 Poster: A snowHead
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Coming back to this. Mate is trying to organize first week of April in Lofoten with Northern Alpine guides. Anyone been with them?
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Thought that this was going to be a Norrona chat. 
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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I went with offpistekiing 7 years ago for 10 days. We stayed at Lofoten ski Lodge where Alpine Guides are based.
10 days - 2 good days, 7 clag,drizzle, wet shitty snow. Incredible scenery when you could see - but ultimately its an Arctic Maritime environment and climate change probably making it even more unpredictable....
should have gone to AK in hindsight!
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@BobinCH, when we go with offpisteskiing we stay in the accommodation run by NAG and he gets to go to guides' meetings etc. Based on previous experience, they're a friendly bunch. Mix of American and Scandi guides with one or two others mixed in. There seems to be a pretty consistent group so I'd expect that you'll have someone who has visited frequently. They do tend to stick to the classic lines which are a bit busier (but never *really* busy.). If you make up a whole group you can obviously ask to get a bit more off the beaten track, try out steeper stuff etc. That said, the classics are classic for a reason so all are well worth doing.
The accommodation is pretty good - you sleep in refurbished fisherman's huts then eat and drink in a big converted fish processing plant (better than it sounds). Good sauna and hot tub, decent food (assuming you like cod!). Last time we were there the TGR team were staying there which added a bit of star quality 
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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Just to note, the accommodation has changed since Norris would have been (it's a similar setup though) and we've been a bit luckier with weather in the last few years but the risks of wind, rain and zero vis are real. The snowpack does seem to deal with rain surprisingly well though
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Five trips to Lyngen and only had rain one day, went to Narvik and it rained for two days, so don't know how you can check if Lofoten is more susceptible to rain over Lyngen but might be worth Googling?
Riksgransen doesn't get the rain as much further inland, and there's quite a lot of landmass before Lyngen whereas Lofoten has nothing in front of the isles and is a lot further South so maybe milder airflow?
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two visits to lyngen for me , 12 days skiing , one white out , two low viz , and balance from good to spectacular , late April time also lucky to catch a northern lights show , heading back to Norway this year but skiing Senja for a change
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Lofoten is beautiful. My brother in law s boss let us use his house (one of them) in henningsvaer before a storm destroyed it. It is beautiful.
We also used his houses in norefjel (ski in/out) and hemsedal not ski in/out because you can't land the helicopter next to the cabins that side of the village. 
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| Haggis_Trap wrote: |
| BobinCH wrote: |
| @Haggis_Trap, thanks! Guide necessary or can you DIY it? |
So long as you have a guidebook and car then experienced skier like yourself would be fine rolling solo.
For Lyngen itself there is plenty to get at from the road-side (no real need for a boat).
Base yourself near Lyngdseidt village means you can easily head to all sides of the peninsula or across the fjord to Olderdalen on the local ferry.
Having said that - local knowledge / guide can be useful wherever you go! |
Resurrecting this post as looking again at Lyngen for next March. The popular places in Lyngseidet seem to already be booked. Have some options in Koppangen, Djupvik and Uloya. Are these equally good bases or better to take whatever is available in Lyngseidet?
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@BobinCH, get a boat, best way to really do it, avoid the hordes by going to the surrounding islands, and a man of your means could afford it 
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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| Weathercam wrote: |
| @BobinCH, get a boat, best way to really do it, avoid the hordes by going to the surrounding islands, and a man of your means could afford it |
Seems like a hassle procuring a boat, skipper, guide etc when there are good options available by car. And I’m not sure how many we’ll be. Other option is doing 2 or 3 days in different locations
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@BobinCH, we’ve done DIY trips using car, it works well. The English language guidebook is excellent. Djupvik a good base, not stayed on Uloya but did day trips there. If it’s Lyngen you want to ski, best to stay on the peninsula. But there’s plenty good stuff not on Lyngen. Maybe also worth adding Arnoya and Kvaløya to the mix. 2-3 days at each would be a great trip.
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You know it makes sense.
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Easy @BobinCH, contact Steve Jones who lives near you in Leysin. Steve has guided Lyngen and the islands for many years he is knowledgeable.
His Leysin chalet is called....Lyngen!!!
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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| BobinCH wrote: |
Resurrecting this post as looking again at Lyngen for next March. The popular places in Lyngseidet seem to already be booked. Have some options in Koppangen, Djupvik and Uloya. Are these equally good bases or better to take whatever is available in Lyngseidet? |
Lyngseidet (or roughly around) is good because
a) it is pretty much the only village / town / supermarket.
b) it is in the middle of Lyngen penisula.
c) next to the ferry across to Olderdalen
If you have a car will probably use it most days to access different parts of Lyngen depending on weather.
Of the options you list I would tend towards something on Lyngen peninsula itself i.e Koppangen.
