SAIL TO SKI
LYNGEN ALPS

Tromso, Norway

We begin our trip in the village of Tromso, located on the Lyngen peninsula in the far northern reaches of mainland Norway. The peninsula, as well as the surrounding islands, are dominated by mountains and surrounded by deep fjords. Raising from sea level to just over 6,000 feet, Jiekkevvare is the highest mountain in the range, with an average peak around 4,000 feet. Alpine in character, and almost entirely above the tree line, this small mountain range is ideal for backcountry skiing… Especially if you have a boat!!!

The Boat

During our trip, we will make our home aboard the SkyDancer, a 73-foot custom-built steel hull schooner. The SkyDancer sleeps 10 guests; 6 in 3 highly comfortable double cabins, and 4 more in a quad bunk upfront. In addition, there are two guest toilets, one with a shower and a heated floor for added comfort. There are 2 large salons, one deck saloon with an all-around view, and comfortable couches. This is a perfect area for reading, planning our days, or just hanging out. The second salon is down below, equipped with a kitchen and a large table for the entire crew to have meals together. Comfortably, the central heating with personal controls in each room will keep you warm and dry.

The Skiing

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.

The Experience

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.

Gear List

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.

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.

Itinerary

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

Includes/Excludes

Sail to Ski Lyngen Pricing: $4,800 per person. Contact us for group pricing.

Included in Price:

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

Pricing

$4,800/person

*Group pricing available.

"My trip with Winslow was exhilarating and challenging. She helped me with the skills that made our backcountry ski experience memorable. It was a rewarding experience that took me outside my comfort zone and I loved every minute of it. Thank you Winslow!"

- Bob S.

YOUR TEAM

We specialize in designing custom and private trips, perfect for you or a group. Our team of highly experienced, certified, professional guides will teach you the skills, and lead you there and safely home.