Lyngen Alps Norway
Lyngen Alps are an iconic backcountry ski area in the far north of Norway. The Lyngen Alps range is in part surrounded by water, allowing for typically Norwegian ski & sail adventures where boats are used to access the skiing terrain plus as a base for meals & accommodation.
The Lyngen Alps are about 90km long & 20km wide with the highest point being 1,833m above sea level - literally! The range includes glaciers, steep couloirs, gentle bowls & some tree-skiing down low. Summits typically skied in the Lyngen Alps are less than 1,200m altitude, with descents going all the way down to sea level. As all skiing & splitboarding is human-powered, "skin-out, ski-in" is a reasonable motto for any visit to the area.
Pros & Cons for Lyngen Alps
Pros
- Quality snow & reliable snowpack until late in the season (June).
- Endless backcountry powder skiing & split-boarding options.
- High adventure above the Arctic Circle.
- Stunning surroundings & views.
- Terrain includes easy bowls to challenging couloirs;
- Ski directly back to the boat or house.
- Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) viewing possible, even probable in some months.
- Delicious fresh fish available.
Cons
- Can be expensive.
- Some 'easy access' terrain can get tracked in the peak season.
- Too bad if you don't like fish!
Pro or Con (depending on your perspective!)
- For first-timers it is best explored with a guide or on a tour.
- Accommodation often on boats or in self-contained holiday homes.
- Isolated & dark in winter, long days later in the season.
- Becoming increasingly popular.
- Access to the ski terrain is all human-powered on skins or boot pack.
Where are the Lyngen Alps Norway?
The Lyngen Alps are above the Arctic Circle only about 40km east of the city of Tromsø, but a world away in reality. The Norwegian capital of Oslo is 1,150km to the south. The major city of Narvik is 232km (3 to 3½hr) by road south of Tromsø and can make a convenient staging point for visits to not only the Lyngen Alps, but also the Lofoten Islands and the great northern ski resorts of Swedish Lapland (Riksgransen et al).
Flights to Tromso (TOS) airport are all via Oslo (OSL) & take around 2hr. Search & book flights to Tromsø.
Whilst boats are a common way to travel & ski the Lyngen Alps (50km+ by boat from Tromso), it is possible to access some portions of the ski terrain in as little as 1½hr from Tromsø via car & ferry. If not travelling as part of a tour, cars can be rented at Tromso airport. Search & book car rentals from Tromso.
Lyngen Alps Accommodation
The Lyngen Alps jut out into the fjords allowing for multiple accommodation options along its shoreline or on boats. Anyone not on a tour or boat can rent rooms in numerous lodges & private homes or apartments - many, if not most, have skiing directly from & to the door.
Search & book all Lyngen Alps accommodation.
Alternative accommodation can be sought in & around Tromso if one has a vehicle to travel to the ski terrain.
If driving up from Narvik, check out on the city and ski resort of Narvikfjellet.
Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) at Lyngen Alps
Another of Lyngen Alps geographical benefits are shared with much of the Arctic - its proximity to the stunning phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis (otherwise known as the Northern Lights).
The Northern Lights can be viewed from September to April. You need a clear night with minimal light (artificial or moon!) & the right solar activity. The forecast for the northern lights (yep, there’s a forecast!) can be viewed online.
Visiting the Region
Anyone visiting the region for the first time may be best joining a tour or a least getting a local guide. For options, check out the Lyngen Alps Tour Listings page.
Review
The Powderhounds will attempt to visit Norway and the Lyngen Alps next season. Who wants to come? More content will come after our visit. Stay tuned for our photos & insights.
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