Lyngen Alps Skiing from a Sailing Boat in Arctic Norway
The Lyngen Alps are a range in Arctic Norway, east of Tromsø, where snow-covered summits drop straight into the fjords. We take you there in March, aboard a sailing boat reserved for your group: in the morning you skin up from the shore, and the descent brings you all the way back to the sea.
The boat moves to a new fjord while you are at dinner. By morning, a fresh face is waiting outside the porthole.
Where the Lyngen Alps lie
Most of the range sits on the Lyngen peninsula, in the county of Troms, well beyond the Arctic Circle, with the Ullsfjord to the west and the Lyngenfjord to the east. The highest summit, Jiehkkevárri, reaches 1,833 m according to Wikipedia, and the terrain is properly alpine: ridges, couloirs and small glaciers.
Everything begins in Tromsø. The boat leaves harbour for the Ullsfjord, then the Lyngenfjord and the heart of the range. In Lyngen the summit and the sea meet: you ski a face from top to bottom, right down to the fjord's edge, and the Zodiac brings you back on board.
March in the Lyngen Alps
We sail in March, for spring snow and the long northern light. After the polar winter the days lengthen quickly, and the low sun picks out every ridge well into the afternoon. On top, there is time to take in the fjord below before you drop in.
In Norway the avalanche bulletin is published daily by Varsom, and the weather forecast by Yr, Norway's public weather service. Our mountain professionals choose each day's objective according to the snow and weather on the day.
The level of skiing in Lyngen
This trip suits a strong ski tourer, self-reliant and at ease off-piste: technical level 3 out of 5. Expect three to six hours of skinning a day, depending on the objective, at the group's pace, with pauses to enjoy the view over the sea.
Lyngen offers wide, open faces for long, sweeping turns, and steeper slopes for those who want them.
Do I need to ski couloirs or steep terrain?
Level 3 out of 5 already opens up a wide choice of faces. Our mountain professionals match the objective to the group and the day's conditions, and a couloir remains an option for those who fancy one. </details>
Do I need ski touring experience?
Yes. Kick turns, several hours of skinning and descents in variable snow should all be second nature before you travel. If you are new to touring, tell us about your plans and we will suggest how best to prepare. </details>
Ski and sail in Norway: life aboard
The boat is your base camp, and it travels with you. It is reserved for your group: five double cabins, each with its own shower, seven nights aboard on full board, a saloon with wide windows facing the mountains, a bar, and a professional chef among the crew.
Breakfast comes with a view of the day's mountain. The Zodiac lands you on the shore, you click in, climb, then ski down to the sea. In the evening the group gathers at its table while the boat makes for the next anchorage, and talk turns to the line of the day.
Safety kit is provided: avalanche airbag pack, transceiver, shovel and probe. Our mountain professionals lead every outing and set the route according to the day's snow and weather.
How do I get to Tromsø?
Fly to Tromsø, arriving during the day on day one. Depending on your connections, a night in Oslo the evening before may be needed. Transfers in Tromsø and by Zodiac are included. </details>
How many days of skiing does the trip include?
Eight days in all, with five to six days of skiing and seven nights aboard on full board. The boat is reserved for your group for the whole week. </details>
At a glance
Where · Lyngen Alps, east of Tromsø, Arctic Norway
Getting there · fly to Tromsø, sometimes with a night in Oslo the evening before
Season · March, spring snow and long northern light
Level · 3 out of 5, a strong, self-reliant ski tourer at ease off-piste
Climbing · three to six hours of skinning a day, depending on the objective
Format · 8 days, 5 to 6 days of skiing, boat reserved for your group, 5 double cabins
Safety · avalanche airbag pack, transceiver, shovel and probe provided
Guiding · our mountain professionals
Your questions about the Lyngen Alps
Where exactly is Lyngen, Norway?
Lyngen, Norway lies in the county of Troms, east of Tromsø. The Lyngen Alps occupy most of the Lyngen peninsula, between the Ullsfjord and the Lyngenfjord, and their summits run right down to the fjords, so you can ski from summit to sea. </details>
Can you go Lyngen Alps skiing from a boat?
Yes, and that is the joy of it. The boat drops you at the foot of a face, meets you on the shore after the descent, then sails on to the next anchorage while you dine. You change fjords and your luggage stays in your cabin. </details>
When is the best time to go?
March, for spring snow and the long light that returns after the polar winter. Once there, our mountain professionals follow the Varsom avalanche bulletin and the Yr forecasts. </details>
Do I need my own avalanche kit?
The avalanche airbag pack, transceiver, shovel and probe are provided. Bring your touring skis, skins and mountain clothing. For the full list, just write to us. </details>
We take you ski touring in the Lyngen Alps aboard a sailing boat, in step with the fjords and the March light.
March 2027 is full, and bookings are open for March 2028. You will find the trip on our Lyngen Alps page, our other trips for ski touring in Norway, and, for more Arctic sailing, our article on backcountry skiing in Svalbard, from summit to sea. To reserve your place for March 2028, write to us through our contact page and we will reply within 24 hours.
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