Backcountry Skiing in Norway: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You

Norway is a veritable paradise for backcountry skiers. It has everything from incredible powder conditions, large remote tracts of backcountry and superb natural scenery. Best of all, there are no shortage of places to see and ski.

Aside from the aforementioned locations, there are plenty that are easier to reach from foreign starting points as well as even more remote than those listed above.

Svalbard is a perfect example of the latter. The small archipelago sits higher up that almost any other landmass and offer plentiful opportunities for intrepid backcountry skiers. Head to Spitzbergen for some incredible skiing by the sea and get the chance to see polar bears too.

Just a few hours south of Oslo, Sogndal is home to plenty of picturesque scenery and great skiing. It’s also generally winner and lighter than any of the aforementioned spots. Better for families, but still plenty scenic and exciting.

The Scandinavian Mountains, which run along the border with Sweden are also closer to the capital and great for backcountry adventures too.

**Stunning scenery **

Norway is chock-full of incredibly beautiful scenery, to which a layer of magic and mystery is added with the winter snows. Backcountry skiing is an incredible way to explore the mountains, fjords and glaciers of this incredible country and see the kinds of things that are rarely found elsewhere.

The Northern Lights

If you manage to see them, the Northern Lights are the highlight of anyone’s trip to the top of the northern hemisphere. From November until March is the best time to see the atmospheric phenomenon and with very few settlements around, chances are no light pollution will diminish the show for you.

Something for everyone

For beginners and experts alike, Norway has plenty to offer. For those getting into the backcountry for the first time, the modest slopes of the Lyngen Alps are the perfect place to get your bearings. On the other hand, the harsh terrain of Norway’s far north are perfect for advanced backcountry enthusiasts looking to test their mettle. Also, in many locations you'll have the chance to choose from a boat-based trip, which will allow you to explore the most remote fjords, or from a lodge-based trip, which will guarantee the best comfort and some great aprés ski.

During the ski touring season, the weather in Norway varies depending on where you are. The west and south tend to be warmer and receive plenty of precipitation. Farther north it will be much colder and a bit drier, but there will still be plenty of snow.

Any trip to Norway likely begins with a flight into Oslo Airport (OSL). From here, you can take a connecting flight to anyone of the various regional airports throughout the country.

Norwegian, Sami

+47

Norwegian krone (NOK)

March to May

The highlighting regions are Lofoten, Lyngen Alps, and Fjord Norway, known for their stunning landscapes and skiing opportunities.

When skiing in Norway, avalanche safety should be a top priority. Of course, hiring a local certified guide is always the best way to go to minimize risks. An expert guide will help you on the route selection, and identifying the best itinerary depending on snow conditions and terrain options. Other recommendations include checking the daily local avalanche forecast and carry essential safety gear, including a beacon, probe, and shovel. Stick to designated areas whenever possible, wear a helmet, and dress in weather-appropriate layers. Be aware of your skill level and the terrain, using proper technique, especially on steeper slopes or off-piste routes. A good option is also take courses avalanche courses and consult local guides to enhance safety during the skiing activity in Norway.

You need to be in a very good physical condition to enjoy your backcountry skiing trip in Norway. Most ski touring trips in Norway take place 100% in backcountry terrain, with no lifts, so you need to be fit enough to go skinning uphill, in order to enjoy long runs downhill in unspoiled terrain. That's why when ski touring in Norway you'll probably hear that you need to 'earn your turns'.

Beginners can go backcountry skiing in Norway. In order to go backcountry skiing, it's recommended to have a solid experience in resort alpine skiing, even if you don't have much off piste experience. Some important tips for beginners are: using a local guide, ski touring in groups, having good physical condition, avoiding avalanche terrain, knowing the equipment, starting with an introductory course, and packing well. These tips will make the expedition safer, more exciting, and more fun.

March to May is considered the best period for ski touring in Norway. While April or May are usually too warm in most European ski locations, with little chances for powder snow, in Norway it’s a period with loads of fresh snow, excellent skiing conditions and some sunny weather. Keep in mind the area around Lyngen is located 70 degrees north, almost the same latitude than the center of Greenland!