Ulloya and Dupvik are lovely / quieter but less central.
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Poster: A snowHead
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Yeah, too bad Fatmap is disappearing in a few weeks. I've spent lots of time recently saving any routes I think I might ever want to ski around the world from Fatmaps. Hoping I can transfer things over to Strava when the switch happens, but I have serious doubts it will be as good...
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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| BobinCH wrote: |
DIY certainly looks worthwhile! |
Aye : Rent a cabin (hytter) and car.
Job done.
We are off to Hemsedal next year with the kids and doing exactly that.
If you are happy to self cater then Norway need not be crazy expensive.
Last edited by Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see? on Fri 6-09-24 8:48; edited 1 time in total
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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If you do end up DIYing on Kvaløya, be sure to visit Eide Handel stores (you will inevitably pass it several times) - amazing smoked salmon deli counter. We’d never seen so many different kinds of smoked salmon (and learnt the tail and body have different tastes/ textures). Gourmet stuff indeed. The skiing was ok too…
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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| TOLOCOMAN wrote: |
| Yeah, too bad Fatmap is disappearing in a few weeks. I've spent lots of time recently saving any routes I think I might ever want to ski around the world from Fatmaps. Hoping I can transfer things over to Strava when the switch happens, but I have serious doubts it will be as good... |
Really hope they don’t mess it up. Fatmaps is perfect as it is!
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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| Inboard wrote: |
| If you do end up DIYing on Kvaløya, be sure to visit Eide Handel stores (you will inevitably pass it several times) - amazing smoked salmon deli counter. We’d never seen so many different kinds of smoked salmon (and learnt the tail and body have different tastes/ textures). Gourmet stuff indeed. The skiing was ok too… |
Thanks for the tip. My mate ChatGPT is pretty good on these itineraries!
For your ski touring itinerary in the Lyngen Alps and surrounding areas, the following plan blends classic Lyngen Alps routes with comfortable accommodation options and a progression to the nearby islands of Olderdalen, Uloya, Kågen, and Arnøya. Here’s a detailed itinerary for your trip, starting from Tromsø on March 28th and ending on April 5th.
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### **Friday, March 28: Arrival in Tromsø**
- **23:00**: Arrive in Tromsø.
- **Accommodation**: Stay overnight in Tromsø. You could choose from options like **Clarion Hotel The Edge** or **Scandic Ishavshotel** for convenience.
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### **Saturday, March 29: Transfer to Lyngseidet & First Ski Tour**
- **Morning**: Drive or take a ferry from Tromsø to Lyngseidet (about 1.5 to 2 hours). Pick up any rental gear and get prepared.
- **Ski Tour Option**: Warm-up tour to **Rorneshytta** (700m elevation gain). This short and scenic tour allows for a relaxed introduction.
- **Accommodation**: Stay in **Lyngen Experience Lodge** or **Magic Mountain Lodge**, both offering comfortable lodging with a focus on ski touring in the area.
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### **Sunday, March 30: Ski Tour in Lyngen Alps**
- **Ski Tour Option**: Classic route to **Rornestinden** (1041m), an accessible peak from Lyngseidet with fantastic views of the fjord and surrounding peaks.
- **Time**: 4–6 hours (depending on conditions and pace).
- **Elevation Gain**: Approx. 1200m.
- **Accommodation**: Stay in Lyngseidet (same as previous night).
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### **Monday, March 31: Lyngen Alps - Classic Ski Tour**
- **Ski Tour Option**: Tour to **Store Kjostinden** (1488m), one of the most famous peaks in Lyngen, offering steep and exciting terrain.
- **Time**: 6–8 hours.
- **Elevation Gain**: Approx. 1500m.
- **Accommodation**: Stay at Lyngen Experience Lodge or Magic Mountain Lodge.
---
### **Tuesday, April 1: Lyngen Alps - Classic Ski Tour**
- **Ski Tour Option**: Head to **Tafeltinden** (1395m), a longer, more demanding tour with thrilling views and deep snow. It’s a top Lyngen Alps route for advanced ski tourers.
- **Time**: 7–9 hours.
- **Elevation Gain**: 1300–1500m.
- **Accommodation**: Final night in Lyngseidet at Lyngen Experience Lodge or Magic Mountain Lodge.
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### **Wednesday, April 2: Transfer to Olderdalen and Uloya**
- **Morning**: Transfer from Lyngseidet to Olderdalen (about 30 min by ferry).
- **Ski Tour Option**: **Isfjellet** (1195m) from Olderdalen. This peak offers expansive views and varied terrain.
- **Time**: 5–7 hours.
- **Accommodation**: Stay at **Lyngen Outdoor Center** on Uloya, offering cozy cabins and access to fantastic ski touring terrain.
