Ulvanosa
  • Ulvanosa
  • 1246 m.
  • Primary factor 918 m
  • Location: N59.52.536, E005.56.090 (GPS on the summit)
  • Highest west of Uskedalen
  • Climbed December 28 2002.

Information:

How to get there: The mountain is south of Rosendal with best access from the valley Uskedalen. One should drive to Gjermundshavn where a ferry crosses to Årsnes (previously Løfallstrand) in Kvinnherad. The drive from Bergen to Gjermundshavn is approximately 1.5 hours. Once in Årsnes, drive south (right) through the small village of Rosendal, continue along the fjord to Dimmelsvik and further (still along the fjord) to Uskedalen. Make a left onto a paved, single lane road going up Uskedalen to Musland. After about 2.5 km you pass the farm Haugland on your left, find the first road that exits right after this farm. This road is closed by a gate just as it crosses the river, park off the road near this point, there is space for 2-3 cars right at this spot. If you locate the forest road that exits left you have gone too far. The elevation at this point is 80 meter.
Route description: Cross the river (as well as the gate) on the small road. First, this road parallels the river south, but soon thereafter it makes a bend to the right and climbs gently towards the lower part of the distinct ridge that comes down from Geitadalstind. The road ends near the creek that runs down Bergsdalen, the valley between Ulvanosa and Englafjell (1200m). You are now at 120 meter above sea level, only 1126 more vertical meters. There is a sign for Ulvanosa and a clear trail that heads up along the lower part of the ridge. The trail is well marked and first climbs to Veslanosa, 540 meter. Higher up the trail is marked with red "T"s, there is a sign indicating a direct trail to Ulvanosa as well as an alternate trail to Geitadalstind.
Since our hike involved both summits, a round trip hike will be described. Also note, that our climb took place on December 28th., winter conditions may change from year to year and can also be substantially different from a summer climb.
Aim for a point where the the north-west ridge from Geitadalstind eases into the final summit ridge. Hike straight up here (in winter on crampons or on skis depending on the conditions). Follow the fairly distinct and in places quite narrow summit ridge to the top. This last scramble along the top ridge is (YDS) class 2+.
From this very nice summit (1210m), continue south in order to also visit the slightly lower south summit. Continuation along the very top ridge to the summit of Ulvanosa is likely to require a rappel down the upper, steep section. One can avoid this by descending to the west and then traverse back to the ridge or simply contour around (left) and across to the more gentle slope of Ulvanosa. Continue up to the nice, quite large summit area of Ulvanosa.
The return hike can follow the same route except that one should contour around Geitadalstind on the left (west) side. The rocks here can be unpleasant, however in winter conditions they are likely to be quite stable.
Comments: I did this hike with Arnt Flatmo and my son Pål Jørgen, age 13. The complete hike took 7.5 hours, starting at the very first daylight at 0830 and ending as dusk arrived at 1600. We first climbed Geitadalstind, 1210 meter, traversed it across the slightly lower south summit, avoided the steep upper part of the continued ridge to Ulvanosa by descending a bit west, then contoured along to gain the Ulvanosa summit shortly after 1300. Appearently, this is the third most prominent mountain in Hordaland as measured by its primary factor (the first two being Folgefonna and Hjortahorgi). The climber's register at the summit of Ulvanosa revealed that the previous ascent was in early October. Ours is likely to be the last climb in 2002.
Note that avalanche conditions may occur when the snow depth is more substantial, use your own judgement. Also, note that the entire east side of the two mountains is very steep and that (overhanging) cornices are common in the winter. Stay well away from the edge unless the snow is verified to be safe and stable.

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