Lyngen Alps Norway
Lyngen Alps are an iconic backcountry ski region 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. But whilst boat-based skiing & splitboarding is popular, the region's best ski routes can also be explored from land as well.
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 everything from easy bowls to challenging couloirs.
- Ski directly back to the boat, car or house.
- Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) viewing possible, even probable in some months.
- Delicious fresh fish available.
Cons
- Can be expensive if boat based.
- Increasingly popular ski-touring region with some 'easy access' terrain can get tracked during the peak season.
- If boat-based, too bad if you don't like fish!
Pro or Con (depending on your perspective!)
- For first-time visitors 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.
Ski-touring & Splitboarding, Snow & Terrain
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.
Best visited from March to early June, early season turns are more likely to be powder right down to sea level, with cold temperatures, shorter days, and a chance of sighting the incredible Northern Lights at night (see below for more info on the Northern Lights). As the season progresses days get longer & warmer, night-time all but disappears, and the snow conditions become soft corn. Descending a mountain under the 'midnight sun' is a wonderful experience from late May onwards.
Boat based skiing & splitboarding is a fabulous means to access the more remote peaks in the Lyngen Alps, particularly early in the season. For those that have an aversion to living on small (ish) boats for extended periods, land-based touring is possible from the many roads that remain open throughout the touring season. As with most remote locations, joining a guided tour is a good way to make the most of a trip to this fascinating ski destination. Check out all the Guided Tours in the Lyngen Alps ->
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Ski Touring & Splitboard Rentals
There are at least 2 equipment rental location in the Lyngen Alps region. The largest is in Tromsø at Tromso Outdoor. To the east in the heart of the Lyngen Alps, a small store called Elektro Sport AS in the village of Lyngseidet has a small selection of ski-touring gear available. Make contact with them via the links.
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 Swedish Lapland ski areas (Riksgransen, Abisko, & Bjorkliden) to the south, or the isolated mountainous region of the Finnmark to the north.
Flights to Tromso (TOS) airport are mostly via Oslo (OSL) & take around 2hr. Several direct flights European & UK origins exist too. Some of the more useful ones include London-Gatwick and Frankfurt. 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. The small village of Lyngseidet, less than 2hr drive from Tromsø Airport (including a ferry ride!), is a good central location from which to start your own ski adventure or join a land-based mountain guide. Try the Magic Mountain Lodge for a convivial atmosphere and variety of rooms.
Search & book all Lyngen Alps accommodation.
Alternative accommodation can be sought in & around Tromso if one has a rental vehicle to travel the few hours a day to the ski terrain.
If driving up from Narvik, check out the fascinating city and head up to the 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 here.
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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