Ski touring in Lyngen

Your arctic powder heaven

Dominated by snow-capped peaks and surrounded by crystal-clear waters, Lyngen is a breathtaking destination to experience summit-to-sea ski touring.

Rising straight from the Arctic sea, the mountains of Lyngen present some of the most scenic ski touring opportunities in Norway. From steep couloirs to less challenging inclines, the varied terrain of Lyngen offers exciting potential for every ski touring enthusiast.

Its location at 70 degrees north exposes this Alpine peninsula to immaculate snow conditions and one of the longest ski seasons, helping to enhance Lyngen’s reputation as one of Norway’s best ski touring destinations.

The full potential of this land is realized in spring, with crisp Nordic sunlight that offers warmth for the climb and gently melts the snow’s surface to create perfect grain snow conditions for the descent.

In addition to all this, if you visit early in the ski season you have a chance to combine your ski tour with the ethereal beauty of the northern lights.

From Lyngen, you can also do ski touring detours to the Tamok Valley, a terrain with fantastic inland skiing possibilities dominated by rounded peaks, long couloirs and big open faces. The cold inland climate guarantees a longer skiing season and increased chances of powder snow.

Another option in Lyngen is sail to ski. Using a traditional sailboat or former fishing trawler as your comfortable base, local mountain guides will locate the best possible conditions for a skiing expedition.

Well connected by road, Lyngen is only a two-hour drive from the town of Tromsø. Choose from a full range of accommodation options – from full-service, high-quality hotels to authentic Norwegian cabins.

Last but not least: Stay safe and find out about the avalanche risk before you set out. You can check the avalanche forecast for Lyngen at varsom.no.

Read more about ski touring in the Lyngen area.

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Quick facts (Lyngen)

Main ski touring season
March to late May

Level recommended
Beginners to experts

Epic run
Tafeltinden (1,395 metres) makes an impressive tour in the heart of the Lyngen Alps, reachable by an easy climb via the Koppang glacier. Access from the parking at Koppangen, some 15 kilometres from Lyngseidet.

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

Types of accommodation
Hotels, B&Bs and hostels
Lodges and holiday houses
House boats (sail and ski)
Rorbus (traditional fishermen cottages)

Restaurants and bars
There are a number of restaurants in Lyngseidet (for example K-Punktet kafe), Olderdalen, Storslett and Sørkjosen and Skjervøy. Bars in Svensby, Lyngseidet, Djupvik, Skjervøy, Storslett and Skibotn are open all year around. From March to April there are also a few après-ski offers in the region. See all your options for eating and drinking in the Lyngenfjord region.

Museums and art galleries
The Center for Northern People is open all year round, but most of the other museums in the area are only open during the summer season (June–August). See all cultural attractions in the Lyngenfjord region.

Excursions and other winter activities
From December to March there are many fun winter activities to try, for example ice climbing and snow sledging. Naturally, you will also be able to witness the magnificent northern lights in the winter season. See a complete list of things to do in the Lyngenfjord region.

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Ski touring in the Lyngen Alps.
Photo: Jesper Molin

Kjelvågtinden on Uløya with a view to the Lyngen Alps.
Photo: Joakim Dokka

Ski touring in the Lyngen Alps.
Photo: Jesper Molin

Tromsø is an excellent base for ski touring in Lyngen.
Photo: Konrad Konieczny

Joakim Dokka

Joakim Dokka about Lyngen

Joakim Dokka is a ski tourer who knows the area well. "If you seek high peaks, spectacular views, steep skiing and a ‘ski to the sea’ experience, the Lyngen peninsula in the northern part of Norway is where you want to plan your next ski touring trip", he says.

He recommends going to the heart of the peninsula and visit the tallest mountain Jiehkkevárri (at 1,834 metres above sea level): "The roads are mainly near the coastline, so you have to expect a longer touring trip – but with this scenery that will just be a bonus."

"You can also find and explore steep couloirs and faces in Lyngen", Joakim continues. "Keep in mind that it gets quite dark early during the winter season, but the glaciers and couloirs provide good conditions as late as the end of May and in June."

"Many of the peaks are highly accessible, and there are even many skiable peaks right beside the road."

Follow Joakim on his adventures

Explore the unmistakable landscape of Lyngen as captured by local ski touring enthusiast Joakim.

Discover Lyngen

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Ski touring in Lyngen

Lyngen Lodge

Lyngen Lodge offers a combination between relaxation and mountain and fjord based activities to suit individuals, families and groups. Read more

Lyngen Lodge

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Statens Kartverk, Geovekst og kommuner - Geodata AS

Getting here and around

Get in-depth travel information for Lyngen at Lyngenfjord’s official website.

By boat

There are plenty of Ski & sail tour operators in the area. Nearly all boats depart from Tromsø in the morning and return in the afternoon.

There are daily ferries between Tromsø and Lyngen, but the options may be limited in the evenings and during the weekends.
By car

Rent a car at the airport or in Tromsø city centre. Many accommodation providers also offer transfers to and from the airport.
By plane

The nearest airport is Tromsø Airport (TOS). There are several daily flights to and from Oslo, and a number of direct international routes. From the airport, it is a 1,5 - 2,5 hour drive to the main skiing locations.

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.

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Ski touring in Lyngen

Your arctic powder heaven

Joakim Dokka about Lyngen

Follow Joakim on his adventures

Discover Lyngen

Getting here and around

By boat

By car

By plane

Ski touring experiences

Safety in the mountains