We figured that it made sense to start our Norway trip by spending a few days climbing with a guide so that we can learn more about the place and the conditions and get a good overview. This was our first of three days with David.
The goal for the day is the Romsdalhorn via the North face. We meet D and drive up into the Venjesdalen (aside: the camera-based automated toll system is nice) and park near the end, under the ridge which leads to to the Romsdhalhorn. The weather is beautiful as we hike up to the ridge and then follow it to the base of the route. On with the gear and then we start the climbing. It's easy climbing (we're wearing the big boots) on mostly good rock and we head up reasonably efficiently. After a few pitches, D lets us each lead an easy pitch so that we can practice. G is too nervous about building an anchor to benefit from this, but A takes full advantage, observed by D. There's only one other group underway: another guide and guest pretty far ahead of us who abseil past when we're about 2/3 of the way up. We're to the broad top all too quickly and have a nice break to enjoy the views, check out the shelter up there, eat something, and take a bunch of pictures. Then it's time to abseil down. There are nice bolted anchors for this and it also all goes quickly. At the base of the route we say bye to D, who's meeting another guide to change some of the abseil anchors, and then head directly down the valley wall and back to the car.
Nice short climb on a very prominent peak in great weather and a good intro to David and what climbing in the area is like.
Technical/efficiency note: when abseiling, D had us both get set up with the rope through our guide plates before he abseiled down. Once he was below we then followed without needing a prusik since he could always stop us by pulling the rope taut. This would be a good one to remember when climbing with people with less experience.
Stats: 6:41, 6.5km, 990m up and down
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