Our trip to the island of Senja allows us to explore the numerous coastal summits on this pristine island. Senja lies between Narvik and Tromsø in Troms county. Senja has many sharp alpine looking summits, which allow skiing straight from the summits to the sea. Most of the summits are easily accessible and are below 1000 metres making for an ideal location for short day tours.
Senja is a popular destination in the winter for ski touring, ice and mixed climbing. However, with plenty of options for skiing and relatively short days, it is rarely busy and despite the coastal climate Senja enjoys reliable snow conditions.
Full information
The mountains on Senja are generally under the 1000 metre mark, in fact most are 800-980 metres, with the highest summit of Breitind reaching 1017m. The coastal mountains often have steep east facing sides, and where located on narrow peninsulars, are surrounded by the sea. Many of the summits have near to 360 degree views of the sea and summits such as Keipen, Storm, Store Hesten and Kvænan are renowned for their marvellous views.
Snow conditions are reliable with powder and spring snow conditions depending on the prevailing conditions of the season. The optimal time for ski touring is from February to May. Early in the season the smaller objectives are logical given the shorter daylight hours, while later in May there can be exceptional spring skiing in the midnight sun on transformed snow.
Senja has always been a popular destination during our Kvaløya trips, having been frequently visited as a day trip. Due to the coastal climate, conditions do vary, but with the second largest land mass of any island in Norway there is frequently the opportunity to ski on a different part if the island to seek out the best snow.
This trip is based from a comfortable hotel Hamn i Senja, a short distance west of Hamnvika. Situated on the western side of the island this allows us to travel by vehicle capitalising on the excellent road network around the fjords. Many of the days are shorter in terms of vertical distance than we are used to in the alps, giving plenty of time for another lap or descents of the many variations available. Later in the season ascents will often be timed to get the best 'spring snow' on sunny aspects, but rarely is there the need for a 5am start in the Arctic Circle.
There are 8 places available on this trip, who will divide into 2 smaller groups for each day on the hill. This is done on a daily basis depending on the prevailing snow and weather conditions, and the group's aspirations. This trip is guaranteed to run with a minimum of 1.
In order to provide a unique experience and make the best of you time in the Arctic Circle, we have created a Senja Team. These trips will be led by an IFMGA Mountain Guide and BASI ISTD Ski Instructor. Of course a big part of experience in Arctic Norway is allowing yourself to take a steadier pace while soaking up the surroundings, and we will be well looked after off the mountain at our hotel.
- 6 x days guiding with an IFMGA Mountain Guide and BASI ISTD Ski Instructor.
- 7 x days accommodation (double or twin room with en-suite facilities) and food on full board basis (inc. packed lunch).
- Single rooms are available for a supplement.
- Transfer to and from Tromsø.
- All transport during the trip (including additional costs such as ferries).
- Avalanche safety equipment if required.
- Flights to and from Tromsø.
- Alcohol (This is expensive in Norway and is best purchased at duty free).
- Ski touring equipment. Please read the kit list here.
- Insurance for cancellation, rescue, repatriation and medical expenses.
Single room supplement £455 per person for 7 nights (subject to availability) .
This trip would suit intermediate ski tourers, who consider themselves to be Level 2:
“I like to undertake classic ski tours whether it be to reach a summit or col. I aim to average around 800 – 1000 metres of ascent per day, over the 6 days of ski touring. I can manage some days that are over 1000 metres, but would then balance this out with a slightly easier day. My stamina is such that I can ascend at a rate of around 300 metres per hour for 3 to 4 hours, with short breaks to refuel. I am comfortable ascending steeper slopes and have an effective way to get around corners, but equally recognise there is room for improvement. I am effective skiing off-piste on slopes up to 30 degrees in all conditions, although crust and tight trees can be challenging. I occasionally ski steeper slopes when conditions are favourable. In both ascent and descent there are times when I could be more efficient and I embrace coaching in this. I like to be stretched occasionally.” Check out our Norway Performance Levels.
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.
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 Senja by road and ferry, crossing the island of Kvaløya. An alternative exists purely by road via Finnsnes. Total journey time is around 3.0 hours.
1900: 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.
1930: Dinner. These trips are catered on a full board basis.
Day 1 - 6 Ski touring on Senja
The main aim of the programme will be to do day ski tours on the island of Senja. There are a wide variety of mountains available on the island 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 Hamn i Senja.
1715: Tea & Cake (Fika)
1900: Dinner
Objectives may include summits such as Keipen (938m), Stormoa (975m), Store Hesten (874m), Kvænan (964m).
Departure Day
0730 departure from Senja to arrive in Tromsø by 1200. Transfer to Tromsø (TOS), and departure.
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