Lofoten Ski Trip - Day 4
Store Kvittind 2297 ft.
Route: Circumnavigation with runs on south, west, east, and north flanks
Distance: 5.6 miles
Vertical: 3,420 feet
Date: Mar 25, 2026
Time: 6 hours 4 minutes
Partners: ALex Platt, Chris Haaland, Quinn Macleod, Matt Kelley, Andy Jensen,
Evan Miller
The weather forecast called for scattered rain and show showers in the morning
with partial clearing in the afternoon. We decided to gamble with a morning
start in hopes of being in the zone once it cleared off. The forecast was reasonably
accurate with light rain on the low apporach and then show showers higher on the
mountain until early afternoon. Fairly decent conditions actually, with the only
hardship being flat light on the first two descents. The snow was much, much better
than yesterday and we made a total of four laps.
Manditory bog/birch forest section.
We booted the thin lower section since it seemed easier and faster than skinning.
Some breaks in the overcast as we climbed higher.
Our first objective, the South Col, ahead and to the left.
A snow shower kicked in as we approached the col.
The snow was much softer than yesterday with only an occasional icy patch. The light was quite flat, however, which made the descent somewhat challenging.
Apparently I did not take any pictures on the next three segments where we skinned up to the south west ridge, descended the west slopes and skinned back to the ridge. This picture was take by our guide, Evan, as we neared the ridge the first time.
The snow showers continued and the visibility was even more difficult on the second descent. The slope angle was low and the snow was nice, however, so not really a problem. We re-gained the ridge just 100 meters from the summit. The skies began to clear as we approached the ridge and, luckily, we were treated to incredible views. Here are a sequence of photos taken from the ridge and true summit.
We skied the west slopes with good visibility and enjoyed soft early stage corn snow.
Our group ready for the final climb.
The skies continued to clear and we had fabulous views as we skinned up to the low spot on the north ridge. Then next several photos were taken on the climb.
Our exit point for the final descent on the north slopes.
We squeezed in as many turns as we could.
A short walk back to the cars.