Travel

Hey guys,

 I'm hoping to get some advice on a trip I'm planning. I'm hoping to do this walk in Jotunheimen http://www.turistforeningen.no/english/trip.php?tp_id=4372&fo_id=3987 . It involves travelling from hut to hut i.e. Juvashytta --> Spiterstulen --> Glitterheim --> Memurubu --> Gjendesheim.

 I'm hoping to head over sometime in early July. 

Does anyone know what the weather will be like then? Will it be warm or sunny or cold and rainy etc.

Also, does anyone know where I can get some maps? I can't seem to find them in the UK and waiting to get them when I am there might be a bit risky.

 Thanks a lot for your help.

 jo

"Does anyone know what the weather will be like then? Will it be warm or sunny or cold and rainy etc."

Yes!! I'm afraid the short answer is that it could be any of the above. All you can do,clothing-wise is hope for the best and plan for the worst. The same sort of kit that you'd use Spring or Autumn in Scotland should see you through here.

Are you planning on taking in the high summits? If so, you'll need snow and ice gear too. Since the walk description talks about arranging guiding, I'm not sure if you can hire the kit over there from a guide.

Stanfords should have the maps and their website is quite good for finding the right ones. The Map Shop at Upton upon Severn is also a good place to get them - possibly a bit cheaper and i've always had excellent speedy service from them. Their website isn't so sophisiticated though, so I tend to check what I want and then order by phone - they're always very helpful.

Hello Jo.

First the weather in western part of Norway is unpredictable, you could get sunny warm conditions, or snow and rainshower with strong winds. Lucky for you we have one of the best sites for met info in Senorge.no  Just press the english flag and play with the buttons at left. Zoom into the map for more detil. Here is a wiew of snow last year on 11/7, but this was a bit more snow than usual. Conditions from now on determines the melting.

As for maps the cheapest site I know of is in Sweden. http://butiken.metria.se/kartbutiken/product_info.php?cPath=191_193_103_183&products_id=41246 Go for Jotunheimen Aust and Jotunheimen Vest. They are in 1: 50000 scale and gives good detail.

Pesonally I would have walked at the end of july, especially if I wanted to go on some summits. As for walking in beginning of july I would not bring my skis, but remember gaiters to prevent snow in the boots. Also warm mittens and cap. Temp could be around 0C and warm clothes are essential.

Are you doing this trip on your own (with friends) or as part of an organised DNT tour?

If on your own, are you aware that the route from Juvasshytta to Galdhøpiggen is over a crevassed glacier where you will need full glacier equipment - rope, belay gear, ice axes, crampons. Instead of lugging this all the way yourselves, you could hire a guide at Juvasshytta who would supply the necessary equipment - for a price. Bst to book in advance and get prices quoted.

Spiterstulen is a luxury hotel, not a DNT hut, although there is (very basic) accommodation round the back. No cooking facilities there or in any of the other huts you mention. You will need to eat their restaurant food, or cook your own well away from the huts.

Thanks for all your advice.

I'm organising the trip on my own with my other half. We're getting a guide who will help us all the way up to Galdhøpiggen and I understand they will provide some equipment as well. i.e. crampons etc. 

It's good to know that I don't need any skis and crampons for the higher peaks in summer. One of the main reason I'm hoping to get the maps early is to plan alternative routes just in case things turn pear-shaped. 

Guys, once again thank you very much for all your advice. I really appreciate it.

Jo

Don't carry too much. As you will be staying in huts, you don't need a sleeping bag, for instance, but you do need a liner bag. A silk one weighing a few grams is perfectly adequate.

You need ordinary hill clothing able to cope with both cold, wet and windy and hot and sunny conditions, a change of clothes for the evening, and maybe an extra pair of socks and underpants, but that's about it. All the huts have drying rooms. You get fed in the huts and can pack a lunch there, too, and the water in all the streams is the cleanest in Europe, so I wouldn't bother carrying water.

Have a great trip.

That's very helpful to know.

 I was told that we need at least a one season sleeping bag. As I understand, they will only provide a mattress and you'll need a sleeping bag as there won't be any duvet etc. I'm afraid it might get a bit cold with just a sleeping liner.