DESCRIPTION

The hike starts by the climbing wall at the west side of Juvasshytta, by the information boards. You need to meet the guides 30 minutes before the hike take place.

• Practical information is given.

• Harnesses are distributed and adjusted.

• Children will use a full-body harness, which requires more adjustments. The guides will take care of this.

• Crampons are provided, if needed.

The first leg of the hike goes to the edge of the glacier, a gradual climb of 2,8 km. The first break is here. Be careful not to take too many breaks before this, so you don’t slow down the group. Everyone should eat something before the hike starts, and have water easily available. Adjust your clothing once you’ve warmed up, and remember to drink.

This part of the hike takes slightly less than an hour.

If participants take too long to arrive at the edge of the glacier (more than 1,5 hours), the guide may ask them to discontinue the hike in consideration of the rest of the group, and for their own safety.

By the glacier you will take your first break. Consider what to wear during the crossing here, as there will be no opportunities to adjust clothing during the crossing of the glacier.

More information is given here, specifically about glaciers and how to cross them.

• A tight rope between the participants during the crossing is important.
• Those who wish to be in the same rope team (friends and family) are responsible for lining up together by the ropes.
• Take families into consideration here, so that children won’t have to walk alone!

Crossing the glacier on your own without ropes, equipment
and experience can be fatal. Snow covers up the cracks,
making them hard to spot and easy to fall into.
The glacier is called «the Ugly Glacier» - but not because of its appearance.
Ugly means dangerous in the local dialect.

The glacier crossing takes approximately 50 minutes. You then arrive at Piggura (the scree of the peak). Here, the rope teams are disassembled, and you have a short break. From this point the steepest part of the hike begins.

After 30 min - 1h almost everyone will have arrived at the peak.

There’s a good break at the summit. Remember to say hello to «Piggjeguten» - the Peak Boy/girl - in his cabin!

The guides will organize a meetup-time either at the peak or by the ropes. Follow their instructions and be sure to arrive in time.

Our guides have several years of experience with glacier crossing both at Galdhøpiggen and other mountains and glaciers. They prioritize safety and want every participant to have a great experience. Participants are themselves responsible for listening to the information and instructions from the guides. The more prepared for the hike you are, the better the experience it will be.

The descent to the ropes might be longer than you think. Some people will need more time than others, and it’s important to respect this. If the weather is bad, everyone will walk up and down together. It is an achievement to reach the summit of Galdhøpiggen. Even if the weather and view are not the best, people are contented by reaching a goal. We would like for the hike in itself to be a goal!