Location and surroundings
Storen belongs to the chain Fennoscandian Shield > Scandinavian Mountains > Southern Scandes > Central Mountains > Jotunheimen > Vest-Jotunheimen. It lies in Vestland county, in the municipality of Luster, in the alpine Hurrungane area. At 2,405 m, it ranks 3rd in Norway and is the highest point of Vest-Jotunheimen. The terrain around it is steep, glaciated and rocky, with sharp ridges and narrow cols typical of this part of Jotunheimen.
Neighbouring peaks
- Vetle Skagastolstind — 2,340 m, 0.4 km N
- Sentraltind — 2,348 m, 0.6 km NE
- Midtre Skagastolstind — 2,284 m, 0.8 km N
- Skagastolsnebbet — 2,222 m, 0.9 km N
- Maradalstindane — 1,944 m, 1.0 km E
- Nordre Skagastolstind — 2,072 m, 1.6 km SW
- Styggedalstindane — 2,387 m, 1.6 km E
- Jernskardtinden — 1,520 m, 1.7 km SE
These neighbours show how tightly packed the Skagastølstindane massif is. Storen is the highest of the immediate group, with several major peaks close enough to form a compact alpine skyline.
The view from the summit
From the summit, the most notable high peaks within 25 km are part of the same hard-edged mountain country. Hurrungane lies 1.7 km SW at 2,405 m, while Jervvasstind is 2.1 km E at 2,351 m. Farther out, Store Austanbottstind is 5.2 km SW at 2,203 m, and the larger Jotunheimen summits Storebjørn and Store Smørstabbtinden are both to the NE at 17.1 km and 18.0 km.
The range
Storen is part of Vest-Jotunheimen, whose high point is this mountain itself. The range is recorded as having 210 named peaks, and Storen ranks 1st by elevation within it. In the broader mountain system, it sits in the Jotunheimen section of the Scandinavian Mountains, a compact high-alpine area known for steep ridges, glaciers and difficult crossings.
Climbing routes
Storen is a serious alpine climb rather than a simple hike. Named routes associated with the mountain include Slingsby’s Route, Heftye’s Route, Andrews Route, the Nordwestweg, Südweg, Westgrat and Westweg. The mountain is commonly approached from the Turtagrø area, and the historic hotel there is closely linked with ascents in the region. Conditions can change the difficulty substantially, especially on snow, ice and exposed rock.
Climate and weather
NASA POWER climate data suggest that summit temperatures are about -14 °C in January and February, rising to about 2 °C in July, with July and August the only months above freezing on average. Around the mountain, precipitation is about 1,300 mm a year; the wettest months are about July and August at 145 mm, and the driest are about April at 75 mm and February and March at 80 mm. Expect wind, rapid cloud build-up, wet snow and slippery rock.
Best time to visit
The most practical period is usually the short summer window, when summit temperatures are least severe and the snowpack is more manageable. For Storen, that means mainly July and August, the only months with mean temperatures above freezing at the summit. Even then, the mountain can hold snow and ice, so early starts, stable weather and proper equipment matter. Outside summer, cold, wind and fresh snow quickly raise the difficulty.
Nature and wildlife
The mountain sits in a high alpine environment with bare rock, snowfields, glacier ice and sparse vegetation. Lower slopes in Vestland can support hardy mountain plants, but near the summit the growing season is very short and plant cover is limited to lichens, mosses and a few tough alpine species. Wildlife in this region is typically adapted to cold, exposed terrain, with birds using cliffs and open slopes and larger animals staying lower down where forage is available.
Guides and organised ascents
For a peak like Storen, a certified mountain guide is sensible unless you already have solid experience with glacier travel, route-finding and exposed scrambling. In Norway, the national guide association is the Norwegian Mountain Guides Association (Norske Tindevegledere (NORTIND)), an IFMGA/UIAGM member. The national federation is the Norwegian Climbing Federation (Norsk Klatreforbund). Examples of established guiding companies in Norway include Jostedalen Breførarlag and Lofoten Mountain Guides. Guided trips usually depend on route, group size, weather, equipment and whether glacier travel is involved.
Safety and preparation
Storen demands alpine fitness, sure-footed movement and comfort on steep, exposed ground. Glacier sections, loose rock, sudden weather changes and cold temperatures are the main hazards, even in summer. Carry proper clothing, helmet, harness, rope and glacier gear if your route requires them, and start early enough to avoid afternoon deterioration. For mountain rescue in Norway, call 112 for the police emergency number; they coordinate rescue, and rescue is free of charge. Call 113 for a medical emergency.
History and name
The mountain’s name means “the big one”, and the official form is Storen, with Store Skagastølstinden also approved. The older spelling Store Skagastølstind is no longer the preferred form. The peak became famous in Norwegian mountaineering history after William Cecil Slingsby made the first ascent on 21 July 1876. Later ascents and route explorations helped establish it as one of the country’s classic alpine objectives.
Interesting facts
Storen is the 3rd highest named peak in Norway and the highest peak in Vest-Jotunheimen. Its prominence is 1,015 m, which helps explain why it stands out strongly from the surrounding ridges. The mountain is part of the Skagastølstindane massif and sits in the Hurrungane area, where several of Norway’s hardest alpine lines are found close together. Its nearest major neighbours are all within 2 km, reinforcing the compact, technical character of the massif.
FAQ
How high is Storen? It rises to 2,405 m.
Where is Storen located? It is in Vestland, Norway, in Luster municipality, in the Hurrungane area of Vest-Jotunheimen.
What is Storen’s position in Norway? It is the 3rd highest named peak in Norway.
What are the closest peaks? Vetle Skagastolstind is 0.4 km north, and Sentraltind is 0.6 km northeast.
Is there water on the way to Storen? On the mountain itself, water is usually from snowmelt or glacier runoff, so it should be treated before drinking. Carry about 1.5–3 litres for a day, more in warm weather or on a long route.
When is the best time to climb it? Usually July and August, when summit temperatures are the mildest, though snow and ice can still remain.
Is Storen a difficult climb? Yes. It is a serious alpine peak with exposed rock and glacier terrain, so many visitors use a guide or go only with strong experience.