Ski touring
Uphill + downhill = the best of both worlds
“The best thing about ski touring is that it gives you a combination of great outdoor experiences, a physical challenge when you ascend the mountain, and an exhilarating feeling when you ski downhill,” says Erlend Sande.
He is editor-in-chief of the Norwegian magazine Fri Flyt, which focuses on adrenaline-filled activities in nature. Ski touring has been a passion of his since he was about 17 years old.
“You get this amazing sense of accomplishment when you make your way to the top before you descend, all using nothing but raw human power,” he says.
You see, here in Norway you have to 'earn your turns', as they say in the ski touring community. There are no helicopters that take you to the top.
But do you want to know a secret?
Ski touring is actually achievable for most people. You just have to prepare yourself, learn how to make the trip as safe as possible, and get to know how to use the equipment.
If you want to start your ski touring dream, you can attend courses in several places in Norway. You also find excellent, certified guides who would love to take you on your first adventure.
What are you waiting for?
“A good place to start is Fjord Norway, with Sogndal, Stranda and Ørsta in the Sunnmøre region or Åndalsnes in the Northwest,” says Sande.
One of the reasons 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-packaged sail to ski tours that include boat trips to ski touring destinations.
There are also some amazing tours in Northern Norway.
Sande says that “people from all over the world dream of going skiing here.” Destinations such as Lyngen, Narvik, and the areas surrounding Lofoten, Vesterålen and Senja are the biggest hot spots. Many of them also offer sail to ski experiences.
Here, you get to ski under the Arctic sky …
… and maybe even under the northern lights.
If you want a remote and exclusive adventure – head to Svalbard!
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 the inland mountains 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.
“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," says Sande.
“And in spring, which is the dream season for downhill skiing, the days are longer and brighter!”
Erlend Sande has drawn up a list exciting top ski touring hot spots.
Check them out!