Ski touring in Sunnmøre and Hjørundfjord

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.

The mountains are located just an hour’s drive from the beautiful Art Nouveau town of Ålesund, allowing visitors to enjoy the comfort of a vibrant town base. Ålesund Airport is well served with plenty of both international and domestic arrivals.

For the best descents and snow conditions, join one of the sail-to-ski expeditions that depart regularly from the dock in the city centre. On-board, passengers can enjoy freshly prepared local cuisine whilst admiring the grand views – the perfect preparation for a steep ascent up one of Sunnmøre’s iconic mountains. All expeditions are adjusted depending on the weather and local conditions.

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.

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Ski touring at the Geirangerfjord.
Photo: Fredrik Schenholm / visitnorway.com

Ski touring at the Hjørundfjord.
Photo: Mattias Fredriksson

Ski touring at Fingeren in the Sunnmøre Alps.
Photo: Håvard Myklebust/visitnorway.com

Ski touring at Kolåsbreen glacier in the Sunnmøre Alps.
Photo: Håvard Myklebust/visitnorway.com

Two ski tourers walking up a snow-covered mountain above the Geirangerfjord in Fjord Norway

From the Kolåsbreen glacier by the Kolåstinden

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Statens Kartverk, Geovekst og kommuner - Geodata AS

Getting here and around

Get in-depth travel information at Ålesund's official website.

By boat

Sail-to-ski expeditions depart frequently from the dock in central Ålesund.

Express boats, ferries and the Hurtigruten coastal steamer connect the coast with passengers and goods for the local communities in the region.
By road

From the city of Ålesund, expect a 2-hour drive to the heart of the skiing area and the Sunnmøre Alps. You can rent a car in the city centre as well as at Ålesund Airport.

Driving from Oslo to Ålesund takes around 8 hours (520 km). From Bergen, it takes 6 hours (370 km).
By plane

Ålesund Airport has frequent international connections to Amsterdam and daily domestic connections to the bigger airports in Bergen, Oslo and Trondheim, where there are lots of international routes.

The airport is located 20 minutes by car from the centre of Ålesund.

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.

A skier with a view of snowy mountains and a fjord in Romsdalen, Fjord Norway

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