Combine unique skiing adventures with beautiful alpine mountains
and idyllic fjordscapes in Sunnmøre.
The Sunnmøre Alps offer a playground for easy-to-access outdoors adventures the whole year, but it’s in the winter that this land really comes to life. With jagged peaks extending as high as 1,700 metres from the Atlantic Sea, the potential for summit-to-sea skiing is huge, with the opportunity to ski down to the Hjørundfjord in one smooth descent. Enjoy boundless stretches of powder snow and diverse terrain, suitable for both beginners and more experienced ski tourers.
Alternatively, there is a great selection of accommodation options on land, whether you prefer traditional and charming hotels or would like something more modern. Two examples are the ornate 19th century Union Øye Hotel, which overlooks a rural valley, and the Juvet Landscape Hotel, which blends in with the surrounding nature.
Finally, if you are unlucky with the weather during your trip, the Stranda ski resort is a great alternative to ski touring. With 17 downhill runs, 15 kilometres of groomed tracks, a children’s area, a terrain park and outstanding off-piste opportunities, Stranda has challenges for skiers of every level.
Always find out about the avalanche risk before you set out. Read more about safety in the mountains here and about local conditions on varsom.no.
Quick facts (Sunnmøre, Hjørundfjord)
Main ski touring season
February to early May
Level recommended
Experienced to experts
Epic run
Kolåstinden (1,432 metres) is the most frequented summit of the Sunnmøre Alps. Return either by the same route you ascended, or try the alternative via the glacier to Kvanndalen for an exceptional descent.
Types of skiing terrain
Alpine peaks
Sea to summit
Types of accommodation
Hotels and B&Bs
Full service lodges
House boats (sail and ski)
Restaurants and bars
Ålesund and Sunnmøre offers a good selection of restaurants, pubs and cafés, whether you are looking for a gourmet meal, a good patisserie or a delicious coffee.
Museums and art galleries
The main city of the Sunnmøre area is Ålesund, known as 'the Art Nouveau Town'. It is a cultural hotspot with plenty of museums, art galleries and other attractions to discover.
Excursions and other winter activities
You will not be bored during a visit to the Sunnmøre area, where the raw nature offers experiences all year round. Be sure to check out the UNESCO protected Geirangerfjord and the Hjørundfjord.
Discover Sunnmøre and Hjørundfjord
Getting here and around
Get in-depth travel information at Ålesund's official website.
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.