Eidskyrkja/Kyrkjefjellet from Skinnviksætra

Eidskyrkja/Kyrkjefjellet is the highest mountain in Volda Municipality. The trail from the mountain farm Skinnviksætra is perfect for spring skiing and offers an amazing downhill slope from the mountaintop all the way back to the farm. A ski track is usually available here until about mid-July for those who only want to climb up 200–300 metres above sea level. The road up to the mountain farm is usually cleared from snow during Easter. If not, you can start skiing from the main road. In that case, the distance will be 14.5 km and the elevation 1500 m a.s.l. instead of 9.2 km and 1200 m a.s.l. if you start from the farm. You will enjoy a great view in all directions including the mountains of Nordfjord, the Sunnmørsalpane mountain range, and the islands further away. Note also the unusual spiral pine tree to the northwest of the farm.

Start skiing from Skinnviksætra and head south. On the western side of Mount Blåfjellet, you will see Blåbreen, the glacier that you are going to climb up. Choose which way to go depending on the snow conditions. The best option is to follow the ski track. You will see a bridge above the farm. The GPS track crosses that bridge, but it is often better to move along the western side of the river and follow the moraine ridge up. It depends on the snow conditions the day you arrive. When you reach a flat area and begin moving up Blåbreen, evaluate the conditions and choose the safest route. Avalanches may occur both on the western and the eastern side of the glacier. The elevation angle to Blåbreen is about 25 degrees overall and about 30 degrees through the final 50 m a.s.l. Once you reach the edge, move south/southwest for about 1 km until you reach the mountaintop. Take a moment to enjoy the view before you start skiing downhill.

Turn off from Kvivsvegen Road towards the innermost part of the Austefjorden at the sign for Fyrde. From the junction in the centre of Fyrde, drive west for about 2.3 km in the direction of Straumshamn and turn left up the toll road to Skinnviksætra. Park your car by the junction about 250 m before the mountain farm Skinnviksætra. The road to the farm is a toll road.