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Veirahaldet is one of the most popular skiing mountains in Ørsta kommune. Not only is it a very easy mountain to ascend on skis, the south side has a slalom slope and can be a busy place on fine winter's days. The mountain massif has two summits. Blåtinden - the other top - is the highest and cannot be easily reached from the top of Veirahaldet.
"Veir" is local dialect for weather. "Hald" means to hold. The book "Sunnmøre" (Kristoffer Randers) explains that this mountain "holds off the weather". More precisely, "vedrhald/verhald" is a mass of clouds with trailing winds, where the clouds lower the wind-speed.
The most convenient route in summer, is to follow slalom slope up to the upper ski-lift and continue across boulder on the ridge to the summit. This is a very fine viewpoint, with clear view towards many of the more distinct Ørsta mountains. The summit is marked by a moderate-sized cairn.
Veirahaldet (Norge 1:50,000: 1206m, Økonomisk Kartverk: -, UTM 32 V 359371 6897291) has a primary factor of 176m towards the higher parent mountain Blåtinden (1217m). The defining saddle Kolbeinsskaret (approx. UTM 32 V 359652 6897095) is found between the two tops. Ref. Norge 1:50,000 (20m contours), the saddle is within the range 1020-1040m, interpolated to 1030m.
My GPS measured 1206m as average elevation over 5 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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Bondalseidet ski-centre - Veirahaldet (summer/autumn)
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Access
From Ålesund, follow highway E39 towards Bergen/Volda to the ferry at Solavågen. Take the ferry over to Festøya. Turn right in the direction of Volda. Follow highway E39 approx. 35,5Km to a junction in Ørsta. Turn left onto road RV655 (towards Sæbø). Drive approx. 13Km to Bondalseidet (do not turn left towards Follestaddalen along the way) and turn left towards "Skisenter". 500m up the road, you will find parking.
The route
The route to Veirahaldet is very easy. Hike up under the lower ski-lift (a vague path runs up the hill) to Eitrefjellet. Descend to - and pass Lake Storevatnet (either side is fine) and follow the upper ski-lift (Nottane) to its end at 860m elevation. Continue north/northeast up to the ridge and follow the ridge (across boulder) to the summit. Descend your ascent route.
Note that in spring, cornices and the mountain snow blend, and can be dangerous in fog. Make sure that you are ON the mountain on your way to the summit.
My colleague Bjørn Tore has two kids that really wanted to meet my dog "Troll". They had been looking at pictures of him on the net, and had become charmed by this little fellow. While the kids would play with the dog, I had a good opportunity to visit a local mountain. The choice fell on Veirahaldet - a short and easy walk from the ski-centre.
After dropping off Troll at Bjørn Tore's place, I headed up to the trailhead and was on my way 12:05PM. Fog covered everything above 900m, but as long as it didn't rain, I was happy. Heading straight up the slalom slope was convenient, and within the hour, I had gained 700 vertical meters. I ran into snow at 1000m elevation, and then it began to rain.
I reached the top of Veirahaldet 13:25PM, which means it took me 1h:20m, including stops for pictures. There was nothing to see because of fog, and I didn't stay long. If it hadn't been for the pouring rain, I would have considered visiting Blåtinden also. I left the top 13:30PM and the descent took me exactly 55 minutes (much thanks to some steep snowfields) including more pictures and a chat with a family on their way upwards.
Back at Bjørn Tore's place, I found (seemingly) happy kids and a tired dog. I was served a very nice dinner that tasted just excellent after the hike. I certainly hope I can drop Troll of at their place another time. Dinner or no dinner. It felt great to hike the mountain without the additional 8Kg's on my back.
To Veirahaldet
Descent
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