Rjukan 2017 - Ice climbing (and skiing) in Norway.

****STOP PRESS: FULLY BOOKED*****

"Imagine a place with more than 150 waterfalls, almost all of which have easy access and a stable climate that guarantees long periods of cold weather. Add a local population that welcomes visiting ice climbers, a dramatic World War II history and great skiing on offer for 'rest days' and this is not just a place to dream about - it is Rjukan." (Heavy Water - Ice Climbing in Rjukan Norway - Rockfax 2005).

Rjukan lies in the Telemark region of Norway and has something for everyone; a valley full of ice climbs, the compact but attractive Gaustablikk downhill ski centre and the almost limitless cross-country skiing opportunities of the vast Hardangervidda plateau.

The ice climbing goes from 1 to 17 pitches; with most in the 1-4 pitch range. Walk-ins range 0 to 60 minutes, but the majority are less than 30 minutes. There's water ice (WI) up to WI7 and mixed climbing up to M10, but the bulk is in the WI2 to WI5 range (for comparison WI3 is approximately Scottish Grade IV). The Gaustablikk ski centre has 12 lifts, 28 downhill runs (longest 3.5km); 635m vertical drop, 80km x-country tracks, ski school and ski hire.

We’ll be flying out Sunday 19th February and returning on the following Sunday 26th February, which gives seven days climbing and/or skiing. Flights are Ryanair from Manchester to Oslo Torp (details below). From there we pick up hire cars for an approx 3 hour drive north west to Rjukan. Arrival time in Rjukan likely to be around 6pm.

We have accommodation booked in cabins at the centrally located at Rjukan Hytteby.

If you are interested in climbing, some experience of front pointing on ice would be to your advantage (but not completely essential) as would a pair of B3 boots, and modern axes and a fair degree of fitness and determination. Ice screws are also essential.

If you are interested and unsure about how your current level of experience of easier Alpine or Scottish mountaineering translates, please give Andy Stratford or Steve Graham a call for a chat in person as KMC members are not insured or qualified to offer formal tuition. With the right degree of care, Rjukan can offer a good training ground for ice climbing as there are a few areas suitable for top roping and some shorter, easier single pitch climbs on which to hone technique.

Flights (Ryan air):

Sunday 19th Feb: Manchester (MAN) to Oslo (TRF) - dep. 11:55 arr. 14.50

Sunday 26th Feb: Oslo (TRF) to Manchester (MAN) - dep. 15.15 arr 16.25

COSTS

Cabin shared between 4 people approx 235 GBP pp

Car Hire / tolls and Fuel between 4 people approx 90 – 110 GBP pp.

Flights - whatever they cost at the time, if booked early return flights including luggage can often be obtained for between 80 and 110 GBP - don't forget to book a MINIMUM of 15kg hold luggage out and return. 20kg will give a little more leeway.

If we end up with the full complement of ten then the cabins cost will decrease however this will be offset by the need for three cars so the total estimated costs above are probably about right.

Guidebook:

Heavy Water - Ice Climbing in Rjukan Norway (Rockfax 2005)

http://www.rockfax.com/climbing-guides/books/heavy-water-rjukan-ice-2005/

Other websites:

http://www.mountain-environment.com/rjukanguide.html

http://www.visitnorway.com/en/Where-to-go/South/Rjukan/

For a flavour of what you can expect, search under Norway in the picture gallery or see previous meet reports in September 2009, January 2009 and March 2012 to 2015 Newsletters.

For further advice and information please speak to Andy or Steve.

This meet is open for bookings strictly for Members and Associate members (partners of members can also book if  non-member)