Lofoten Ski Touring

Dates: TBA 2024

To register interest in 2024 trips please email us.

A fantastic ski touring trip to the Lofoten archipelago in the Arctic Circle, Norway – with easy flight access from the UK and Europe

 

A skier in silhouette against a mountain ridge in Lofoten

Why Lofoten?

The archipelago of Lofoten is known for spectacular mountains along an island chain jutting out into the Arctic sea in the north of Norway. Mountains rise to 1000m above the sea, and are surrounded by small clusters of habitation and the infrastructure of centuries of fishing.  Long recognised as an established centre for rock climbing, more recently the area has been gaining popularity as a ski and splitboard touring destination. There’s a huge range of great touring on all the islands, with the majority on the eastern island of Austvagoya.

Who is it for?

This trip is ideally suited to all levels of tourers as the terrain is very  varied. Ideally you will bring your own skis  and personal safety gear as there is a limited amount of ski equipment available to hire in Lofoten .  Fitness wise it’s moderately demanding in that the ascent times are not long so in a day we may do two short climbs as opposed to one long one, so it’s easier to opt out of a second ascent if you’re after an easier day.

Travel and accommodation

Access is by air via Oslo, to Harstad/Narvik airport and then for 3 hours by road to Kabelvag, on Austvagoya, which is our base for the week.  Transport from arrival at Harstad/Narvik airport (Evenes) will be by minibus. Easily accessible day tours are within a short drive, local amenities close by and the snowy mountains and beautiful coastline are a stunning backdrop. The accommodation is in beautiful, classic ‘rorbu’ style fishermen’s cabins.  The cabins themselves are warm and stylishly modernised to provide really comfortable places to relax after a day out in the mountains.

What will my week involve?

Amongst the steep and spectacular  mountains, there is plenty of really enjoyable touring for all levels and abilities, on some fantastic peaks.  More straightforward  mountains such as Varden or Pilan offer wonderful outings on mostly lower angle slopes. More challenging terrain can also be found, such as the classic and steeper South Gully on Geitgaljetind .  Most ascents are around 1000m with the chance to extend if needed.  In the event of bad weather there is even the chance to try Arctic surfing at the surf centre at the beautiful beach of Unstad – very thick hooded wetsuits and surf lessons available!

What is included?

Included in the cost is transfer to and from Harstad /Narvik airport, all travel around Lofoten by minibus, all twin-share accommodation in beautiful fjord side rorbu-style houses and meals for 7 nights, and guiding by Ric, your IFMGA  Mountain Guide, for the week. Excluded from the cost is air travel to and from Harstad / Narvik, insurance, personal spending and any extras such as boat taxi or surf lessons!

Read why Ric loves Norway so much- and you will too!: Norway Calling- Ric writes about the lure of Norway

Dates:

We ran this trip in 2017, 2019 and 2023. We can run a bespoke group for a private group.

 

Enquire: ric@rpmguiding.com