AT A GLANCE
Why go?
Stølsnosi is a 1,930-metre mountain peak on the north side of Morka-Koldedalen in Årdal municipality, Vestland county, Norway. Situated at the boundary between the Jotunheimen massif and the dramatic Hurrungane range, it offers sweeping views across glacier-carved terrain and pointed alpine summits.↗↗
The peak is most often reached as part of a day tour or ski traverse, approached either from the Tyin side via road 53 or from the Årdal side through the Utladalen valley. It sits along a ridge system that includes the sharper Stølsnostinden and the iconic Falketind, making it a rewarding objective in its own right or as a waypoint on a longer expedition.↗↗
Getting There
Stølsnosi can be reached from two directions. From the Tyin side, the starting point is along road 53 towards Øvre Årdal, approximately 500–700 metres past the turnoff towards Eidsbugarden, where lay-bys allow parking. The ski or summer route gains about 100 metres to the outflow of Lake Galdstjernet, crosses the frozen or open lake, and follows the least-steep line up the north-western ridge to the summit. From the Årdal side, the approach runs through Utladalen valley, past Vetti farm and Vettisfossen waterfall, then crosses the Morka-Koldedalselvi river before climbing the hillside toward the ridge.↗↗
The Climb and Views
From the Tyin side, Stølsnosi is described as a short and easy but snow-safe tour, suitable for both backcountry and mountain ski tour equipment. The reward is a panoramic view towards Jotunheimen in the north, with the pointed summit of Uranostinden prominently in sight. The north-western ridge provides a straightforward line of ascent.↗
The front (south) face of the mountain faces Morka-Koldedalen and is steeper, reserved for experienced off-piste skiers. Experienced tourers who approach from the Årdal side in spring often continue along the glacier-adjacent ridge towards the neighbouring Stølsnostindane peaks and Falketind, turning a single-peak outing into a long traverse.↗↗
Surrounding Peaks
Stølsnosi belongs to a compact group of summits along the Stølsnos ridge, including the higher Stølsnostinden (2,074 m) with what one experienced tourer called one of the most beautiful views in all of Jotunheimen, the twin-pointed Midtre Stølsnostinden (2,001 m), and the famous prow-shaped Falketind (2,067 m) next door. The glacier Stølsnosbreen clings to the northern flank, giving the area its dramatic ice-scoured character.↗
Practical Notes
Stølsnosi has a primary factor of only 95 metres, meaning it is not a dramatically independent peak but part of a continuous high ridge. This makes it an ideal addition to a longer traverse rather than a destination requiring its own expedition. In winter and spring the Tyin approach is popular for ski touring; in summer the area can be explored on foot from either side, though the Årdal approach crosses unbridged rivers and involves long distances through Utladalen.↗↗
Avalanche awareness is essential on all approaches. Even hillsides with inclinations below 30 degrees can produce slides. The Tyin-side route is considered beginner-friendly in stable conditions, but the glacier-crossing sections from the Årdal side in spring require proper assessment and equipment including crampons and an ice axe.↗↗
What makes it special
At 1,930 m, Stølsnosi offers a commanding viewpoint over the Stølsnos glacier and the Hurrungane peaks.↗
The Tyin-side approach via road 53 makes this a relatively accessible ski tour with fantastic views toward Uranostinden.↗
Stølsnosi is a key waypoint for longer traverses connecting the Stølsnostindane and Falketind.↗
A little planning goes a long way
- Park along road 53 after the Eidsbugarden turnoff (closed in winter) for the easiest Tyin-side approach.↗
- Cross Galdstjernet lake and follow the north-western ridge for the most straightforward line to the summit.↗
- In summer, combine a visit with Vettisfossen waterfall and the Utladalen Nature House as starting points from the Årdal side.↗
About this guide
Compiled with AI assistance from the sources below; this is not a first-hand visit. Place details collected October 5, 2026. Hours, access and ratings can change; confirm with the venue before visiting.
