Year around bouldering

MIKKEL NORMANN MEINERTSEN

Winter Bouldering in Västervik

You are able to climb in Västervik during the whole year as it is very close to the sea, the area gets a lot of wind and therefore makes it climbable even in summer. But if you are aspiring to try some of the harder lines, winter and late autumn would possibly be a better idea. Västervik can get a lot of snowfall mid winter, but you can also get really lucky with the weather, with crisp sunny days with minus degrees. I myself have climbed quite a lot in Västervik in some very cold conditions as I prefer it cold and dry if I am trying hard. It definitely takes a bit more effort if there is snow, but it is totally possible if you are dedicated enough. Over the years I have developed some good tactics for winter climbing. Always bring more clothes than you think you need! When you are resting in between attempts, you don’t want your body to cool down, so bringing 1 or 2 down jackets, down slippers, merino wool underwear and good warm gloves helps keep you warm during your rest. Another good tip is buying a portable gas oven, it is a bit annoying to carry out but helps to keep your fingers and climbing shoes at a functional temperature.

If it happens that there is snow on top of the boulders, bringing a broom to brush it off can be a really good idea. I have even gone out on rest days to brush the snow off the top of boulders, so it would be ready for the following session. And if there happens to be ice on the holds, please do not melt it with a gas burner, try to use the warmth of your hands or a small handwarmer and wipe off the melted ice or snow. Melting it with a gas burner can risk the holds breaking or getting damaged. The days are short as well that time of year, it is not uncommon for the sun to set at 15:30 or 16:00, so bringing a good light setup is a good idea as well if you should be climbing in the afternoons.  

For some, climbing in very cold conditions can seem too much of a hassle and very uncomfortable, and it can definitely get too cold. But if you are focused on a specific project, and may only try it for max 2 hours, a cold crisp day is totally worth it. Some of the most beautiful climbing days I have had out have been in the winter, the cold winter sunlight reflecting on snow or even just by itself can be magical! 

Sectors good to climb at during the winter

• Fallatakket (as is can often be wet, in winter the water will just have frozen)
• Björnblocket (Probably one of the fastest drying boulders, and gets sun from around 10:00-13:00)
• VO ( a lot of the boulders in VO are easily accessible from the top if you need to brush snow off the tops)