Ski touring in Sognefjord and Nordfjord

Fjord to fjord

With grand fjord views and some thirty summits to choose from, the mountains in the Sognefjord and Nordfjord areas offer terrific potential for ski touring.

Stretching over 200 kilometres from the coast into the mountains, the Sognefjord is the longest fjord in Norway. The region’s most popular tour is the Sognefjord Alpine Traverse, which cuts across the alpine peaks between the picturesque towns of Sogndal and Balestrand.

The tour combines breathtaking fjord landscapes with great terrain, making it an ideal location for ski touring enthusiasts of all levels. Starting at the highly popular ski touring destination of Sogndal, the three-day tour culminates near the iconic Keipen peak – an imposing summit that overhangs the Ersefjord.

En route you pass mainland Europe's largest glacier Jostedalsbreen as well as the impressive Fjærlandsfjord, before continuing along the remote alpine ridge of Menes.

A few kilometres north of the Jostedalsbreen National Park you will find the picturesque village of Loen. A brand new Skylift cable car swiftly elevates its passengers 1,000 metres up to Mt. Hoven, where ski tourers can pick and choose from exciting descents with complex terrain.

North of Loen you will find Stryn, an area dominated by awe-inspiring peaks not far from the ski locations of Romsdalen and the Sunnmøre Alps. Stryn often gets overlooked by its neighbouring destinations, but the location, dry climate and crowd-free descents make it somewhat of a hidden gem.

Stay safe and find out about the avalanche risk before you set out. You can check the avalanche forecast for Sognefjord and Nordfjord at varsom.no.

Read more about ski touring in the Sognefjord and the Nordfjord area.

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Quick facts (Sognefjord, Nordfjord)

Main ski touring season
February to early May

Level recommended
Beginners to experts

Epic run
At 1,843 metres above sea level, Skåla stands high over Loen. It is a favourite hike in the summer, partly thanks to the distinctive cabin tower at the summit. In winter Skåla offers lots of space on a wide slope – perfect for skiing.

Types of skiing terrain
Alpine peaks and couloirs
Open mountain plateaus
Sail-to-ski
Forests

Types of accommodation
Hotels and B&Bs
Lodges
House boats (sail and ski)

Restaurants and bars
You will find quality eateries serving everything from simple meals to a la carte dinners in even the smallest towns in this area. See all your options for eating and drinking in the Sognefjord and Nordfjord areas.

Museums and art galleries
The old village of Lærdalsøyri at the Sognefjord features wooden houses from the 16th century, while the Jostedalsbreen National Park Centre in Oppstryn the Nordfjord area tells you the story of the region. See all cultural attractions in Sognefjord and Nordfjord areas.

Excursions and other winter activities
There are lots of opportunities for an active holiday around these fjords, where the beautiful nature forms the perfect settings no matter the season. See a complete list of things to do in the Sognefjord and Nordfjord areas.

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Ski touring in Sogndal.
Photo: Mattias Fredriksson

Off-piste in Luster between Sognefjord and Jotunheimen.
Photo: Sverre Hjørnevik

Ski touring in Sogndal.
Photo: Bård Basberg

Ski touring in Stryn.
Photo: Fredrik Schenholm - Visitnorway.com

Kjersti Kvamme

Kjersti Kvamme about Nordfjord

"My name is Kjersti Kvamme, born and raised in Oslo. Despite my life goal of being a ballerina, it was the mountains and skiing that won my heart. My job as a fashion designer gives me the opportunity to travel the world, but also makes me crave the calmness my head gets from nature amd the kick from a great day of off piste skiing.

I live in the small town of Stryn, which has only around 6,000 inhabitants – and almost as many mountains to climb! Situated in Nordfjord, between the largest mainland glacier in Europe and Norway's wildest coast at the western cape, Stryn has spectacular mountains and valleys, rolling farmland and a dramatic coastline."

"In my opinion, Nordfjord is Norway at its highest, wildest, deepest, and most enjoyable. The mountains here are spectacular and range from a few hundred to more than 2,000 metres above sea level."

Follow Kjersti on her adventures

Explore the unmistakable landscapes of the Sognefjord and Nordfjord areas as captured by local ski touring enthusiast Kjersti.

Discover the Sognefjord and Nordfjord area

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Ski touring in the Sognefjord and Nordfjord area

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Statens Kartverk, Geovekst og kommuner - Geodata AS

Getting here and around

In many cases, you can get to the foot of the mountain by public transportation, but the easiest way to get around is by renting a car. Get in-depth travel information at the official websites for Sognefjord and Nordfjord.

Getting to Sognefjord

Sogndal Airport has daily connections to both Bergen and Oslo, with flight times from 30 to 45 minutes.

You can also fly to Sogndal from Sandane and Ørsta/Volda.

An airport express takes you from the airport to Sogndal.
Getting to Nordfjord

Both Sandane Airport and Ørsta-Volda Airport are located centrally when you are going to Nordfjord. The airports have direct flights from Bergen (1 hour) and Oslo (1 hour) and corresponding flights to many Norwegian cities.

Ålesund Airport lies 2 hours and 30 minutes by car from Nordfjord and offers good connections to Oslo and other Norwegian and European cities.

Ski touring experiences

Explore your options below and let the adventure begin.

Safety in the mountains

Norway is an incredible place to explore, with untamed mythical landscapes, mountains, valleys, and fjords. Before you enter the outdoors, get familiar with the nine simple rules of the Norwegian mountain code to help you stay safe.

Plan your trip and inform others about the route you have selected.
Adapt the planned routes according to ability and conditions.
Pay attention to the weather and the avalanche warnings. This is especially the case for ski tourers - check the current situation in your area on varsom.no and make sure you follow the advise given.
Be prepared for bad weather and frost, even on short trips.
Bring the necessary equipment so you can help yourself and others.
Choose safe routes. Recognize avalanche terrain and unsafe ice.
Use a map and a compass. Always know where you are.
Don’t be ashamed to turn around.
Conserve your energy and seek shelter if necessary.

Places to go

Cities and places

Things to do

Plan your trip

Hotels

Getting Here & Around

Tours & Round trips

Cottages & Holiday Houses

Offers

Ski touring in the Sognefjord and Nordfjord areas

Fjord to fjord

Kjersti Kvamme about Nordfjord

Follow Kjersti on her adventures

Discover the Sognefjord and Nordfjord area

Getting here and around

Getting to Sognefjord

Getting to Nordfjord

Ski touring experiences

Safety in the mountains

Read more