Norwegian Mountains, Møre og Romsdal

Snøhornet, 1024m
Litlehornet, 965m

Fylke/Kommune : Møre og Romsdal/Volda     
Maps : 1119-II Volda (Statens Kartverk, Norge 1:50 000)
Primary factor : Snøhornet: 411m
Litlehornet: 127m
Hiked : Feb 2009
See also :
Helgehornet Lidaveten
Kornbergveten Rotsethornet
Matøskja Eidskyrkja
Storefjelltinden Trollkoppehornet
Skoratinden Velsvikskåla
Koppefjellet Korsfurnakken
See also : Other Volda  mountains

Snøhornet

Snøhornet
(Click for larger image)

Introduction

Snøhornet is one of the dominating tops on the mountain massif between Voldsfjorden/ Dalsfjorden and Syvdsfjorden, and should not be confused with the other Snøhornet (1309m) in Volda, located on the east side of Voldsfjorden.

This particular Snøhornet is easiest reached on its west ridge, from Lauvstad, via Ulvestaddalen. With just a little bit of extra effort, you can also visit Kjerringa (930m) and/or Litlehornet (965m). Kjerringa will be featured once visited. Snøhornet can also be ascended on its northeast ridge (a path can be seen on maps) or even via the col between Snøhornet and Bekarshornet. A traverse across the mountain is recommended.

 

Litlehornet

Litlehornet
(Click for larger image)

The route via Ulvestaddalen is non-technical, but getting from the Kjerringa - Snøhornet pass and up to the Snøhornet - Litlehornet plateau is a bit steep. Under icy conditions, you might need an ice-axe/crampons for the final 30-40 meters up to the plateau. There is no particular exposure, but why risk a long slide?

Snøhornet is barely higher than its northern neighbour Skåla and a bit lower than its southern neighbours Vardehornet and Høgenipa. These tops block some of the views, but the rest of the views are outstanding. Especially towards the Sunnmørsalpene mountain range.

Snøhornet seen from Litlehornet

Snøhornet seen from Litlehornet
(Click for larger image)

 

Primary factor:

Snøhornet (Norge 1:50,000: 1025m, Økonomisk Kartverk: 1024m, UTM 32 V 336866 6893274) has a primary factor of 411m towards the higher parent Vardehornet (1107m). The defining saddle (approx. UTM 32 V 333581 6891206) is found southwest of Lake Vikevatnet (Storåvatnet on ØK). Ref. Økonomisk Kartverk (5m contours), the saddle is with the range 610-615m, interpolated to 613m.

GPS measurement read 1020m (on ground, on snow), averaged over a 10-minute period (error margin +/- 2,6m). This is surprisingly low, compared to the map height.

Litlehornet (Norge 1:50,000: 966m, Økonomisk Kartverk: 965m, UTM 32 V 335291 6892987) has a primary factor of 127m towards the higher parent Snøhornet (1024m). The defining saddle (approx. UTM 32 V 336025 6893088) is found between these two tops, and is, ref. Økonomisk Kartverk (5m contours), defined as a fixed point - 837,5m ~ 838m.

GPS measurement read 966m (on the ground), averaged over a 2-minute period (error margin not recorded). Note that the (unmarked) high point is found approx. 100m northeast of the summit cairn.

 

Google map

Google's interactive map. You can zoom, pan and click on the markers.
 

 

Google maps
Google maps
(Click on image)

 

Trail descriptions

Route 1: Lauvstad - Snøhornet - Litlehornet (winter)

Difficulty : YDS Class 2+ (on good snow)
Exposure : Some, ascending the Snøhornet - Litlehornet plateau
Distance : Approx. 13,8km (total) (2D distance)
Time : Approx. 5,5 hours round trip
Starting Elev.: Approx. 120m
Vertical Gain : Approx. 1050m (total)
Map of the area
Map of the area
(No Javascript)
Detailed map
Detailed map
(No Javascript)

 

Access

(all distances are approx. distances)

The nearest bigger city is Ålesund. From Ålesund, follow highway E39 towards Bergen/Volda to the ferry at Solavågen. Take the Solavågen - Festøya ferry, turn right at Festøy and follow highway E39 towards Ørsta (38,3Km). At the highway RV655/E39 junction in Ørsta, follow E39 (Volda) for 9Km until you have the ferry harbor in Volda on your right-hand side. Turn right here and enter the Lauvstad lane. There are two ferry departures from here. The other ferry runs between Volda and Folkestad.

On the Lauvstad side, drive 200m and turn right in direction of Syvde. Follow the Syvde road 600m, then turn left onto a road (not signposted) just before a bridge. Drive uphill 500m up to a junction and turn right. Drive 350m to yet another junction and turn right again.  Drive 500m to the beginning of the toll road, turn left and find parking immediately on the left-hand side. The road is most likely plowed, as people live up here. In summer, you can drive nearly all the way to Ulvestadsætra.

The route

The route

The route
(Click for larger image)

Follow the road towards Ulvestadsætra. If you continue from this side of the valley, you'll have to cross a number of morraines before you get the proper ascent of the mountain. Consider crossing over to the other side of the valley and follow easier terrain upwards.

Head up towards the Snøhornet - Kjerringa pass. This ascent is less steep than it looks from distance. Once in the pass, locate the easiest route up to the Snøhornet - Litlehornet plateau. The upper part is a bit steep, but there is no real exposure. Worst case is that you slide back down.

Ascend Snøhornet on the route of your choice. Be aware of cornices facing north. The cairn may be buried under the snow, but unless there is fog, the high point should be obvious.

Litlehornet is a straightforward ascent. You pass the high point 100m before arriving at the summit cairn. There are more cairns down the west ridge. Kjerringa is also a straightforward ascent, if you have energy left..

The steep part of the route

The steep part of the route
(Click for larger image)


Pictures and Trip reports:


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