Ski touring

Uphill + downhill = the best of both worlds

Ski touring in the Lyngen Alps .
Photo: Visit Lyngenfjord

“The best thing about ski touring, is that it gives you a combination of great outdoor experiences, a physical challenge when you ascend a mountain and an exhilarating feeling when you ski downhill”, says Erlend Sande.

He is editor-in-chief of the Norwegian magazine Fri Flyt, focusing on adrenaline-filled activities in nature. Ski touring has been a passion of his since he was about 17 years old.

Ski touring in Northern Norway .
Photo: Lars Mathisen / Visit Tromsø

“You get this amazing sense of accomplishment when you make your way to the top before you descend, using nothing but raw human power”, he says.

Ski touring in Myrkdalen .
Photo: Sverre F. Hjørnevik

You see, here in Norway you have to earn your turns, as the ski touring community says. There are no helicopters taking you to the top.

Ski touring to Nyheitind .
Photo: Einar Engdal / Visit Northwest

From glaciated peaks rising directly from the Arctic seas to breathtaking fjordscapes and remote alpine summits – ski touring is a thrilling way to discover the untamed Norwegian nature during winter. It is, however, called an extreme sport for a reason.

Safety first

So, before we talk about all the amazing places you can go ski touring, it is crucial to cover the most important aspect of this activity: how to make it home in one piece.

The rule is simple: don’t go ski touring by yourself without any experience. Join a pre-packed tour with guides that help you find the right equipment and show you how to use it. They will also choose routes based on your skills, the weather and avalanche risks.

“To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, you also have to be in a good physical condition and have experience from downhill skiing in varied and difficult terrain”, Sande explains.

He says that people who plan to embark on ski touring adventures should be active throughout the year to ensure they’re fit for fight.

H.R.H Crown Prince Haakon is a big fan of friluftsliv and the outdoors, and he has some advice for you as well.

As the Crown Prince states, you should always check the avalanche risk when ski touring. Use varsom.no or the Varsom app, which is available in several languages.

Equipment is also crucial when ski touring, and Sande highlights the importance of knowing how to dress and pack smart.

“In addition to the mandatory avalanche equipment, I would highly recommend you bring hot drinks, spare mittens and a bivouac sack for shelter in case of emergencies,” Sande adds.

Our safety for ski tourers page will tell you all about what to bring and what to wear.

Note that seasoned ski tourers should also join guided tours if they visit an area for the first time. You see, in Norway, the conditions can vary from one side of the mountain to another, and the weather changes quickly.

Well, now that you’re up to date on what you need to know before you go ski touring – it’s time to get inspired!

Where to go ski touring in Norway

What’s so great about ski touring here, is that you don’t have to climb insanely difficult mountains to have a good time.

“There are trips for all levels in the most popular ski touring areas,” says Sande, who regularly goes ski touring with his kids, who are 10 and 13 years old.

He has also co-written a book for Fri Flyt called “Safer ski touring in Norway”, showcasing recommended skiing routes. So it's safe to say Sande knows a thing or two about where you should go ski touring in Norway.

10 rules of conduct for skiers and snowboarders

1. Do not put yourself or others in harm’s way.

2. Adjust your speed according to skills, terrain and conditions.

3. Respect your duty to yield to skiers and snowboarders in front of you.

4. Always leave room for voluntary/involuntary movements when you pass another skier or snowboarder.

5. When you ski into or upwards a slope, make sure to yield to others.

6. Do not stop or sit down in areas that are narrow or obstructed from view.

7. Use the outer edges of the slope when you move around on foot.

8. Always follow signs, markings and directions.

9. Everyone is obliged to assist in the event of an accident or injury.

10. All witnesses (responsible party or not) are obliged to leave their contact information at the scene of an accident.

Source: skialo.com

“A good place to start is Fjord Norway, with Sogndal, Stranda and Ørsta in the Sunnmøre region or Åndalsnes in Northwest”, Sande tells.

One of the reasons why Fjord Norway is so popular is that you get the sea to summit experience. We’re talking winter views of the epic fjords!

You can also join pre-packed “sail to ski” tours that include boat trips to ski touring destinations.

