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 warnings before you go ski touring. Get the latest forecast on varsom.no or in the Varsom app, which is available in English.

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.

Avalanche safety

Each year avalanches in Norwegian mountains kill an average of five people, and most of them are ski tourers. Foreign visitors are overrepresented in these figures.

1. Take a course to learn more about avalanches, avalanche terrain, and the avalanche hazard rating, even if you are not going to navigate through avalanche terrain.

2. Be aware that you can be caught in an avalanche in flat terrain. An avalanche usually turns out to be three times as long as the vertical drop of the slope where it is released.

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

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

5. Download the REGOBS-app from App store or Android store. With REGOBS, you can share and access information about local conditions with other people, as well as download an offline inclination map.

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

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

“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

Erlend Sande has gathered some exciting top ski touring hot spots.

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