Ski touring in Lofoten, Vesterålen and Senja

Three skiers just done mountain-to-beach-skiing in Senja

If the beauty of these Arctic islands doesn’t leave you breathless, the extraordinary ski touring experiences almost certainly will.

Avalanche safety

Each year, avalanches in Norwegian mountains claim the lives of an average of five people, most of whom are ski tourers. Foreign visitors make up a disproportionately large share.

Stay safe:

1. Take a course to learn more about avalanches, avalanche terrain, and avalanche hazard levels, even if you are not planning on travelling through avalanche terrain.

2. Be aware that you can be caught in an avalanche on flat terrain. An avalanche can run three times the vertical drop from the fracture line.

3. We strongly recommend the use of a local ski guide, both for your safety and to ensure a better experience.

4. Start planning your trip at the avalanche forecast site varsom.no.

5. Download the Varsom app from App Store or Android Store. With Varsom, you can share and access information about local conditions and download offline maps.

6. Stay updated on the weather conditions in your area with yr.no and senorge.no.

7. Always bring an avalanche transceiver, a probe, and a shovel when you are in avalanche terrain.

With a location deep into the Arctic Circle, the quaint fishing villages at the foot of the mountains in Lofoten, Vesterålen and Senja offer a convenient base for a genuine Norwegian adventure. Here you will find plenty of rorbuer, traditional fisherman’s cabins that have been converted into charming holiday lodges. Expect a friendly welcome from the locals as they serve up a combination of fresh flavours and vibrant culture.

Several of the lodges offer transportation to the skiing areas by boat. These tailor-made expeditions cruise along the islands' vast coastlines and deliver the passengers within reach of that coveted powder snow. Operated by professional guides who will help you to access the best available runs, the programs are adapted according to the weather and local conditions.

An early winter visit to this region gives you a splendid chance to spot the mystic beauty of the northern lights. On the other hand, the long skiing season also allows visitors to enjoy the magic of the midnight sun during late spring and early summer.

This picture-perfect area further offers a range of exciting rest-day activities. From Arctic wave surfing at the Unstad Surf Camp to sea eagle and whale safaris, the islands of Lofoten, Vesterålen and Senja are a paradise for any winter adventurer.

Stay safe and find out about the avalanche risk before you set out.

Main ski touring season
February - April

Recommended level
Experienced to experts

Types of skiing terrain
Alpine peaks
Couloirs to the ocean
Open rolling faces
Sea to summit

Types of accommodation
Hotels and B&Bs
Fisherman's cabins (rorbus)
Lodges
House boats (sail and ski)

Lofoten

The stunning archipelago of the Lofoten islands in Northern Norway extend far into the Atlantic Ocean. It is a vast coastal area with jagged granite mountains, providing seemingly endless opportunities for ski touring. Summit-to-sea descents, testing couloirs and open birch forests are sure to meet the ambitions of every ski adventurer, whether beginner or advanced.

Epic run
Store Trolltind (1,036 metres) is a spectacular peak in Trollfjorden. Transport by boat to the starting point is required for this tour, which offers great skiing in wild and untouched terrain.

Vesterålen

North of Lofoten lies Vesterålen, a chain of craggy islands dominated by stunning peaks and beautiful fjords. The summits facing the open ocean on the outer side of the islands are ideal for ski touring. Due to its remote location, Vesterålen is one of the least visited skiing destinations in the north – so if you like solitude, this is the place for you.

Epic run
Stortinden stands some 1,000 meters above Vangpollen in Sigerfjorden. The western flank is an uninterrupted steep descent that ends right at the seashore. The exposed summit offers a panorama of the jagged skyline of Hinnøya.

Senja

Senja, the second largest island in Norway, has equally great ski touring potential with peaks extending as high as 1017 metres. Located in the county of Troms, Senja’s mountainous landscape is full of secluded hills that are perfect for shredding. There are no lifts around here. After skiing, you can go hunting for the northern lights, try ice climbing or fishing.

Epic run
Store Hesten (874 metres) has an unusually accessible run – you can start skinning right next to the the parking at Hestesletta. With spectacular views and a variety of descents, Store Hesten is considered Senja’s best ski touring mountain.

  • Austvågøy, Lofoten
  • A person ski touring on a mountain in Northern Norway
  • A person skiing down a mountain in Senja
  • Sunrise at Reine Lofoten

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Getting here and around

You can get to the foot of the mountain with public transport, but the easiest way to get around is by renting a car.

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