(Photo courtesy of Lyngen Lodge)
The Lyngen Alps are an amazing natural landscape. Located in northern Norway well within the Arctic Circle this is a stunning area of remote islands, fjords and mountains. From February until May this is a fantastic playground for adventure skiing where you can ski direct to summit from sea level. With hundreds of ski summits to choose from there are endless options for groups of adventurous ski tourers.
For 2011 we are offering the choice of either a land- or sea-based (Ski & Sail) holiday - 7 days accommodation with 6 days guided ski touring with one of our team of UIAGM Mountain Guides. Maximum group size is 6.
The land-based holiday is based at the renowned Lyngen Lodge. Although the lodge has only been opened for a few years it has already established itself as ‘the’ place to stay, a relaxed and very comfortable base right on the shore of Lyngen Fjord. The perfect location from which to explore this wonderful area.
The sea-based holiday is run in conjunction with Boreal Yachting, and your home for the week is a modern and comfortable 45ft yacht that is fully kitted out for winter sailing in arctic conditions. In addition to the skiing, each member of the team will share the responsibilities for crewing the boat and help with anchoring, sailing, helming, preparing and cooking food!
Availability for these trips is very limited (see below) and are offered for ready-made groups only. If you and your ski mates (max group size=6) want to experience one of the world's most scenic and pristine ski environments, sign up NOW by contacting chris on 020 8123 2978 or emailing him at chris@mountaintracks.co.uk
Lyngen Lodge Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Tromso. You will be collected at the airport and transfer by road for the 2½ hour journey to the lodge. You’ll have time to settle in before your welcome meeting and briefing with the guide followed by dinner.
Day 2 – 7
6 days of ski touring. You can either ski directly from the lodge or you’ll be transported on the lodge’s private boat, ‘the Spirit of Lyngen’ (or by 4x4 or skidoo) to a new area where you’ll climb and ski amongst the spectacular peaks before returning by boat to the lodge in the late afternoon.
Day 8
Transfer back to the airport for return flight.
(Photo courtesy of Lyngen Lodge)
A typical day at Lyngen Lodge
Breakfast is at 7.30am (continental breakfast buffet). Climb aboard the boat for a short journey (up to 1 hour) to the trailhead for today’s ski tour which starts right from the shoreline. Packed lunch is enjoyed on the summit. Return to the boat and travel back to the lodge. You’ll usually be back in time for afternoon tea at about 4.30pm. Relax in the sauna or hut tub before evening meal which is served from 7.30pm – a veritable feast of fresh local produce. Relax around the lodge.
Boreal Yachting Sea & Sail Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Tromso. You will be collected at the airport and transferred to your boat which will be moored in the town’s harbour. Meet your skipper and get acquainted with the vessel including safety features. This will be followed by dinner on board. After dinner you’ll set sail for the first ski area.
Day 2 – 7
6 days of ski touring from the boat. At the end of day 7 you’ll return to Tromso harbour for the last night on board the board and an opportunity for some sightseeing around Tromso.
Day 8
Transfer back to the airport for return flight.
A typical day on the Boreal Yachting Ski & Sail holiday
Rise at 7 for a nutritious Norwegian breakfast. Transfer to land and enjoy a full day’s touring with picnic lunch. Rendez-vous with the skipper at about 4.00pm and transfer back to the boat. For those who fancy it, a quick dip in the arctic waters is a great way to freshen up! Apres-ski drinks, shower, evening meal and relax with a beer, watch a film, read the maps for tomorrow’s adventures before heading to bed and falling asleep to the gentle roll of the waves!
General information – applicable for both trips
Skills & Stamina
Previous ski touring experience (using skins) and good off-piste ability are essential. There are no lifts here and so you need to skin up to gain altitude. Most days will have 1200-1500m of elevation gain.
More about the terrain
The average summit heights are between 1000m to 1400m although it does go up to over 1800m at the highest point, Jiehkkevarriat (1834m). The terrain is mostly wide open slopes with typical gradient of 25-30 degrees although much steeper terrain is also available. Some excellent tree skiing.
Equipment
Alpine touring equipment with skins and avalanche safety equipment. Crampons, ski crampons, ice-axe and harscheisen are not required unless you want to do some ice-climbing – for which there are excellent conditions in February & March. Lyngen Lodge can supply all ski equipment but there is no ski hire on the Ski & Sail holiday and so for this trip you need to bring all your own gear.
Group Size
Lyngen Lodge – 6 with 1 UIAGM guide
Ski & Sail Boreal Yachting – 5 with UIAGM 1 guide
Price and Availability
Lyngen Lodge - £2,995 per person
26 February – 5 March, 2 - 9 April and 7-14 May
Ski & Sail Boreal Yachting - £2,295 per person
5-12 March, 23-30 April, 30 April-7 May, 7-14 May,
What is included in the price of the trip?
- 7 nights full-board accommodation (with breakfast, lunch and evening meal)
- 6 days ski touring with UIAGM Mountain Guide
- Costs of local transfers (on Lyngen Lodge trip where part of scheduled itinerary)
- Return airport transfers (from Tromso airport)
What is not included in the price of the trip?
- Flights or transport to Tromso - Flights from London cost from £230 per person. There are a few direct flights from London with Norwegian Airlines (www.norwegian.com) otherwise you’ll have to go via Oslo or another hub.
- Ski Equipment
- Personal Insurance
- Alcohol and other personal expenses or optional extras
Availability for these trips is already very limited. If you and your ski mates (max group size=6) want to experience one of the world's most scenic and pristine ski environments, sign up NOW by contacting chris on 020 8123 2978 or emailing him at chris@mountaintracks.co.uk
(Photo courtesy of Lyngen Lodge)
