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Grytvasstinden is a pointy peak on the Stordal and Ørskog kommune border. According to the map, the kommune border runs 100m west of the summit, leaving the high point in Stordal kommune. Maybe this is intentional, but then again, maybe it isn't. Grytavasstinden's neighbours - Lauparen and Storbotnshornet are both located ON the kommune border.
This route describes a route from Grytalisætra, via Trongbotnen, along Grytavasstinden's west side and up the southwest ridge. Still, this route (approx. 7Km) is approx. 1Km shorter than if you walk from Stordalen, via Jasvollsætra and Botnastølen. The northwest ridge is sharp and requires AT BEST exposed scrambling. The southeast ridge looks fairly gentle above 1100m elevation, but getting ONTO this ridge looks like a steep, but quite doable, ascent.
The southwest ridge, described on this page, is the normal ascent route, and it is surprisingly easy. Although the summit ridge is a bit airy, it should still be wide enough for comfort. Hands are typically used for balance, and nothing more. The southwest ridge route is also marked by red paint. I don't know where the route painted in red begins. Either it is the route up Tverrbotnen (if you walk via Botnastølen), a "clever" route via Grytavatnet, or perhaps it is only the ridge route that is marked.
Grytavasstinden has a TALL summit cairn, which perhaps would suggest that this is a frequently visited summit. This is however not the case. Even though the route to Grytavasstinden is no harder than the route to Lauparen, Lauparen gets the vast majority of visitors. In terms of views, Lauparen being 106m higher, this is understandable. But if you get the opportunity - a visit to Grytavasstinden is highly recommended.
Grytavasstinden (Norge 1:50,000: 1328m, Økonomisk Kartverk: -, UTM 32 V 403013 6924000) has a primary factor of 258m towards the higher parent mountain Storbotnshornet (1370m) The defining saddle (UTM 32 V 402654 6923401) is found west on Tverrbotnegga. Ref. the 1:50,000 map (20m contours), the saddle is within the range 1060-1080m, interpolated to 1070m.
Notes:
Personal GPS measurement read 1330m (on the ground) as average height over 15 minutes.
Notes: Class ratings are in reference to YDS. Click here for more information.
The trails described below are not necessarily the *easiest* trails to this mountain.
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Grytalisætra - Grytavasstinden (summer/autumn)
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Access
From Ålesund, follow highway E136->E39 towards Åndalsnes. From the E136/E39/Olsvika roundabout near Breivka, follow E39 approx. 28,1Km to the "Geiranger/Stordal" junction in Sjøholt. Turn right onto highway 650 (Geiranger/Stordal) and follow this road 7,3Km. Turn left towards "Vaksvikfjellet" and drive 5,4Km up the road. Turn right onto a gravel road towards Grytalisætra (signed). Follow this road to its end, 1,4Km ahead. This is a toll road. Pay fee (NOK 20,- for passenger cars per July 2006) at a self-serviced toll booth just after you leave the Vaksvikfjellet road.
The route
From Grytalisætra, follow a trail (signed "Lauparen") eastbound into Trongbotnen. Pass Lake Grytavatnet and continue on a quite visible path up to the Grytavasstinden - Lauparen saddle. Turn south and find the best route up the ridge. You don't have to pass via point 1217m, but this is recommended, as you get better understanding as to why you have to walk *around* the mountain.
From point 1217m, descend to the southeast and follow the 1120-1140m contours along Grytavasstinden's west side. A number of ridges and gullies come steep down the mountainside. You'll save time if you stay below them.
Once you see the unnamed lake at approx. 1150m, turn left (north) and ascend Grytavasstinden's southwest ridge. This route is marked by red paint. After 100 vertical mets, the route turns northeast and you'll top out in a col (distinct gap on ridge) between the summit and a pointy satellite peak (up to your left). From the col, the summit is just minutes away. The summit ridge is a bit airy, but you're not *directly* exposed to a fall.
Descend your ascent route, but consider visiting the cool pointy top west of the col. The ascent is *much* easier (YDS 2+) than you may think at first glance. When you pass via or near point 1217m, make sure you get on the correct ridge towards Trongbotnen.
This trip becomes significantly harder in fog...
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