Info About the North Face of Rostakulen
The North Face of Rostakulen is one of the more prominent north facing slopes within the Tamokdalen Backcountry. Located just a few kilometres from Tamokhuset this area offers steep ski turns down a handful of snow loaded chutes down to the open terrain below. With a summit elevation of 1,274 meters this area offers almost 1,100 meters of vertical descent and if timed right is the perfect sunset ski run as it lights up in the late day alpenglow.
Why the North Face of Rostakulen
After a failed trip the day before on Háhttagáisi’s South facing slope we decided to change aspects. The north face of Rostakullen would warm up a bit later in the afternoon. Our plan was to climb the main headwall in firm conditions then wait up top until the snow softened.
Searching for Corn on North Face Slopes
Peteri, Rasmus, Titti and I skinned through firm trees before wrapping around the main lower cliff band. Making our way up steep trees we gained mellower alpine slopes. Heading up we could see Háhttagáisi and the avalanche from the previous day.
While making our way up the snow was firm but easily skiable. Looking beyond the mellow terrain the North Face or Rostakulen stood out still in the shade. From our vantage point we had a few options of lines to descend but would make our decision once on top.
When we made it to the edge of the shadow line we rested in the sun for a half hour. Knowing that it would be a cold climb to the summit we absorbed the heat while putting on our crampons.
Climbing up theNorth Face of Rostakulen
Kicking our way up the snow was still quite firm but made for easy climbing. Going up we chose to climb the widest gully which seemed to never end.
After about an hour of climbing we made our way up over the final roller. The view was great as we made our way to summit in the sun again.
Waiting for the Snow to Soften
Once we finally made our way to the top of the slope it was obvious that it needed a lot of time to soften up. Taking out our shovels we starting digging a spot to sit for the next few hours. Having just experienced how icy the North face of Rostakulen was we didn’t want to ride down it yet.
Snowboarding Down in Corn Conditions
After waiting two hours we decided it was time to ride down. Walking over to the top of the line we realised that the upper slopes were still quite firm. Chatting back and forth about it we decided it was better to have firm snow up high and softer snow down low compared to soft snow up high and slush down low.
We dropped in one at a time and finding firm but edgeable snow on the steep face. I dropped in first and stopped at the point where we had switched to crampons earlier.
The snow continuously got better as we made our way down realising that we made the right choice. If we would have waited then the lower slopes would have been terrible.
Before long the snow was buttery smooth corn as we rode as a group towards the cliff band. Following our climbing track we were able to easily navigate the terrain. Once in the valley we hit the Nordic trail we used in the morning and with a 5 minute bootpack we made our way back to the car.
If you are interested in this ski tour here is the topo route below
