Looking for cold climbing experiences north of the arctic circle?

Henrikafossen, Spansdalen, Møysalen,or the famous 700 metre long Skredbekken are among the highlights luring climbers from all over the world to the magic countryside north of the arctic circle. This is the definitive guide for those who live and breathe for climbing with axe, crampons and screws, covering a large part of northern Norway. The book comes from the author of the recently published "Ski touring around Harstad" (only available in norwegian, here) Christian Dramsdahl, who has been climbing ice and skiing steep lines in the region for decades.

Ice climbing in Harstad and the adjoining regions is something completely different from what you could be used to at more crowded places. Most ice lines have little or no signs of being climbed before you - you're usually not putting your axe in any pre-set "chopping blocks", and you're usually not queuing up for the next line. The season for ice climbing is long, though we recommend getting a proper headlamp to get a good overview over what you're doing. Alternatively, the "bright season" starts in february and lasts till april. Arctic ice climbing is a new frontier with world-class lines waiting to be discovered.

Arctic ice climbing consists of 93 different routes, spanning 8 areas from Møysalen up to Bardu through Sweden and a lot more. It's written entirely in english over 227 pages.

The book covers the following areas:

• Bardu
• Lavangen/Salangen
• Riksgränsen / Abisko
• Gratangen
• Evenes/Skånland
• Harstad
• Tjeldsund
• Møysalen national park

The book is written to comply with the genre-defining standards set by Fri Flyt publishing. The book has lots of useful information for those who wish to explore a new, uncharted area, or to branch out from places which are familiar to you. The book includes richly detailed maps and pointers about parking and approaches. All routes are graded by WI (and M where applicable) and range from WI2 to WI6. It is intended for experienced and dedicated climbers but has a rich selection of easier or introductory routes, for those who want to evolve their game.

Northern Norway is a wonder of nature which will leave big impressions on anyone visiting with skis or climbing gear. Every route is marked and graded and presented with alternative routes or descents where applicable. In addition, the book includes a chapter on safer ice climbing and advice on safer belaying, safe use of gear and mountain travel. There is also a seperate section on natural risks and avalanche safety.