Rjukan is a mecca for European ice climbing and is famous for easily accessible single and multi-pitch ice routes. The team of 5 found the ice in slightly lean condition with deep snow hindering the walk-ins (conditions which would still be considered near perfect in the UK!) but the trip was in general a great success.
All in all over 20 routes were climbed, single and multi-pitch, from roadside to 2 hour walk ins, and with grades ranging from WI 2 to WI 5 (WI stands for Water Ice, and is approximately 1 grade harder than our ‘Scottish’ equivalent).
The team had a fantastic time and look forward to more of the same next year!
By Joe Fraser