The Lofoten Islands: ski tours on the northern Arctic Ocean! This beautiful peace of land in the Arctic region of Norway is not only known for its famous dried cod, „stockfish“, but also for its impressive mountain landscape.
Experience the contrast between the flat sea and the steep, rugged peaks and stunning natural backdrop.
Would you like to spend a few days with me above the northern latitude?
What awaits you:
The so called „tinde“, mountains or sumnmits, are up to 1,100m high and offer a varied terrain. From wide, gentle open slopes to really steep channels, everything is possible. I costumize this unique ski touring trip to your wishes and skills as well as the weather and snow conditions on-site. Furthermore, it is possible to combine different peaks with each other by overcoming an altitude difference of about 1,500m or to arrange ski and sail tours across the Lofoten Islands.
The best time for a ski tour in the Norwegian backcountry is from the end of March to early April. Now, when winter turns into spring, the snow conditions are often very good. And since this magic place is fully influenced by the warm Gulf Stream of the Caribbean, temperatures are pleasant and seldom below 10° C.
All the private ski touring trips to the Lofoten Islands are tailored to the wishes, technical skills and fitness level of the group as well as the local snow and weather conditions. Often the group members already know each other. The programm will be discussed beforehand and can be adjiusted to your individual needs, ideas and wishes.
Depending on the destination and current weather conditions, we will start each day comfortably with a good breakfast. Most of the peaks are between 700 and 1000 meters high. But we can also do long traverses and combine different peaks collecting 1.500 meter and more hight difference.
Day 1
Arrival day. Meeting point at Evenes Airport (EVE). Pick-up time according your arrival time (no later than 6.00 PM). Transportation with our 9-seater van to Svinøya Rorbuer Lodge. Equipment preparation, tour briefing and dinner at the lodge.
Day 2
The first day of skiing is devoted to checking the equipment and acclimatizing during an easy warm-up ski tour off-piste.
Day 3 to 7
Lofoten’s touring areas are quickly reached from our base in Svolvaer (between 10 and 60 minutes). During the week new places with incredible sceneries of snow-capped peaks will be discovered by never losing sight of the sea.
The daily average ascent altitude will be between 1000 and 2000 meters, depending on the group and conditions. If you want more, the excursions can be lengthened until your legs are getting tired – lack of daylight is not an issue up here at this time of the year!
During bad weather conditions (which may well happen), we take this opportunity to visit some small towns or the surf beach nearby.
Day 8
Departure day. Leaving this arctic paradise with a lot of memories of shared adventures. Transfer to Evenes Airport (EVE) or Svolvaer Airport (SVJ) early in the morning, flight to Oslo and your final destination.
I recommend the Svinøya Rorbuer Lodge as starting point. The high-quality chalets are facing the sea, situated on an island which is linked to land only by a bridge. The accomodation with its restaurant is among the best of the Lofoten Islands. From here, many ski tours can be reached in less than 45 minutes.
Your stay includes full board service and meals for the ski tours.
Moreover, each chalet has its own sauna with access to the Arctic Ocean for a cooling off. Afterwards it’s time to relax and enjoy dinner.
Leadership through teamwork. Safety first!
My tail-guide Andreas Tonelli and I, as certified IFMGA mountain guide, have over 10 years of exerperience on the Lofoten Islands. Andreas spends between six and eight weeks a year in northern Norway.
10 years, in which we grew together as a team and have been able to gather important knowledge about the local and regional circumstances of the islands, including tours which are not listed in common travel guidebooks.
It may also happen, that we have no phone service during some special crossings. This is precisely why two guides are essential for your safety.
The following prices refer to a tour group of seven people, including:
Please note
Prices vary according to the number of participants. Normally we accept a maximum of 12 people per group. For a more accurate proposal, I request you to specify the exact numer of participants.
Conclude a travel cancellation insurance to avoid unpleasant situations!
Dates
The booking occures three weeks in advance between March 20th and April 10th.
The trip always takes place from Sunday to Sunday (because of the flights). Those who book first have nearly a free choice.
Extras
Due to the remoteness, prices on the islands and in Norway are in general a little bit higher than in the rest of Europe. Besises, alcohol has slightly higher prices in Norway due to an additional tax.
The proposed package offers a benchmark for the costs involved.
The Lofoten Islands are located in the far north of Norway, i.e. north of the Arctic Circle. In reality, each participant starts from its personal home airport with destination Oslo. After meeting up, the onward flight to Narvik or Evenes airport is waiting.
At the final airport the luggage will be collected before catching the reserved car or van. Svinoya, the largest town at the Lofoten Islands, and the accomodation will be reached after a three-hours drive (normally around 9 PM).
You see, the journey to this remote paradise takes the whole day.
A key factor for the Lofoten Islands is the weather and snow condition. As the climatic conditions change quickly, the tours have to be adjusted and adapted on a daily basis in order to find the best skiing spot of the islands.
In the beginning of April we are blessed with a long dusk, which only turns into night late in the evening.
Should Thor and the other Norwegian gods really destroy our plans, Andreas will offer interesting alternatives (not only culurally).
In most cases, however, the program can be held regularly.
Probably the least noticed or mentioned characteristic of Lofoten is the brilliance of the lights during the day.
The sun is low on the horizon almost the whole day and presents golden and blue shades, especially during changing weahter. Enjoying this magnificent view from the summit makes the Far North so fascinating. Not to be forgotten, of course, the natural spectacle Aurora Boralis in the evening.
Its not without reason, that the northern lights are source of many cultural myths. I can well imagine how the Vikings on their boats looked up, passing ancient stories to their impressed youngsters.
Here are some snapshots of my recent ski trips and the breath-taking natural scenery.