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  David Barlow on the Central Line on the Rysefossen (WI5) near Bygland UKC Articles, Feb 2013 © Paul Seabrook
And so it was that I found myself boarding a Ryanair flight to Oslo – hardly, I hear you say, the most adventurous of destinations. But unlike the hoards, we were not bound for the ice-climbing mecca of Rjukan to swing axes into other peoples' placements. Instead, our journey would take us into the heart of rural Norway, to the valley of Setesdal some four hours west of the capital: a place the ice-climbers had missed. I only had a five-day window, so was limited to somewhere I could easily get to in a day. Given the short notice, flights and accommodation needed to be readily available as well. Reliable, accessible, unclimbed ice in Norway won out over another drizzly trip to Scotland. Getting to Setesdal couldn't be easier (the Norwegians are ruthlessly efficient people), and with barely any planning at all we arrived at the Bykle Hotel at the northern end of the valley – a comfortable base for three days of 'roadside' ice climbing. Having heard stories of extortionate prices in Norway, we came prepared – armed with two bottles of vodka, Geoff's notes to the area, and plenty of enthusiasm to make up for not much in the way of experience. Sunrise, and a first glimpse of the ice, was eagerly anticipated.  The superb wall of Straumfjellet above the settlement of Rysstad in the central valley UKC Articles, Feb 2013 © David Barlow The recce, therefore, didn't last long, and we soon found ourselves racking up in a snow-buried car park beneath the very straightforward, but attractive-looking Janus Falls. The only recorded ascent had taken the right-hand branch. Inevitably, we headed left, racing up pitch after pitch of delightful easy ice, revelling in perfect conditions, solid protection, and a superb feeling of wilderness despite the fact that there'd been no walk-in. This, I thought, really was ice climbing for lazy people. We even stumbled back into the car park well before sunset. This route, it seemed, was typical of so many low- to mid-grade classic icefalls that make Setesdal a genuine paradise for ice climbers seeking reliable, high-quality, low commitment, classic water-ice routes. Of course there's also plenty of single-pitch routes and top-roping, but a better place to learn the techniques of multi-pitch ice I could barely imagine. Janus Falls (WI2), Kvennbecken (WI3), Heissfossen (WI2)... the list goes on – big, full-day adventures, distilling ice-climbing down to its purest form. On any one of these routes you're almost guaranteed to have the whole icefall to yourself (probably for several months if you wanted it!) and the added sense of adventure which that provides is tangible. At least one semi-epic descent down a forested mountainside under the cover of darkness is almost guaranteed. Setesdal, of course, is not just about easy climbing, and after a day enjoying Bykle's brilliant roadside ice-cragging, we drove south once more into the central valley, where some of southern Norway's best icefalls rank up there as world-class ice climbs. Our journey took us to the little village of Helle, which unlike the rest of the valley had curiously not frozen over. High above, on the towering and overhanging rock walls, was the valley's 'line of lines' – the staggering Code Red (WI6+) on Hellesfjellet, first climbed by Jim Hall and Paul Ramsden back in 2001. 300m of grade 6 ice that was just about the most irresistible-looking climb that I'd seen. Perhaps another day... On the far side of the lake were yet more incredible-looking lines, including the classic grade 4 Great Gully – at 500m in length, with an approach by pedalo and descent down the back side of the mountain, you can't help sniffing benightment in the air. Likewise Tsunami (WI5) and Captain Pugwash (WI6) stand out as the kind of routes that tempt and inspire, then live long in the memory. ADVERTISEMENT:
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 The backcountry approach to Sons of Norway (WI5) above Valle UKC Articles, Feb 2013 © Nils Rune Birkeland
Much like at Rjukan, the ice here is famously reliable (I once recall a 40 degree temperature difference between the inside of the car and the frozen car-park outside). A substantial height gain between the southern and northern ends of the valley also ensures that the season is fairly long, and that climbable ice can be found somewhere as early as December, continuing right through as late as April. But even apart from the world-class ice climbs, the lack of other climbers, and the stunning rural scenery, Setesdal has, in my opinion, one other advantage over nearby Rjukan, in the form of Hovden ski centre; one of Norway's biggest alpine and cross-country resorts. As well as providing an ideal (and surprisingly reasonably priced) rest-day activity, the potential for off-piste, back-country skiing is nothing short of immense. So, if you're looking for somewhere a little bit different for a winter climbing trip this year, then spare a thought for Setesdal, for this is somewhere that combines ease of access, accommodation options to suit all budgets, and world-class climbing with a brilliant hint of adventure. Geoff Hornby's original notes have now been published in a brand-new guidebook that describes some 150 ice climbs between WI2 and WI6+, as well as detailed access information and background advice, giving you everything you need to plan a superb quick fix of winter ice. Photo Gallery - Ice climbing in Setesdal:
Setesdal Fact File:Where? Located along the length of highway 9, running north from Kristiansand, some 4 hours drive west of Oslo. Getting There? Ryanair operate frequent low-cost services from the UK to Oslo Sandefjord Torp airport. From there it is necessary to hire a car, which can be pre-booked through all major international rental agencies. Accommodation? Numerous options including hotels, apartments, and 'huttes'. The Solvgarden hotel is popular and also provides self-catering accommodation. In the northern valley, Bykle Hotel provides some excellent apartments. When to Go? The ice climbing season runs from late December through to mid April, with February and March giving the most reliable conditions throughout the whole valley. Guidebooks? "Setesdal – Ice Climbing in Norway's Setesdal and Aseral Regions" by Geoff Hornby is the definitive guide (published 2012). Available from www.oxfordalpineclub.co.uk
More Info? Up to date travel information, condition reports and accommodation links can be found online at www.climb-setesdal.com
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