The Kåfjord Alps, Skjervøy and Nordreisa offer a variety of superb arctic ski touring summits that plunge into the sea. The mainland summits in Kåfjord and the municipality of Nordreisa provide varied ski touring over looking Lyngenfjorden. There is also easy access to Skjervøy and the islands of Kågen and Uløya.
A ski touring trip to Kåfjord - Nordreisa allows us to explore an area which has the reputation of reliable snow conditions, while also accessing the surrounding islands which often receive heavy snow.
Kåfjord lies to the east of the Lyngen Peninsula giving fantastic skiing and scenery high above the fjord. These mountains are a justifiably popular ski touring destination. We are centrally placed just north of Olderdalen, allowing us to travel to Skjervøy, Nordreisa and surrounding islands, using the excellent road and ferry network.
Full information
The mountains here rise up to around 1000m and the parabolic western slopes give the feeling of skiing straight to the sea. Summits with reliable snow conditions include the summits of Sorbmegaisa 1288m, Storhaugen 1142m, and Giilavarri 1163m. Nearby mountains on the island of Uløya and Kågen include Kjelvågtinden 1080m (which can be traversed) and the impressive summit of Store Kågtinden 1228m.
Some 300km inside the Arctic Circle the snow conditions are reliable. Being surrounded by sea means that many of the islands receive good quantities of snow, while the conditions may be slightly drier to the east of Lyngenfjorden. Our stunning location near Olderdalen allow us move to make the best of the fluctuating temperatures in different weather systems.
Kåfjord - Nordreisa area is a justifiably popular ski touring area which we would otherwise visit fleetingly travelling to and from Arnøya. We will be basing our trip from cabins close to the shoreline near Olderdalen. As a common thread to our trips we will once again travel by vehicle capitalising on the excellent road network around the fjords, with short distances between ski tours. This allows great flexibility to make best use of the prevailing weather or simply to visit the neighbouring islands of Kågen and Uløya.
The highest summits are around 1200 metres and provide plenty of ascent and descent for those of modest fitness, often with the option of a bonus lap if conditions and energy levels allow.
In order to provide a unique experience and make the best of you time in the Arctic Circle, we have created a Kåfjord - Nordreisa Team. These trips will be led by a dual Ski Instructor and IFMGA Mountain Guide team giving the benefits of both high quality guiding and ski instruction, not to mention enthusiasm for Arctic Norway and the magical skiing the Kåfjord - Nordreisa area offers.
Having an informal but dual discipline team brings flexibility as well as ensuring plenty of ski coaching or guiding time as appropriate. Of course a big part of experience in Arctic Norway is allowing yourself to take a steadier pace while soaking up the surroundings. We have enlisted the services of a chef and catering manager, to ensure we return to a hearty home cooked meal after a day of ski touring.
We always receive a warm welcome to our cabins, which are situated metres from the sea, with breath taking views across to the Lyngen Alps. While enjoying breakfast you may see an otter swimming by or sea eagles overhead.
There are a maximum of 6 places available on this trip. Having 2 staff on the trip gives flexibility to divide into small groups on the hill should we wish to do so. This trip is guaranteed to run with a minimum of 1.
- 6 x days guiding with IFMGA Mountain Guide.
- Additional input BASI ISTD Ski Instructor.
- 7 x nights accommodation (double or twin rooms with shared facilities) and food on full board basis (inc. packed lunch) near Olderdalen.
- All transport during the trip (including additional costs such as ferries).
- Use of avalanche transceiver, harness, axe and crampons on request.
- Travel to and from Tromsø.
- Transfer to and from Tromsø Airport to Clarion Edge (There is a regular shuttle bus).
- Alcohol (This is expensive in Norway and is best purchased at duty free).
- Ski touring equipment. Due to this being a specialist trip joining in Tromsø we won’t have extra equipment available. If you have any equipment requirements then please contact us. Please read the kit list here.
- Insurance for cancellation, rescue, repatriation and medical expenses.
All places are based on sharing a twin room with shared facilities. There are no single rooms available on this trip.
A trip to Kåfjord - Nordreisa would suit experienced ski tourers. The ability to ski off piste and cope most snow conditions is essential for this area, and slopes of approximately 35 degrees are likely to be encountered. Ascents of up to 1000-1100m per day are fairly typical. We ask that you are comfortable skinning uphill at a rate of 300m per hour. Please feel free to get in touch if you would like to discuss any aspect of your ski ability or for advice on your preparation. We have weeks that would suit most Level 2 and 3skiers. For more information check out our Norway Performance Levels.
This is a sample programme, which may vary considerably. The exact programme will
depend on the prevailing weather and snow conditions (which can be changeable due to the
maritime influence), group experience and aspirations.
Arrival Day:
Arrive in Tromsø (TOS) and self-transfer to Clarion Edge Hotel ,Tromsø.
1500: Meet IFMGA Mountain Guide at Clarion Edge Hotel. Journey to Kåfjord by road and
ferries, crossing the Lyngen Penisula. Total journey time is around 2.5 hours.
1830: Pre-course meeting to introduce Off Piste Performance staff, the area, as well as
review weather and avalanche conditions. We will also carry out a kit check and discuss
rescue and emergency procedures.
Guidebooks and maps will be available to give an overview of the area along with suitable
objectives for the week. We will also discuss aims and aspirations to accommodate these
during the week.
1900: Dinner. These trips are catered on a full board basis. Dinner will be cooked by our
catering manager and we will all eat together in the guests cabin.
Day 1 - 6 Ski touring around Kåfjord and Nordreisa
The main aim of the programme will be to do day ski tours around Kåfjord and Nordreisa.
There are a wide variety of mountains available in these areas which are easily accessible by
road. “Ski to the sea” opportunities abound with reliable snow cover.
A short practical session on avalanche rescue procedures is likely to take place at the start of
these days, as a short refresher or introduction to the subject.
Objectives and associated timings for each day will be chosen and scheduled to meet the
weather, avalanche conditions, aims and aspirations of the groups.
A typical day is likely to have the following format:
0730: Breakfast
0830: Briefing
0900: Departure
1600-1700: Return to our base at Olderdalen.
1715: Tea & Cake (Fika)
1900: Dinner
Objectives may include summits such as Kjelvågtinden (1104m), Uløytinden (1116m),
Storhaugen (1142m), Sorbmegaisa 1288m, and Giilavarri 1163m.
Departure Day:
0730 departure from Olderdalen to arrive in Tromsø by 1200. Transfer to
Tromsø (TOS), and departure.
Additional information can be found in the links below:
Testimonials
Gallery
