Why ski touring in Lofoten is so special.

jylleramedina
Oct 23
3 min read

Updated: Oct 24

There are few places in the world where skiing feels as raw and alive as it does in Lofoten. The peaks rise straight from the sea, the air smells of salt, and every descent ends with the ocean in view. Even after years of living here, every tour still feels special, partly because the light, the snow, and the weather never repeat themselves.

The best time to ski in Lofoten.

Although the ski touring season runs from late January to April, the best conditions are usually from mid-February to mid-April, when the snowpack is more stable, the days are longer, and the light is at its best. Days are long, you can start late, take your time, and still have sunlight until the evening. The snowpack is more stable, and the weather tends to be clearer, opening up endless possibilities for exploring new lines.

During these months, we often start the day with a coffee by the window, checking the light on the peaks across the fjord. Some mornings it’s pure gold, other days blue and crisp, but it always makes you want to get out there.

The terrain

Lofoten’s terrain has a bit of everything. Long open slopes where you can draw wide arcs, playful ridges, and steeper faces that challenge your technique. Classic peaks like Geitgallien, Rundtinden, or Torskmannen are local favorites, each offering a different character.

Typical ascents range between 500 and 1,000 meters, which means you get that true backcountry feeling without spending the entire day climbing. And since you often start right from sea level, the contrast between ocean and summit never stops being impressive.

Life in Lofoten during ski season

Winter life here feels quiet and focused. Fishing boats still head out every morning, smoke rises from chimneys, and the villages stay small and authentic. After skiing, it’s all about simple pleasures: drying your boots by the heater, sharing stories from the day while warming up with a hot chocolate, and watching the sky turn pink over the fjord. Sometimes you even get the northern lights after dinner...not a bad way to end a ski day!

Our Ski Week in Henningsvær

From March to April we run our LOFOTEN SKI WEEK, a week-long ski touring program based in Henningsvær, one of the most iconic villages in Lofoten. Each morning starts with a briefing over breakfast where we check the weather, snow conditions, and choose the best peak for the day. Some days are mellow, others more demanding, but all are rewarding.

You stay in a comfortable lodge by the harbor, with all meals prepared so you can focus on skiing and enjoying the week. The goal isn’t just to tick off summits, it’s to live the rhythm of Lofoten, get to know the snow, the light, and that unique mix of calm and adventure that defines this place.

What to expect and how to prepare

Getting here: Fly to Svolvær, Leknes or Harstad/Narvik (Evenes) and drive to Henningsvær, the perfect base for ski touring.
Gear: Bring your standard ski touring setup plus avalanche equipment (beacon, shovel, probe). Pack enough layers for changing weather. Temperatures are milder than you might expect, but conditions shift quickly.
Safety: Check the daily avalanche forecast on Varsom.no and be ready to adjust your plan depending on wind and visibility.
Fitness: Most tours involve between 500 and 1,000 meters of ascent, so a moderate fitness level is enough to enjoy full days out.

Why ski touring in Lofoten

It’s not just about the skiing. It’s the light, the silence, the feeling of being somewhere far from ordinary. Ski touring in Lofoten connects you with nature in its purest form, one turn, one climb, one line of light at a time.