Hikers may summit Tromsdalstinden either from the suburb of
Tromsdalen or
Ramfjorden. The slopes up are relatively straightforward, though fog and rain can complicate the ascent for those unfamiliar with the terrain. When approaching the mountain from the southeast (Ramfjorden), though, hikers and skiers must at one point move over the southwestern or northwestern (city-facing) sides of the mountain as the mountain becomes too steep. The best season for hiking is May through September. Skiers usually take the
Fjellheisen aerial tramway to
Storsteinen and begin their ascent there. There are two main treks, the
Winter and
Summer treks.
The Winter trek A ski trip that starts on the southwest side of the mountain (on the right in the pictures) is called
Salen (the Saddle). When descending, skiers zig-zag down from the top until they reach the little lake
Tromsdalsvannet (nor.) or
Moskojávri (sám.) in the innermost part of the Tromsdalen valley.
The Summer trek A hike that starts on the zig-zag trek used to descend when skiing. On the way back, hikers follow the narrow northeastern ridge of the mountain (left on the pictures). The descent route at one point takes you quite close to the steep drop behind the hill which may not be suitable for hikers prone to vertigo. For such hikers, returning the way they came is a better recommendation.
Straight up Also, ascending from the northwest, i.e., straight up from the valley, is possible. Hikers then start at the
Nerloftet (a low plateau above the Tromsdalen valley), proceed to the halfway stop,
Loftet (a protruding part of the mountain facing the city), and then go straight up. When the mountain becomes too steep to keep going straight, you go upwards to the right until you're on the 'winter route' (the right slope). The names of these points mean, respectively, the
Lower Attic and
the Attic. This route is quite steep and thus demanding but safe - although some rocks may be slippery or loose, one should be careful. == Controversy over Sámi cultural significance ==