Info About the Northern Bowl of Tamokfjellet
The Northern Bowl of Tamokfjellet is possibly one of the most sheltered powder runs in all of the Tamokdalen Backcountry. Starting with a few hundred meters of steep turns it opens up to a low angle wide open bowl before dropping into a small rock lined chute exiting to the trees below. With a summit elevation of 1,200 meters this ski tour offers over 900 meters of fall line turns all the way to the road below.
Why the Northern Bowl of Tamokfjellet
While riding Blåbærfjellet the day before Samppa and I had a clear view of the Northern Bowl of Tamokfjellet. Knowing that it would be holding good snow we decided to head that way for our final tour together. We decided to take a less direct traverse into the basin to stay out of an avalanche trap. From our perspective it seemed like a low angle way to get into the alpine.
Taking an Alternative Approach
The night before heading out on our ski tour Ile Eronen and Tippu showed up at the huset. Telling them our plans they were game to head out with us to check out conditions. Parking on the side of the road we threw our gear over the snowbank before heading out.
Hiking through the thick trees was a battle as we fought for every foot gained. Off in the distance we could see the where we needed to be but they blocked the entire view.
After 30 minutes in the dense trees we finally made it into open slopes. Climbing was much easier with nothing to crawl through and a view of where we needed to go. From our perspective we could see a rock ledge that we wanted to traverse.
Once the slope got steeper we decided to switch over to cramponing. By now we could see the lower slopes of Blåbærfjellet in the distance as we got ready for the long traverse. Looking at the map it seemed it would be an easy crossing.
The traverse was relatively easy but definitely not mellow. We needed to cross two steep gullies with rock bands bellow it before the terrain mellowed out. Making our way across I would put my foot into the previous persons boot print and make sure to have a solid hold before moving on.
Arriving in the Upper Bowl
Making our way over the ridge and towards the upper bowl we were happy that it went. Looking ahead of us was numerous small hills but we still couldn’t see the upper area.
Once arriving into the upper bowl the terrain mellowed out for a while. Below our feet was perfectly protected powder snow which was going to ride great.
By now we had a clear view of the Northern Bowl of Tamokfjellet. While we were on mellow slopes we could see that it got much steeper before reaching the high col. By now we had been in the shade for hours and looked foreword to being back in the sun.
Arriving at the gully the snow got much deeper. We took turns leading the way up the steep face making fast progress.
Once on the col we were treated by the warm sun. By now it had been about four hours of sweating in the cold valley and my gear was pretty soaked from the long climb.
Checking Out Our Planed Descent
The original plan was to go ski a steep north facing slope that went all the way to the road. The Northern Bowl was only supposed to be our access route. Riding across the flat summit we traversed over to where we though the drop in point was.
Snowboarding the Northern Bowl of Tamokfjellet
Standing on top of our intended line Samppa dropped in first. While he was riding it smoothly we could hear that it was a icy. Having just climbed up great snow Ile, Tippu and I climbed back up to the col where we had originally transitioned. We called Samppa to make sure he was okay then dropped into the Northern Bowl of Tamokfjellet.
The whole upper bowl rode like a dream as we kicked up snow with every turn. Arriving in the lower bowl we decided not to do the traverse and instead ride through the crux cliff bands below.
The snow kept getting better and better and before long we were riding in the sun. Below us was stunning scenery of the Tamokdalen valley as we quickly dropped elevation.
Soon enough we were riding through a narrow chute that was a waterfall during the summer. It was filled with a deep snowpack so riding down was straightforward. Riding fall line we were able to make it to the road where we walked back to the car. Though we didn’t ride the intended line we still found a great run in the Northern Bowl.
If you are interested in this ski tour here is the topo route below
