Preparing to snowboard Oksetinden while linking up Oksetinden and Kjempetinden
Snowboarding down Oksetinden

Info About Oksetinden and Kjempetinden

Oksetinden and Kjempetinden are two wide open south facing slopes in the Tverrelvdalen Valley. The summit elevation of Oksetinden is 1,301 meters while Kjempetinden is 1,126.  With highway 86 running through there is a bridge crossing the main river before ascending up Dápmotváddjá creek on either the south or north sides.

Looking at Oksetinden and Kjempetinden
Oksetinden and Kjempetinden

Why Oksetinden and Kjempetinden

Be Early May we were in the heart of Spring season with a focus on south facing slopes. Looking at the topographic maps I noticed the potential to link up Oksetinden and Kjempetinden. Being that they both had open runs and were in close proximity to each other. Chatting with friends we decided to head up the Tverrelvdalen Valley and link them up heading in a Southerly direction.

A Long Slog up the Valley

Starting the ski tour we chatted about staying on the right or left side of the creek running into the alpine. In the end we chose the right side and battled through dense trees and steep hillsides. After an hour of pain we finally reached the open slopes. 

With terrain much easier we started a low angle traverse towards Oksetinden. Being a wide open face we worked with the slopes doing long switchbacks to gain elevation.

Climbing up Oksetinden while on a ski tour of Oksetinden and Kjempetinden

Making our way to the lowest point in the ridge the rest of the climb was mellow. With Each step the surround terrain started to open up with. Looking to the West we had a clean view of the Northeast bowl of Blåbærfjellet .

A great view of the surrounding area

Standing on the summit of Oksetinden we transitioned and waited for a good patch of sunshine. Once we were all ready to drop in our window opened up and it was time to get going.

Preparing to snowboard Oksetinden while linking up Oksetinden and Kjempetinden

Our First Ski Run Down Oksetinden

Following our skin track loosely we made it over to the edge of the South facing bowl and looked down. To link up Oksetinden and Kjempetinden we would drop into the valley before climbing the bowl on the left side of the photo below.

Looking down the South face of Oksetinden

Being that I came up with the route everyone agreed that I would test the slopes. Dropping in the snow was a bit firm but edgeable but quickly improved as I rode lower finally stopping in the valley.

Our ski tracks on Oksetinden

Once everyone was in the valley the clouds started to come in. With half the crew being skiers and the other half being snowboarders the skiers had an easy exit via the valley. Not wanting to do a toeside traverse for numerous kilometres us snowboarders decided to continue the route.

A stormy day in the Tamokdalen Backcountry

Bootpacking up Kjempetinden was easy with crampons on our feet. Doing low angle switchbacks we quickly gained elevation before reaching the summit. Transitioning to riding we decided to wait around in hope that the sun would come out again.

Transitioning to snowboarding on the summit of Kjempetinden while linking up Oksetinden and Kjempetinden

Snowboarding Down Kjempetinden

After 30 minutes of waiting the weather was getting worse so we decided to get moving. Riding down Kjempetinden we had a clean view of the Tamokdalen Valley below us. Conditions were great with smooth fall line turns all the way to the car below.

Snowboarding down Kjempetinden on a ski tour linking up Oksetinden and Kjempetinden
Making our final snowboard turns down

The Oksetinden and Kjempetinden traverse was a great route for snowboarding. It had made the most out of the terrain but more importantly made it so we didn’t have to deal with a brutal exit.

If you are interested in this ski tour here is the topo route below

a topo map of our ascent route at Oksetinden and Kjempetinden in the Tamokdalen Backcountry
Oksetinden and Kjempetinden Route