Two days earlier we were able to ride the West Couloir of Rostafjellet and wanted to head back into the area. Knowing that the Western slopes were a bit more in the rain shadow we would have a better chance for good weather as well as a bit less snow then the Tamokdalen Valley. Having spotted the West Chute of Rostakulen we decided to go have a closer look at the line.
Riding the West Couloir of Rostakulen
Driving down the road along the shores of Rostavatn we could see clouds lingering on the West face. While we had a good idea of were to start it was a bit unsettling knowing that we could be climbing into the clouds. Since we were heading for a couloir it would be easy to see once inside of it but there were numerous other chutes that ended in cliffs so we needed to be at the right one.
Arriving at our starting point we checked the map numerous times. By now we couldn’t see anything above tree line but we knew we were in the right area. We had spotted a forest road on the map so we made our way over to it and started climbing.
The closer we got the thinner the clouds became and we could see the faint outline of our run in the distance.
Making a low angle traverse we finally got into the area below the chute and switched off breaking trail.
Above us was a massive rock headwall that just disappeared into the clouds as we put in a few well placed switchbacks to avoid as much avalanche terrain as possible down low.
Once making it to the lower apron of the chute we skinned in the trees as long as possible.
Once we were at the chute we decided to skin up to the base of it sticking to the lookers right side as it felt the safest route with the least amount of snow above us.
Making our way to the last tree ban we finally got a good look up the chute. Though it looked steep it was filled with powder so both climbing and snowboarding would be relatively easy.
Chatting back and forth we decided to switch over to crampons as it would be far more efficient in the terrain. By now it seemed that the weather was improving and we were surprised to be in the sun for the first time in days.
With three people we would switch off on who was bootpacking from crux to crux. Once one person was done they went to the back of the line only for the cycle to repeat again numerous times.
The most important thing was to stay out of the gut of the chute when we climbed. Sticking to the climbers right there was quite a bit less snow compared to the wind loaded left side.
There was a sigh of relief once we passed a small chute on the left as it had a huge headwall above it. From here on out we only had to fear the snow within the chute compared to an open face slabbing off.
Safety spot after safety spot we switched off bootpacking. Once the person in the lead found a good rock to rest below it was time for the next two to do the hard work while they could take a second to gather there strenght.
Around halfway up the Chute we started to see the faint outline of the top. It was already pretty steep but the top was steeper.
Looking down we had a full view of the lake below and where our car was parked. From what we could tell the snow seemed quite stable and we hadn’t seen any sluff to make us nervous.
Soon enough we were near the top and we could see a massive cornice above. After chatting for a while about what to do we decided to keep going and see if there was a route to go through.
Once 10 meters below it seemed there was a small ramp between the cornices. By now Samppa was in the lead and though not to happy about putting in the final steps he made his way through it and confirmed all was good.
A few minutes later Jukkis was climbing the final steps up to the col and our group was back together happy to be out of a stressful situation.
From our vantage point we could see the Tamokdalen valley in the distance as we transitioned. Our original plan was to first ride the East Chute then bootpack back up and descend the line we came up but the top of it was ice so we would just ride our original route.
Looking down we strapped in and cleared out the cornice a little bit seeing how the snow would react. After breaking off a few small pieces the snow didn’t move and we had a easier way to get into the line.
Jukkis dropped in first and with each turn the snow kicked up before he was down lower in a safe spot waiting for us.
After a quick chat who would go second Samppa was strapped in and dropping into the chute.
By the time it was my turn to drop in my camera had died and we decided to just focus on riding with a few quick safety spots along the way. What was good up high just became better and better snow by the time we hit the apron below. I had already had some amazing days but those turns were on the next level being steep and bottomless all the way back down to the car. Once back at the trailhead I charged my phone for a quick second and took a final shot of our line.
The West Chute of Rostakulen is a stunning line to get in the right conditions. From winter to early spring it is perfect fall line from top to bottom. While it could be done in corn snow you would have to do it early in the spring season as it would get a trench in the middle of it from the constant snow moving. With easy access and stunning scenery it is definitely worth doing again.
Thanks For Reading this and here is a link if you want to check out more
Ski Tours in the Tamokdalen area
Options for Other Ski Tours Tours Abroad
Snowboarding in the Cascade Mountains
Exploring the Khibney Mountains of Russia
Lyngen and Lofoten in Northern Norway
Huge Thanks to Jarkko, Christel and Aadne for having me help take care of the Tamokhuset.
Thanks For Reading this and here is a link if you want to check out the area
Ski Tours in the Tamokdalen area
Options for Other Ski Tours Tours Abroad
Snowboarding in the Cascade Mountains
Exploring the Khibney Mountains of Russia
Lyngen and Lofoten in Northern Norway
Huge Thanks to Jarkko, Christel and Aadne for having me help take care of the Tamokhuset.