Lofoten Islands Guided

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This season we will be returning to the Lofoten Islands, within the Arctic Circle of Norway. This destination has been on our radar for some time now, and should be on any discerning skiers tick list. Northern Norway harbours two of the most famous ski destinations; the Lofoten Islands (or Magic Isles), and the Lyngen Peninsula. 

The Lofoten Islands

The mountains here rise up to 1100m directly from the sea, with highest peak being Higravstinden 1146m. Most ski peaks are below 900m and there is much to interest the skier with open slopes, broad couloirs and narrow chutes, all in some interesting rock architecture. The area is also a popular rock climbing area in the spring and early summer, where many of the jagged peaks can be reached by rock climbing.

Here in the Arctic Circle the snow conditions are reliable, allowing you to ski from the summit to the sea in many cases. The weather can be unsettled with storm cycles resulting in plenty of fresh snow. Combine this with varied terrain and you have the ideal location for an interesting trip to suit most levels of ski tourer. In April there is often the opportunity to ski powder if the conditions dictate.

Ski Touring on the Lofoten Islands

Skiing in the Lofoten Islands is a unique experience. The area is most famous for it's dramatic scenery, the vibrant fishing industry and the northern lights. We travel by road capitalising on the excellent road network and bridges linking the islands and fjords of the region. This allows great flexibility to make best use of the prevailing weather or simply to make ascents on the different islands that make up the Lofoten Islands.

This trip is based from a traditional Norwegian Rorbu (fishing hut) on the small island of Svinøya near Svolvær. This historic house give a balance between traditionally dwellings and modern day standards and comfort. More importantly the ski touring starts close to the house with the excellent ski summits within easy reach by a short drive.

Many of the days are shorter it terms of vertical distance than we are used to in the alps, giving plenty of time for another lap or small variations.

The Lofoten Team

This trip is lead by Andy Nelson.

Cost

£2200 per person

Group Size

Maximum 6 people. Ratio is 1:6.

What’s included?

  • 6 days ski guiding with IFMGA Mountain Guide.
  • Transfer to and from Svolvær Airport.
  • Accommodation (in twin / double and single rooms with shared facilities) and food on a full board board basis (inc. packed lunch) at Børsen Spiseri.
  • All transport during the trip.

What’s not included?

  • Travel to and from Svolvær.
  • Alcohol (This is expensive in Norway and is best purchased at duty free).
  • Avalanche safety equipment, and ski touring equipment. Due to this being a specialist trip joining in Svolvær we won’t have extra equipment available. If you have any equipment requirements then please contact us in the first instance. Please read the kit list here.
  • Insurance for cancellation, rescue, repatriation and medical expenses.
  • Entrance to museums (bad weather day option, see below)*

Ski Level

Our trip to the Lofoten Islands would suit most levels of intermediate ski tourers. 

The ability to ski off piste is essential for this area, being comfortable skiing slopes of up 30 degrees.  You will need to be able to cope in a variety of conditions i.e. poor visibility and crust. You should to be able to kick turn when skinning, even if you are not fluid in doing so.  You need to have the fitness to cope with a full mountain day, skinning uphill at a rate of approximately 300m per hour for 3 - 4 hours. The majority of days will involve 700m -1000m of skinning.

To get the most from this trip, you will have some experience of using crampons, and boot packing up a slope.

The terrain is varied with open slopes, well spaced trees, couloirs and steeper slopes to suit most tastes. The days are also shorter than the european alps allowing us to take a steadier pace and enjoy at least one traditional 'fika' break. Please feel free to get in touch if you would like to discuss any aspect of your ski ability or for advice on your preparation.

* We aim to have 6 days skiing during this trip. Due to the variable nature of the weather and snow conditions on Lofoten, we may replace one of the skiing days with a sight seeing trip if this is deemed to be in the group's best interests. Visits to Henningsvær and the Viking Museum are good bad weather options.

About Us

Find out more about the Off Piste Performance team.

See lofoten dates

See lofoten dates

Off-Piste Ski Ability
Effective but not efficient, Experienced
Location
Norway
Activity
Ski Touring, Ski Mountaineering
Team
Mountain Guide