8 Days
Intermediate
7 people
English, Italian
Ski touring in Tromsø and the Lyngen Alps is one of the great classics of Arctic ski mountaineering, offering an extraordinary variety of landscapes and itineraries. With Tromsø as our base, we can reach in just one or two hours’ drive some of Norway’s most iconic touring areas — from the islands of Kvaløya and Ringvassøya to the mountains of Tromsø Fastland, and of course the legendary Lyngen Alps, famous for their dramatic peaks rising straight from the fjords.
This region offers an exceptional range of routes with different lengths, difficulties and exposures. We can climb well-known classics such as Fastdalstinden, Daltinden, Ullstinden, Stormheimfjellet and Storgalten, or head toward quieter, more secluded mountains in search of untouched snow and wild Arctic silence. With endless possibilities and ever-changing light, Tromsø and the Lyngen Alps deliver a ski touring experience that captures the true spirit of the far north.
Ski touring in Norway is the perfect choice for those who dream of skiing in the true northern wilderness and exploring one of the most iconic destinations of Scandinavia. Most of our tours start directly from sea level, or only slightly above it, and as we climb we are almost always rewarded with spectacular views over fjords shining with infinite reflections of Arctic light.
A typical day begins with breakfast in our accommodation, followed by a car transfer of about one hour. Once we put on the skins, we usually tackle 800–1,200 m of ascent (difficulty MS/BS), before descending back to our starting point.
Many of the peaks in the Tromsø and Lyngen Alps area carry names that evoke the world of the Vikings:
Tromsdalstinden – Tromsø’s “home mountain”, long if done as a traverse, faster and more direct from its south-east side. A true classic.
Buren – a wonderful tour on the island of Kvaløya, facing the ocean.
Istinden – often described as “the summit with the best view in Tromsø”. A demanding mountaineering tour in the Lyngen Alps, suitable only with stable snow and a well-prepared group.
Rema 1000 – despite its unusual supermarket name, it offers 1,000 meters of beautiful slopes, as does the nearby Nordfjellet, both on the east side of Ringvassøya.
Often, we start directly from the fjord and ski back all the way to the beach. Even if the last turns may not always offer perfect snow, removing your skis on the shoreline is something truly unforgettable.
Tromsø: Travel, Accommodation and Logistics
For our Ski Touring trip in Tromsø & the Lyngen Alps, we will stay in Tromsø, the “capital” of Northern Norway. Easily accessible with a 2-hour flight from Oslo, Tromsø is the largest city of the Arctic region (about 80,000 inhabitants) yet remains welcoming, lively and rich in culture. Its pedestrian-friendly center offers shops, pubs, restaurants and a charming waterfront.
As is typical for Norway, prices can be high and local cuisine limited, but specialities such as reindeer with cranberries, salmon and herring are excellent and worth trying together at a restaurant. To keep costs manageable and share time as a group, we will adopt the formula of self-managed dinners, preparing meals together in the lodge. Breakfast will be organized according to everyone’s preferences, while lunch will always be eaten in the mountains.
Tromsø’s supermarkets offer everything we may need, so there is no reason to bring food from abroad. Transfers will be done with our rented minivan, large enough for people and ski equipment.
Our Accommodation in Tromsø
We will stay at a lodge in Tromsdalen, the valley overlooking Tromsø, only a few minutes’ drive from the town center and also accessible by public transport. The lodge has three twin rooms with single beds, complete with linens and towels, a shared bathroom with shower, a fully equipped kitchen (stove, fridge, pans, dishes) and free Wi-Fi.
Daily Ski Routine
Our days typically start with a 7:30 a.m. wake-up, breakfast and departure from Tromsø around 8:00–8:30, depending on the destination. The closest tours are only 10–15 minutes away by car, while the farthest may require up to two hours — in these cases, we will leave earlier.
Ideally, we begin skiing around 9:00–9:30, finishing our tour in the afternoon. Once back in Tromsø, there is time to relax, freshen up and enjoy an aperitif either at the lodge or in one of the many bars in the city center. Dinner usually takes place between 19:00 and 20:00, after which anyone who wants can enjoy a pleasant evening walk under the Arctic sky.
The leading Guide is a fully certified UIAGM/IFMGA Montain Guide.
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 in Tromso, according to the flight arrival times. Transfer to our home in Tromso. In the evening, welcome aperitif, briefing on safety and organization of the tour.
Ski mountaineering trip. The destinations of the trips will be decided by the Alpine Guide who will take into account the weather and snow conditions of the moment, the abilities of the individuals and the requests of the group. As many trips as possible will be carried out, usually 6 trips, one per day. In the event that safety, for reasons of snow, weather or any other nature, should not be within the standard parameters, the Alpine Guide will cancel the trip and propose a tourist alternative, if possible.
Departures from Tromso airport, in accordance with the individual participants' flight schedules.
On request
Meeting the 22nd of March in Tromso
Basic ski touring/mountaineering equipment required. In particular, warm clothing is recommended to be able to stay outside 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. You should also have previous ski touring experience. On all our programs snowboarders and telemarkers are welcome.
The technical organization is handled by our partner Agenzia Spada Viaggi.
As for the purchase of flights, we will put you directly in contact with the Spada Viaggi Agency that will be able to follow and support you in a professional and exhaustive manner, coordinating your needs with those of all the participants in the trip.
The purchase of the flight through our partner agency gives the right, free of charge, to insurance coverage in the event of cancellation and injury/illness.