---
### **Thursday, April 3: Ski Tour on Uloya**
- **Ski Tour Option**: **Kjelvagtinden** (1104m) or **Blåtinden** (1180m) on Uloya. Uloya has fewer crowds and great terrain, making it a wonderful spot for a quieter ski tour.
- **Time**: 5–7 hours.
- **Elevation Gain**: Approx. 1000m.
- **Accommodation**: Stay another night at Lyngen Outdoor Center.
---
### **Friday, April 4: Ski Tour on Kågen or Transfer to Arnøya**
- **Morning**: Take the ferry from Uloya to Kågen island.
- **Ski Tour Option**: **Storhaugen** (1142m), a great ski tour on Kågen with impressive fjord views.
- **Time**: 5–7 hours.
- **Elevation Gain**: Approx. 1100m.
- **Transfer**: In the evening, transfer to Arnøya via ferry (about 1 hour including the drive).
- **Accommodation**: Stay at **Arnøya Adventure** or a local guesthouse.
---
### **Saturday, April 5: Final Ski Tour on Arnøya**
- **Ski Tour Option**: **Arnøyhøgda** (1170m), the highest peak on Arnøya, offering a spectacular final tour. The descent provides varied terrain with powder often found in sheltered aspects.
- **Time**: 5–7 hours.
- **Elevation Gain**: Approx. 1100m.
- **Afternoon**: Return to Tromsø to catch your flight at 15:30. The drive from Arnøya to Tromsø will take around 3–3.5 hours.
---
### Summary of Accommodation Options:
1. **Lyngen Alps**: Magic Mountain Lodge / Lyngen Experience Lodge.
2. **Olderdalen/Uloya**: Lyngen Outdoor Center.
3. **Arnøya**: Arnøya Adventure.
This itinerary balances the best of the classic Lyngen Alps ski touring routes with more remote and quieter spots like Uloya, Kågen, and Arnøya. The combination of comfortable lodges and scenic ski routes offers a perfect blend for an unforgettable ski touring week.
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| BobinCH wrote: |
| TOLOCOMAN wrote: |
| Yeah, too bad Fatmap is disappearing in a few weeks. I've spent lots of time recently saving any routes I think I might ever want to ski around the world from Fatmaps. Hoping I can transfer things over to Strava when the switch happens, but I have serious doubts it will be as good... |
Really hope they don’t mess it up. Fatmaps is perfect as it is! |
Me too! I get going to a pay only version so they make money, but scrapping it all together makes no sense to me. Fingers crossed it works smoothly!
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Not stayed there myself...
But : they get a good write up / located in Lyngseidet and post good stuff on instagram
Proper family run "skiers" lodge.
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Yes. We were there in 2023. It's a great place with a lovely vibe, great staff and great food. We thought it felt like a cross between a mountain refuge and a hotel. And it's in a beautiful location.
We loved it! .
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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You know it makes sense.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Is there a Norwegian map app like Swisstopo? Strava even with the winter map seems pretty useless unless you have a pre-saved route 
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Poster: A snowHead
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@BobinCH, I've not tried it but my brother says Norgeskart.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@BobinCH, I just downloaded Varsom, which seems quite good and has a slope angle overlay (although I haven't figured out how to create a route yet).
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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@BobinCH, Norgeskart. It’s great, perhaps not quite as great as Swisstopo.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Thanks. Have Varsom for the Avi reports, skida for some routes, Notgeskart for the map, Wikiloc for some downloadable GPS files and 113 app for emergencies. Fully apped up 
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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@BobinCH, I use Gaia - subscription version gives access to Norwegian mapping +slope angle layers. Full route creation /editing functionality, gpx import etc
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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| BobinCH wrote: |
| Is there a Norwegian map app like Swisstopo? Strava even with the winter map seems pretty useless unless you have a pre-saved route |
I have a bunch of gpx files for Norway that I was able to save off Fatmap before it shut down. Might be able to send them to you somehow if interested.
I don't have a paid Strava account right now. Does the winter map make it worth it? I would happily pay for what Fatmap was, but last time I paid for Strava, the features weren't there yet. Hopefully closer now. Although I expect you probably still can't see multiple routes on a map at once like you could with Fatmap. Definitely can't load more than one at a time on the summer Strava maps.
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Norgeskart get my vote for Norway.
But Gaia is very good and can be accessed with same log in / subscription as trail forks.
The open source maps often have small paths <etc> not shown on any other maps.
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Norgeskart gets my vote for Norway.
But Gaia is very good and can be accessed with same log in / subscription as trail forks.
The open source (Gaia) maps often have small paths <etc> not shown on any other maps.
Last edited by After all it is free  on Sat 29-03-25 21:10; edited 1 time in total
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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@TOLOCOMAN, no it’s rubbish compared to Fatmap
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FAQ
while a rental car £300 per week for a 4WD.
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