Skiing in Luster, Fjord Norway .
Photo: Sverre Hjørnevik / www.fjordnorway.com

The same goes for Northern Norway.

Sande says that “people from all over the world dream to go skiing here” and destinations such as Lyngen, Narvik and the areas surrounding Lofoten, Vesterålen and Senja are the hot spots. Many of them also offer “sail to ski” experiences.

Winter in Senja, Northern Norway .
Photo: Kristin Folsland Olsen / Visitnorway.com

Here, you get to ski under the Arctic sky …

Ski touring in Narvikfjellet .
Photo: Rune Dahl

… and maybe even under the northern lights.

If you want a remote and exclusive adventure – head to Svalbard!

Ski touring under the northern lights .
Photo: Lars Mathisen / Visit Tromsø

Ski touring is not only about panoramic views of the coastline though. You can also explore the inland mountains, for instance in the Gudbrandsdalen valley (video) or in the Jotunheimen mountains.

Sande describes this area as “a world of its own, with glaciers and staggering peaks.”

Inland skiing is also popular in Hemsedal, the Rondane Mountains and several other destinations in Eastern Norway.

Ski touring in Gudbrandsdalen .
Photo: Nasjonalparkriket

“What’s so great about ski touring in Norway, is that we have beautiful and accessible mountains scattered all around the country.

In addition, the terrain is actually easier compared to destinations such as the Alps “, Sande explains.

“And in spring, which is the dream season for downhill skiing, the days are longer and brighter!”

Ski touring in Jotunheimen .
Photo: Martin Andersen

What more can you ask for?

Read up on safety for ski tourers
and plan your next ski adventure!

Ski touring to Melsnipa .
Photo: Siri Tautra

10 rules of conduct for skiers and snowboarders

1. Do not put yourself or others in harm’s way.

2. Adjust your speed according to skills, terrain and conditions.

3. Respect your duty to yield to skiers and snowboarders in front of you.

4. Always leave room for voluntary/involuntary movements when you pass another skier or snowboarder.

5. When you ski into or upwards a slope, make sure to yield to others.

6. Do not stop or sit down in areas that are narrow or obstructed from view.

7. Use the outer edges of the slope when you move around on foot.

8. Always follow signs, markings and directions.

9. Everyone is obliged to assist in the event of an accident or injury.

10. All witnesses (responsible party or not) are obliged to leave their contact information at the scene of an accident.

Source: skialo.com

Popular ski touring destinations

Featured

Ski touring destinations

Fjord Norway

If you are into ski touring, you have every reason to visit the fjords in western Norway in late winter and spring. Find your fjord destination and go… Read more

Fjord Norway

Jotunheimen

Alpine terrain, cloud-capped peaks and untouched runs await in Scandinavia’s most mountainous region Jotunheimen – the home of the giants. Read more

Jotunheimen

Lofoten, Vesterålen and Senja

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

Lofoten, Vesterålen and Senja

Lyngen

Dominated by amazing peaks and surrounded by crystal-clear waters, Lyngen is a truly breathtaking destination to experience summit-to-sea ski touring. Read more

Lyngen

Narvik

Imagine standing on an Arctic peak admiring the view. Then, fasten your skis and cruise all the way down to the fjord. Read more

Narvik

Three people ski touring at Mount Hoven in Loen in Nordfjord, Fjord Norway

Nordfjord and the Sognefjord area

With grand fjord views and some thirty summits to choose from, the mountains in the Sognefjord and Nordfjord areas offer terrific potential for… Read more

Nordfjord and the Sognefjord area

Nordmøre and Romsdal

Located in the fjord area of western Norway, Nordmøre is ideal for a ski touring challenge in some of most scenic terrain the country has to… Read more

Nordmøre and Romsdal

Sunnmøre and Hjørundfjord

Combine unique skiing adventures with beautiful alpine mountains and idyllic fjordscapes in Sunnmøre. Read more

Sunnmøre and Hjørundfjord

Svalbard

Positioned 1,300 kilometres south of the North Pole, Svalbard is no doubt one of Norway’s most exotic and challenging destinations for a ski… Read more

Svalbard