Alpine climbing in Romsdalen – what you need to bring with you

Written by Alexander Nordvall

Picture of Skagastølsryggen in Hurrungane

What equipment do you need to take on trips like this?

What you need for a safe and effective day in the mountains

Romsdalen offers some of Norway's most iconic alpine climbing – from Romsdalshorn to Vengetind and the many airy ridges around the valley. To have a safe and enjoyable experience, the right equipment is essential. Here you will find a complete and up-to-date equipment list for basic alpine climbing in Romsdalen and the Alps , based on what we as IFMGA guides recommend to our guests.
You can download the list here!

Technical equipment

This is the core of a safe alpine day. The equipment below is taken directly from our standard list for alpine tours in Romsdalen.

  • Mountaineering boots for alpine climbing (e.g. Scarpa Ribelle / La Sportiva Trango)

  • Climbing shoes (only necessary on more technical climbing routes)

  • Backpack 25–35 L

  • Climbing harness (can be borrowed)

  • Climbing helmet (can be borrowed)

  • 1 pc. 120 cm sling + 2 screw carabiners (can be borrowed)

  • Ice axe (not aluminum head, max 60 cm)

  • Crampons that fit your hiking boots (not aluminum)

Tip: Many routes in Romsdalen (and elsewhere!) require crampons that fit well on stiff mountain boots. Check compatibility (hybrid, semi-auto, fully auto) before the trip.

Clothing

The weather in Romsdalen or elsewhere in the mountains can change quickly. The layering principle is key.

  • Gore-Tex® shell jacket or equivalent, with hood

  • Lightweight shell pants

  • Softshell or windbreaker (not mandatory)

  • Softshell pants for mountain use

  • 1 set of wool underwear/wool sweater

  • Woolen tights (recommended above 3000 m. or on cold days)

  • Thin wool socks

  • Midlayer (down/fleece)

  • 1 pair of medium thickness gloves

  • 1 pair of thinner "climbing gloves"

  • Beanie/hat/cap

  • Thin hat that fits under a helmet

  • Lightweight insulating jacket (packable but warm)

Other equipment

  • Sunscreen minimum SPF 30

  • Sunglasses (category 3 or higher)

  • Water bottle 1–2 L

  • Personal medications (patches, etc.)

  • Camera and other electronics

  • Light, energy-rich snack/lunch

  • Hiking poles

  • Headlamp with spare batteries

At the cabins

For those of you going on a multi-day trip in the mountains:

  • Sheet bag

  • Earplugs

  • Toiletries

  • Cash/card (and membership card if you have one)

  • Charging cables for phone/camera

The right equipment makes alpine climbing in Romsdalen both safer and more comfortable. Whether you are going up Romsdalshorn , crossing glaciers, or climbing one of the classic alpine ridges, this is the list we recommend all our guests follow. As a local IFMGA guide in Romsdalen, I am happy to help you find the right equipment, customize the trip, and ensure a safe and educational day in the mountains.

Alexander Nordvall
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Climbing with a guide in Romsdalen