Ski Touring the Alps of the Finnmark
Overview
Escape to the last skiing frontier in the remote, wild Alps of Finnmark, above the arctic circle in Norway! Devoid of people, skiing from the door, by road, boat or kayak, explore & ski mountains surrounded by fjords all the way down to the sea! A full week of perfect ski-touring in a remote location from March to May is just the tonic one needs to refresh and get prepared for the rest of the year!
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The Finnmark Climate & Terrain
Climate & Day Length
Although the region is far north of the Arctic Circle, don't expect extreme cold! The gulf stream softens the temperatures and makes life possible along the coast of northern Norway. In the heart of winter it can get very cold on a few rare days, but between March and May, it is generally between -10 and +10. The oceanic climate comes with sometimes rapidly changing weather (byge in Norwegian).
Located 70° North, the length of the day varies between the dark period in the heart of winter and the midnight sun in late spring and summer. In mid March, the days are comparable to those in the Alps, and are growing rapidly. After April 20 it is daylight 24 hours a day, and the midnight sun appears after May 17.
As for the Northern Lights, you can see them until the beginning of April!
Terrain
The Finnmark Alps range from sea-level and culminate at 1,191m on the Øksfjord glacier. They present themselves with large ice caps at altitude, some very alpine peaks, and typical plateau mountains, with more or less steep sides. They are perfect mountains for skiing, where everything is possible. From leisurely skiing on wide, shallow slopes to skipping turns in narrow, steep corridors. On bad weather days, there are also enough sheltered, forested to enjoy the powder!
In one day of ski touring, the group can cover a vertical drop of between 800 to 1,600m. It is easy to adapt a day tour to the group and to offer one, two or more hikes so that everyone benefits to the maximum, according to their ability and will!
To see how the tour operates day to day, see the Itinerary Tab.
Meeting Point & Transport
The meeting point for the tour is the airport at Alta, Norway. Flights into Alta (ALF) are possible via Oslo twice a day & also from Tromso. Airport transfers are included in the price as is all vehicle, boat & ferry transport during the tour. If the group is amenable to it, sea kayaks can be utilised for an additional fee. See the Itinerary Tab for more.
Accommodation & Meals
Enjoy the isolation of the region & the company of your fellow group members by staying in a locally owned lodge or house. All meals are included in the price with breakfast & lunches prepared by the group in the house, and dinner served at a fantastic local restaurant every night of the tour. See the Accommodation Tab for more.
Guides & Group Size
All guides are fully certified mountain guides with extensive local ski & mountaineering experience, plus their understanding of clients needs/wishes, and their teaching/organisational skills. The maximum number of guests per guide/group will be 6.
Technical & Personal Requirements*
Ski Ability
Participants must be experienced skiers. You should be at ease with skiing on all types of snow at a sustained pace all day long. Slopes can be as steep or gentle as one likes, but may include short steep & exposed sections (40o to 45o) plus couloirs. Skinning uphill 800 to 1600m per day will be involved. Your own ski touring & safety equipment is required, there is no rental available.
Fitness
Good physical condition is required, skinning. You should be prepared to ski all day long at a good pace, approx. 4 - 6 hrs skiing.
*Good to know: if you don't have the level required, the guide may ask you to leave if necessary for the well-being of the rest of the group. If in doubt, please do not hesitate to ask!
