However, there was far less ice and snow there than during the same period in March 2010. Last winter was extremely poor by Rjukan standards and AFAIK there was virtually no climbable ice by early-mid March.
March is end of season and it's more risky to go then and the later you go in March, the greater the risk. You could have really good conditions, especially on North facing areas or in the upper gorge, but there's a chance you might not - and the number of ice falls in condition may well be much reduced. Big, wet snow avalanches were already a feature of Rjukan centre while we were there in early March 2011 and higher temperatures can obviously make approaching and climbing routes more difficult or even dangerous.
Thanks for that Dave. The only time I can get free to go is the 12th - 22nd March. Hopefully it works out. Anyone else climbed at this time of year with success. Also, is the ski centre open at this time of year and have good snow?
I'd say second half of march would be a bit late for a trip generally. You'd be relying on the season lasting longer than average. I think you'd probably get more done just going to Ben Nevis.
Athletic climber01 Dec 2014
In reply to Drew52:
I was there the beginning of March this year and the conditions weren't good at all. Ozzimossis was full of big holes. krokan river was showing through lots. Also quite a few routes dropping at krokan.
I was also there for the very beginning of March this year, we climbed each day but conditions weren't great.
Low down the routes weren't in.
Things were melting quite a bit in the gorge.
Most routes at Krokan were intact but were kicked out and pretty much every move was hooking into existing placements.
> The only time I can get free to go is the 12th - 22nd March. Hopefully it works out.
Hopefully yes. If it'll turn out like March 2011 you'll be laughing!
> Also, is the ski centre open at this time of year and have good snow?
It should be open and hopefully should still have plenty of snow. The pistes are well maintained. Very busy at weekends though; quieter during the week. Beware of locals-in-a-hurry-to get-to-the-slopes doing Scandinavian flicks and deliberately drifting round the hairpins on the approach road. Very impressive if you ever see it from behind - and very exciting if you see it coming towards you!
Athletic climber03 Dec 2014
In reply to andy dunn:
Sounds like we must have been there just after you Andy. We couldn't climb 1 day as krokan area was falling to bits. You had to be really careful not to fall through the river. Heading out end of jan in 2015. Hopefully conditions are better
