not very extreme in the context of steep skiing, although you still need to know what you’re doing. While the couloir is over 50 degrees in the uppermost part, most of it is between 35-45 degrees.

In general, I can’t be too picky about the snow conditions because of certain constraints on my calendar. It’s however vital that there’s a low avalanche risk. In late April, the snow was generally stable and safe in the area, but with regards to skiing conditions, the temperature was not on my side. The cold weather had given the snow a hard crust. When I got to Allmannberget, the snow was hard already from the bottom of the couloir, and it got worse the higher I got. I always prefer to walk up the couloir before skiing if possible, so I know what I can expect when going down. This time, I had to wear crampons the whole way up, meaning it wasn’t going to be a very enjoyable run down again.

On my way up.

The couloir is north-northwest facing, so it’s usually preferable to go there late in the day, to let the sun soften up the snow. If I’d had the time, I would have waited a while before skiing. The top part would probably have been much the same anyway because of the cold wind up there, but the lower segments would most likely have had more slushy than crusty snow.

View towards Oppdal.

Almost at the top.

After getting up to the summit ridge, I made a quick visit to the mountain’s highest point before heading back to the top of the couloir. Looking down the chute, knowing that the snow would be hard and icy most of the way, I took a minute to consider other options for going down. I decided however that I didn’t want to go home with unfinished business. I felt confident I could get down safely, it just wouldn’t be as fun as it could be with better snow. The main goal of the day was to do something challenging, and this would qualify.

Ready to descend.

I had to practically downclimb the couloir’s steep entrance while wearing skis, with an ice axe in each hand. The snow was almost as hard as ice, and I struggled getting purchase with my skis. Since I often ski with dogs, I seldom sharpen the edges, reducing the risk of cutting any legs or paws. I deeply regretted skipping that at this point. Further down I could stop hacking at the snow with axes, and use only my legs to control the descent. Carefully making turns, but also just sliding sideways for many meters at a time, to stay in control. Not a pretty sight, but efficient. There were also two sections of exposed rock in the couloir, where I had to remove my skis and move down some scrambling terrain.

Own my way down.

After descending the full length of the couloir on icy conditions, I was tired both physically and mentally, but happy to have completed a long-time goal. As a bonus, I did the neighbouring couloir called "Haninj" directly afterwards. It’s not as long or spectacular, but the skiing was more fun since the snow started getting softer.

Ascending "Haninj".

The main take-away from the day was observing the progress, going from not believing something was doable, to actually doing it. Because of that, Storskæra was a small personal milestone. Although it’s not much of a challenge for experienced skiers (it definitely pales when compared to skiing down a climbing route), it’s worth appreciating the effort it takes to improve.

I often pass through Oppdal, meaning I can enjoy the sight of Storskæra frequently. I hope to repeat it someday when conditions are better, but I also have a list of other couloirs that has to be explored first.