SAIL TO SKI
LYNGEN ALPS
Tromso, Norway
It is difficult to describe the beauty of this place, the blue sky, the white mountains all surrounded by ocean. No matter your ski ability, you will be taken by the experience of clipping into your bindings atop an alpine peak and looking at the ocean as you ski down. All the more incredible, the snow line is often nearly at the water’s edge, so the sensation lasts from the summit to sea.
Depending on our objective for the day, we will either take a zodiac to shore or dock at one of the outposts that can be found around the peninsula. Once ashore we will put skins on our skis and start climbing. You can expect to do 3-7k of the vertical per day depending on your fitness and desire. We usually have 2 groups, as we have 2 guides on every trip. Having two groups gives us the option of having a more motivated group and a leisurely group. People are usually free to jump from group to group depending on how they feel each day.
You can expect spring skiing conditions, often corn skiing, but sometimes powder! Because it’s springtime in the Arctic daytime temperatures range between 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit. The Lyngen offers some diverse ski terrain, from rolling and moderate open slopes, to steep and committing couloirs. There are glaciers, and some days we will want to take the appropriate gear to travel safely. All in all, it’s great skiing in a truly unforgettable environment.
Basing on a boat is a great way to enjoy a ski vacation. We have no commute. We wake up every morning only minutes from clipping into our skis. At the end of the day, we step onto the boat to Apres Ski with all our friends as we motor to our next destination.
Our hosts, Nick and Estella are also a big part of the experience. The SkyDancer is their home, and aboard we are invited into their world. All the meals are outstanding and plentiful. Dinner is served family-style, and always plentiful and tasty. Breakfast is more buffet style, so we can all eat when we choose as we prepare for our day. Lunch is sandwiches and other snacks the each of us will choose and put together on our own from leftover breakfast and other goodies Estella sets out for us.
Skis With Alpine Touring bindings
We recommend a touring ski with a waist between 105cm and 116. Skis should be equipped with touring binding, preferably tech style bindings.
Ski Poles
We recommend an adjustable pole with extended grip.
Climbing Skins
Skins need to be in good condition and cut to fit your ski.
Ski Touring Boot
Boots need to be compatible with your bindings. Boots must have a walk mode.
Ski Crampons
Ski Crampons must be compatible with you bindings and ski waist width.
Boot Crampons
We highly recommend aluminum crampons. Make sure they work with your ski boots.
Harness
Harness must fit over ski clothing, be light weight and in good condition. You should also have 2 locking carabiners and a belay device.
Ice Axe
Ice Axe needs to be light weight and short (Less than 55cm).
Ski Backpack
A good ski pack should be light weight and have a dedicated pocket for your avalanche rescue gear and be between 35-50 liters.
Avalanche Rescue Gear
You will need a shovel and probe. The Shovel should have an extendable handle, an aluminum blade and fit into you pack without sticking out. Make sure your probe is in working order.
Avalanche Beacon
Your beacon should be a modern digital beacon. Come with new batteries in your beacon.
Ski Helmet
While we don’t require you to ski with a helmet we do highly recommend it.
Beanie
Light or medium weight beanie.
Buff/Neck Gaiter
We recommend a lightweight buff as it has many uses.
Goggles
We really like goggles with changeable lenses for use in bright and low light. They should also be compatible with your helmet.
Sun Glasses
Even if you always prefer to ski in goggles, sun glasses are needed for the up. Goggles will get fogged with sweat.
Warm Gloves
How warm depends on you. We recommend a durable well fitting ski glove.
Light Gloves
Lighter weight gloves are recommended for hiking up to reduce sweating.
Hard Shell Jacket
Waterproof/breathable jacket with ventilation.
Light Insulating Jacket
Breathable light insulating jacket.
Mid to Heavy Insulating Jacket
When temps are cold, you will be happy for a nice warm jacket.
Top Base Layer
We really like sun hoodies.
Ski Pants
We recommend a light option or a more waterproof option.
Bottom Base Layer
Ski Socks
We prefer light weight socks.
Sunscreen
50 SPF or greater. Make sure your tube is not old as sunscreen can lose it’s effectiveness over time.
Lip Screen
Make sure it has SPF.
Small First Aid Kit
This should contain blister repair material, over the counter pain killers and a few bandaids. We will have a full sized med kit on the boat as well as field kits with the guides.
7 days / 7 night (April 13-20, 2020)
Ideally you should arrive no the evening before the scheduled start day. We recommend the Scandid Ishavshotel. Although it is not mandatory to arrive the day before the start date, it does give a bit of a buffer incase luggage or flights are delayed.
Day 1: Transport to Sailboat
Move into your room, organize gear, briefing and dinner. Plan on moving onto the boat between 10 and 1pm. You should plan on using the morning to buy alcohol, specialty items or any last minute needs.
Day 2-7: 6 full days of backcountry skiing/ Ski mountaineering.
Boat living, all meals, scenery and good times with friends new and old.
Day 8: Departure
Don’t plan on leaving until late afternoon or evening. We do not spend our last night in Tromso so we cannot guarantee you will make an early flight.
You may also be interested in: Sail-to-Ski Svalbard
Sail to Ski Lyngen Pricing: $4,800 per person. Contact us for group pricing.
Included in Price:
- 2 IFMGA/AMGA certified Mountain Guides
- Ship Captain and Chef/Deckhand
- 7 nights accommodations on SkyDancer
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner during trip
- Towels and bedding
- Memories to last a life time
Not Included in Price:
- Flight to and from Tromso
- Hotels before or after the trip
- Alchohol
- Personal Insurance
Dates*
Apr 13-20, 2021
*Custom dates available