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Breitinden (Wide or Broad peak) is located on the west side of Romsdalen valley, and is a close neighbour to the famous Trolltindane peaks and the Trollveggen wall. Breitinden is the highest mountain in the northwest part of Romsdalen, more precisely the highest mountain east of the Trollstigen road, west of Romsdalen valley, south of Åndalsnes and north of the Langfjelldalen - Vermedalen valleys. The closest higher mountain on this side of Romsdalen is Hånådalstinden (1806m).
The views are phenomenal. Only Store Trolltind, Store Vengetind and Finnan can match the Breitinden views in this region. Perhaps equally phenomenal is the view down to Romsdalen valley, the Rauma river and the side view to the Trollveggen wall. Finnan blocks for a number of mountains beyond, but it is truly no big loss. Finnan is a very impressive mountain.
Breitinden is one of the popular skiing tops in this region. You can reach the top from Trollstigen via Stigbotnen and from Alnesreset via Alnesdalen. Both routes have at least one steep section (just steep, not narrow), so Breitinden is not recommended as your first ski trip. This page will describe the normal skiing route via Stigbotnen, and the trip report will also describe a visit to Søndre Trolltind and a spur southwest of Breitinden.
The Trollstigen road is only open open from late spring to late autumn. This area is especially popular when the road opens, and between the Trollstigen and Alnesreset you will find a solid mix of tourists and summer skiers heading for Finnan, Alnestinden, Breitinden, Storgrovfjellet, and more.
Breitinden (Norge 1:50,000: 1797m, Økonomisk Kartverk: 1797,03m, UTM 32 V 435625 6926275) has a primary factor of 879m towards the higher parent Hånådalstinden (1806m). The defining saddle (approx. UTM 32 V 437666 6916559) is found by Lake Langvatnet, 10,5Km S-SE of Breitinden. Ref. the Norge 1:50,000 map (20m contours), the lake (916m) drains two ways. This isn't necessarily correct. In fact, it is quite rare. Økonmisk Kartverk indicates that one can walk on land between the main lake and a smaller lake on the west side. The saddle has therefore been set to 918m (above the lake height, with some margin).
This puts Breitinden in 24th place on the Møre and Romsdal primary factor list.
Google's interactive map. You can zoom, pan and click on the markers.
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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Trollstigen - Breitinden (spring)
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Access
Note: The Trollstigen road is open between late spring and late autumn. Check this link for road info.
From Ålesund, you can drive to Trollstigen via E136 to Åndalsnes, then southbound to the RV63 Trollstigen junction and then up the Isterdalen valley.
Or; follow E39 to Sjøholt (29Km from Breivika), turn right towards "Stordal/Geiranger" and continue along Norddalsfjorden on RV63 to the place Sylte (45Km). Turn north and follow RV63 to the top of Valldalen (Alnesreset) and then down to the parking above the Trollstigen switchbacks (34,5Km).
The route
Follow a path leading towards the river(s) from Lake Stigbottvatnet. This path runs higher than the path leading to the tourist viewpoint. Pick a line with consecutive snow up along the river. If the hill becomes too steep for you, seek towards the river.
Once in Stigbotnen, maintain a northeast course, and aim just left Breitinden's west ridge. Pass the ridge so you have a clear view towards the northwest flank. Either follow a diagonal line up to small plateau half-way up the flank, or, if you find this route too steep, proceed northeast in the direction of Søndre Trolltind, and ascend up to the Søndre Trolltind - Breitinden ridge.
Either way, you have one steep hill left, from 1560 to 1680m. On hard snow, crampons and ice-axe are needed on this flank. From 1680m, it is gentle terrain up to the summit, which is not marked by a summit cairn. Any loose rock poses a danger to potential climbers in the wall below, so mind your steps.
Descend your ascent route. Extra bonus is to visit the fun SW spur (approx. 1718m). Some easy (yet exposed) scrambling is needed in order to descend to its saddle. The route up is straightforward.
Skiers who enjoy couloirs have several to choose from. At least 4 good couloirs lead down to Stigbotnen.
westcoastpeaks.com
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