Exploring Tamokdalen Backcountry - Where is Kyle Miller?

After a handful of days at the Hut because of bad weather with the forecast calling for sunshine it was time to get back out into the mountains. The problem was that the day was going to be significantly warmer then previous days so we were about to go through an avalanche cycle. Knowing it wouldn’t be a good day for steep skiing we made the call to do a scenic tour with a focus on exploring the Tamokdalen Backcountry and more specifically the south facing slopes behind Tamokhuset.

Exploring the Tamokdalen Backcountry

After leaving an additional car at the Camp Tamok Parking lot we drove over to the shores of Rostovatn and started moving around 9 in the morning. Making our way through the low angle forest we finally made it to the upper basin separating Rostafjellet to the North and Vetl Brattlifjellet to the South.

From here we would get a closer look at the Southern slopes of Rostafjellet and if snowboard descents were even possible. Finally we were out of the trees for a while and while the lower slopes weren’t complicated travel would be easier from here on out.

As we started climbing the lower slopes of Vetl Brattlifjellet on the North side we were pulled towards the view of RostaFjellet. While it was nearly clear out we had a single cloud hanging atop the one area I had really wanted to see.

Finally arriving on the ridge the clouds had almost burnt off and we had an obstructed view of the upper slopes. While the lower slopes seemed like a maze of obstructions and cliffs there was definitely a line through.

By now we were dealing with the heat of the day and preparing to snowboard down a south facing slope to access the next valley. After a bit of chatting and looking at maps we were able to find a route into the valley that was to mellow to slide. Once feeling comfortable with the situation we transitioned to snowboards and rode all the way down to the creek below.

We made our way up the south side of the creek basin wrapping around a South facing slope as it constantly shed snow. It was decided that we would gain a bit of elevation to have a better vantage point across the valley.

Once we had a clear view of the basin to our North we decided to take a break. By now it was hot outside and I was having skin troubles. For the next 30 minutes we rested on a dry rock and ate some food while taking the view.

Once again this trip was about exploring the Tamokdalen Backcountry and finally I had a good view of the south facing bowl behind Tamokhuset. It confirmed that the line did go and opened the door for a semi quick way to explore other mountains in the area.

Before long we were moving towards the col between Nerotinden to the right and Brattlifjellet to the left. Behind the col was the Finndalen Valley and more specifically our car waiting at Camp Tamok.

The route had gone clean so far being more of a cross country ski then a Splitboard Mission. Before long we were making the final switchback to the Col and would soon be out of the sun and on shaded slopes.

Hanging out on the ridge we could tell that the exit would be low angled slopes so we pulled out our ski poles. Though there were some rocks below the route was clean for a descent and I breathed a sigh of relief. Not knowing 100% if a route goes can be a stressful condition.

From our vantage point we had a clear view of the South Gully of Tamokfjellet and a bit higher up in the Vassdalen Valley. This was an area I had been to the previous season but I hoped to spend more time in the area.

I had been wondering about the Western Ridge and Southern slopes of Vassdalsfjellet and if it was possible to climb the ridge. From this perspective the lower slopes looked easy but the upper rocky area looked a bit more tricky.

As we descended into the valley I got my first close up view of Brattlifjellet. There were definitely lines to be had between the rocks.

With the help of our ski poles we were able to traverse a few kilometers on the firm snow to the valley below. Instead of just riding to the creek we stayed a little higher in the valley so we could easily ride down to the bridge which would allow us access to the snowmobile road on the other side.

From a closer perspective it seemed like there were better routes to access Vassdalsfjellet compared to the ridge. Before long we were back to skinning on the Snowmobile trail towards Camp Tamok and within 30 minutes we were back at the car.

While I wouldn’t exactly call this a ski tour it was a great way to make the most out of a high avalanche day. In my opinion it is better to sacrafice a day checking out terrain compared to just dropping in blind and hoping everything will work out. Huge Thanks to Titti, Jukkis and Ile for going through with this crazy cross country country ski tour exploring the terrain around Tamokdalen.