Ski and Sail the Lyngen Alps

Included:

• • An experienced, IFMGA Mountain Guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  • 8-day sail & ski adventure in the Lyngen Alps (6 days of skiing)
  • Accommodation for 7 nights aboard a sailboat
  • All onboard food (breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner), hot beverages and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Professional skipper and chef
  • Standard offshore lifejacket and lifeline
  • Shore landings and tours with the dinghy
  • Bedding and towels
  • Fuel and all port dues

Not included:

• • Air fares to and from Tromsø
  • Transfer to the harbor and the boat
  • Personal gear and equipment
  • Food and beverages on the day of arrival until boarding
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Voice and data communication using onboard equipment
  • Travel and medical insurance

There are two types of ski & sail adventures in the Lyngen Alps that we offer—one caters to beginners (First-Timers), the other to those with backcountry skiing experience and advanced skiers (Sail & Ski in the Lyngen Alps).

Beginners who choose the first timers’ itinerary will follow a tailored itinerary that gradually increases in difficulty.

That said, most dates are reserved for more experienced skiers that should be able to tackle ascents from 4 to 9 km (2.5-5.6 mi), reaching peaks of 800 m to 1,500 m (2,625-4,920 ft) with slope angles mostly between 25-30 degrees, but sometimes up to 40 degrees in deep powder if you opt for gorges and the steeper lines.

Participants should feel comfortable on black level resort runs as skiing will be on glaciated terrain with variable snow conditions. Experience with sailing is not necessary.

Due to the terrain, location and length of this Norway ski tour, this adventure is predominantly for intermediate to advanced backcountry skiers. If you’re just starting out, we recommend heading out for some intro touring with a guide and gaining some backcountry experience. 

However, first-timers’ itinerary is also available and is open for those who have strong resort and some powder skiing experience, but have never tried ski touring. This itinerary is aimed at developing the skills and confidence needed to enjoy ski touring at the next level.

Clothing list

• • Wool or synthetic socks and liner socks
  • Long underwear top — synthetic or wool
  • Light fleece or wool sweater
  • Wind shell — nylon or ‘Schoeller’ type jacket
  • Waterproof breathable jacket
  • Warm insulated jacket — down or synthetic
  • Long underwear bottoms — synthetic or wool
  • Multipurpose stretch nylon or ‘Schoeller’ type pants
  • Waterproof breathable pants
  • Warm hat — wool or synthetic
  • Brimmed cap for sun protection
  • Face warmer — scarf, neck tube or balaclava (optional)
  • Light gloves — wool, synthetic or leather
  • Insulated gloves or mitts with waterproof outer shell
  • Spare gloves or mitts
  • Handkerchief for blocking the sun (optional)

Snow safety equipment

• • Avalanche beacon with good batteries (and spares)
  • Shovel
  • Probe (2.4m or longer preferred)

Travel equipment

• • Skis or split board
  • Ski strap
  • Ski or snowboard boots
  • Poles
  • Climbing skins
  • Skin wax (or a candle)
  • Ski crampons — mandatory
  • Binding repair kit to fix your personal travel setup
  • Ski helmet — optional

Personal equipment

• • Pack (30-40 litres)
  • Sunglasses (both orange and dark lenses help a lot for travel in all conditions)
  • Goggles (orange lenses)
  • Sunscreen and lip cream (SPF 30+)
  • Head lamp with good batteries
  • Insulated water bottle or thermos (1-2 L)
  • Lunch bag or container
  • Personal blister kit (e.g., Leukotape-P and Compeed/Second Skin blister pads)
  • Pocket knife — optional
  • Camera — optional, but recommended
  • Binoculars — optional

Glacier gear list

• • Harness — fitted for over your ski clothing
  • Locking carabiners (x2)
  • Non-locking carabiners (x2)
  • Prussik cord (5m x 6mm) —optional
  • Sewn sling (120cm) — optional
  • Lightweight ice axe — optional, don’t bring if you don’t have one or don’t like steep skiing

If you have any questions regarding the equipment list, feel free to contact us prior to booking.

All mandatory gear for sailing and skiing in Lyngen Alps can be rented if you don’t have your own. Your guides recommend Tromso Outdoor rentals.

The shop is barely a 5-minute walk from the harbour. The choice of gear is ample and it’s good quality. You will embark at 5 pm, so you can pick up the gear beforehand. Your guide can help you pick up the gear if you are not able to, but it’s best if you do it yourself and make sure that everything fits and suits your preferences.

It is recommended to bring your own boots (in cabin luggage if possible). Renting boots is not a good solution as chances are you’ll get blisters as the fit will not be the same as your own.

There’s also a supermarket and a pharmacy at a walking distance from the harbor.

Group sizes:

• • Small groups limited to 6 guests provide comfort, personalized attention and flexibility in the choice of landing spots / exploration or ski areas, and smoothness during embarking and disembarking.
  • Prices are per person in double bed cabins (2 persons). A single cabin (1 person) may be requested with a price surcharge.

Min. age requirements:

• • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  • Minors as young as 14 may be permitted to join private tours on a case-by-case basis.

If your group has skiers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

To get to your sailboat in Tromsø Harbor, fly into Tromsø Airport (TOS). Keep in mind that there are no direct flights to Tromso from the USA. Most international flights to Tromsø go via Oslo and there are likely direct flights from London-Gatwick, Oulu/ Luleå, Frankfurt, Copenhagen and Stockholm. Once you land in Tromsø, it takes about 10-20 minutes to get to the harbor. You can either…

• • Get a taxi
  • Take the express coach (Flybussen) — step off at Scandic Ishavshotel and walk 200 m (650 ft) to the harbor (this bus might be more comfortable than the regular bus if you’re carrying gear)
  • Take the bus no. 42 or 40 — 22-minute ride + 5-10 minute walk

The exact location of the Varuna boat may change on short notice. Prior to departure, you’ll receive a WhatsApp message from the crew with the exact location. Please keep in mind that the boat will not be ready to host you before 5pm, though you may drop off your luggage from 1pm onwards. Please contact the crew in advance if you plan on doing so or if you are delayed.

Should you need some last-minute gear or personal items, there’s a sports shop, a pharmacy, and a supermarket at a walking distance from the harbor.

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!