8 Days
Intermediate
8 people
English, Italian
Lofoten Ski & Sail is an epic experience that takes you deep into the wild beauty of the Far North, where ski touring meets the magic of traveling by sailboat. Here, between sea, mountains and sky, you will ski in some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes, moving each day aboard a comfortable and charming sailing vessel that becomes your floating basecamp.
The Lofoten Islands
In northern Norway, between Bodø and Harstad, a chain of islands stretches 160 km into the ocean, forming a dramatic arc of sharp peaks and rugged ridgelines. The Lofoten Islands offer a unique playground for ski mountaineers: steep couloirs, exposed ridges, wide slopes and routes for every level, all surrounded by the raw beauty of the Arctic.
From the summit of Geitgallien, the view opens toward the Austnesfjorden and the vast ocean beyond, blending deep blue water, bright white snow and sculpted rock faces. Between late February and early April, the long Arctic nights can explode with the colors of the Northern Lights. The aurora requires three elements: darkness, clear skies and a bit of patience—and when all three align, the show is simply unforgettable.
With ascents starting almost from sea level, descents that end on the beach and a sailboat guiding you from fjord to fjord, Lofoten Ski & Sail is a journey that blends adventure, exploration and emotion in one of the most iconic environments on Earth.
During the Ski & Sail expedition in the Lofoten Islands, the sailboat becomes our mobile basecamp, allowing us to reach secluded bays, small harbors and valleys that can only be accessed by sea. Every day we disembark directly onto beaches or small docks, where our ski tours begin. The daily ascents typically range between 800 and 1,200 meters, with slope angles that vary depending on the itinerary—ranging from wide, mellow slopes to steep, technical lines characteristic of Arctic ski mountaineering.
Classic routes include iconic peaks such as Geitgallien, Trolltinden, Rundfjellet, Keipen, and several smaller mountains that drop straight into the fjords. The coastal exposure means snow conditions can be variable but often excellent: cold powder in mid-winter, compact spring snow later in the season, and rapid changes that require careful daily evaluation of weather, wind and avalanche conditions.
Onboard the sailboat, you will find comfortable cabins, a heated interior, a common lounge area, a fully equipped kitchen and everything needed to live several days at sea. Every evening we navigate to a new bay and choose the best objective for the next day based on the latest conditions.
After the trip, upon return we will be welcomed on board with a snack and we will be able to shower and rest.
One of the magical moments of this holiday will be in the late afternoon when, sailing from destination to destination, we will be able to enjoy the unforgettable landscapes of the Norwegian Fjords, during the golden hour and the sunsets overlooking the sea.
You will enjoy the dinner in a calm and sheltered place where you can spend a beautiful evening.
Stella Ocean-A is a two-masted Ketch-type sailing ship, characterized by an elegant and refined design. She flies the Norwegian flag and is a certified passenger vessel with classification 1c, which means she can navigate in ice up to 50 cm thick. These characteristics mean that Stella Oceana sails in a stable, slow and regular way, ideal for enjoying the fjords and islands of the Arctic, also reaching remote and unusual areas, not always accessible to ships of similar or larger dimensions.
Stella Ocean-A is the most spacious sailing boat in Arctic Norway. There are 2 exterior decks and a large interior lounge with high ceilings and windows. With only 8 guests on a 100 foot (30 m) yacht, space is guaranteed for everyone, and with maximum comfort.
And on the bow deck there is the hot tub, a Finnish tub, suitable for regenerating after a day of skiing. But can you imagine how pleasant it is to immerse yourself in hot water while it’s snowing or sip a drink under the sky streaked by the dancing light of the Northern Lights, inside the Finnish tub?
You should be able to ski on black runs, on all types of snow. On all our programs snowboarders and telemarkers are welcome.
Recommended gear includes ski touring equipment with skins, ski crampons, boot crampons, a light ice axe, avalanche safety kit (beacon–shovel–probe) and technical clothing suitable for Arctic environments. The efficiency of the boat-based logistics allows us to maximize skiing time and exploration, transforming each day into the perfect blend of skiing, sailing and Arctic wilderness.
For all the organization of your flights, for insurance, and for any other travel service, we advise you to refer to the Travel Agency which takes care of the technical organization of our adventure trips, and of which we will give you the references in the your request.
The leading Guide is a fully certified IFMGA Montain Guide.
You can book this activity in any date/dates within the availability periods. We tailor your experience to meet your every need, from your fitness level to your skiing ability.
Don’t hesitate to contact us for any other question/information.
We will meet near Harstad/Narvik airport on the morning of March 17, 2024. We will transfer to the Stella Oceana, which will be anchored in a fjord not far from the airport. Once on board, there will be a welcome aperitif, briefings on safety and organization on board, followed by dinner and a night on board
Ski mountaineering and sailing trip. The sailing ship will sail along the southern coast of the Lofoten Islands following the best possible route taking into account sea and mountain conditions, according to the Captain's decisions in coordination with the Mountain Guide. During the route, as many trips as possible will be carried out (usually 6 trips, one per day), taking into account the weather and snow conditions of the moment.
Disembarkation in the morning near Harstad/Narvik airport, at times compatible with your return flights.
On request
Meeting on the morning of March 17th near Harstad/Narvik airport (Evenens, you can get there by stopping over in Oslo).
Basic ski touring/mountaineering equipment required. In particular, warm clothing is recommended to be able to stay on the deck of the sailing ship and enjoy the view and the possible Northern Lights. Although the trips normally do not generally require a harness, ice ax and crampons, we recommend bringing them as they can sometimes be useful for climbing the last ridge or short steep slopes below the summit.
You should be able to ski on black runs, on all types of snow. On all our programs snowboarders and telemarkers are welcome.
For all the organization of your flights, for insurance, and for any other travel service, we advise you to refer to the Travel Agency which takes care of the technical organization of our adventure trips, and of which we will give you the references in the your request.
Member Since 2023
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