Lofoten Ski Touring (Norway)
Peaks that rise straight out of the sea, descents that end at the water and, with luck, the northern lights after dinner. Nine days of ski touring in Lofoten above the Arctic Circle, based in Svolvær, with easy to medium tours and plenty of time for the islands’ fishing villages.
| Duration | 9 days, 5 ski days plus a reserve day |
| Season | February to April |
| Price | On request |
| Level | Easy to medium tours, good for confident intermediate ski tourers |
| Daily ascent | About 800 m, up to around 1,100 m |
| Time on skis | About 6 hours per day |
| Base | Hotel in Svolvær, double rooms, breakfast and dinner |
| Meeting point | Harstad/Narvik Airport (EVE) |
| Minimum age | 18 |
Ski touring in Lofoten
Lofoten lies inside the Arctic Circle, but the Gulf Stream keeps the climate mild for its latitude while the mountains still collect plenty of snow. Most tours start close to sea level, so even modest summits give long, scenic descents.
The tours are easy to medium in difficulty, which makes this one of the best trips for skiers who want big scenery without very steep terrain. Rest days go to Nusfjord, the Lofotr Viking Museum and the islands’ fishing history.
Highlights
- Descents that finish at the sea
- Geitgaljen (1,085 m), the highest tour of the week
- Northern lights on clear evenings
- Nusfjord fishing village and the Lofotr Viking Museum
- Fresh fish and seafood every evening
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival. Pick-up at Harstad/Narvik airport and the drive to Svolvær.
Day 2 – Around Svolvær. Gear check and a short tour on Blåtinden (621 m) near town.
Day 3 – Geitgaljen (1,085 m). A full day on the highest peak of the week.
Day 4 – Himmeltinden (931 m). A shorter or longer tour as the group prefers. Possible visit to the Second World War museum.
Day 5 – Rest day. A free day or a short tour, and a visit to the Lofotr Viking Museum in Borg.
Day 6 – Rundfjellet (803 m). A full ski touring day above the fjords.
Days 7–8 – Reserve day and Nusfjord. A spare day for bad weather or an extra tour, and a visit to the fishing village of Nusfjord. Farewell dinner.
Day 9 – Departure. Drive back to Narvik and flights home.
Price includes
- Guiding
- Hotel accommodation with breakfast and dinner
- All local transfers
Price excludes
- Flights
- Lunches and drinks
- Travel and health insurance
- Museum entrance fees
- Personal equipment
Who is this tour for?
Ski tourers with a few seasons behind them who want spectacular scenery and moderate terrain. Good for couples and groups of friends with mixed ability.
Equipment
Bring full ski touring gear: skis or splitboard with skins, touring boots, poles, helmet and avalanche safety equipment (beacon, shovel, probe). An avalanche airbag is recommended. Rental gear can be arranged if you book at least 21 days ahead. Shop ski touring equipment or see which destination fits which month.
Frequently asked questions
From February to April. March and April bring longer days and more settled snow; February has the best chance of northern lights.
Easy to medium. Expect about 800 m of ascent and around six hours out per day, on mostly open slopes.
Harstad/Narvik Airport (EVE), usually via Oslo. From there we drive to Svolvær.
It depends on the sky and solar activity, but Lofoten is one of the best places in Europe to see them, and we watch for clear nights.
The price depends on group size and dates. Send us an enquiry and we will reply with an exact offer.
See all guided ski tours · When to go ski touring: month by month
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