From shoreline to summit – on skis

The season

The ski season in Lofoten usually gets properly underway in February – before that, snow comes and goes quickly – and lasts through April, with ever-longer days and eventually bright evenings. The combination of touring by day and northern lights by night in February–March is among the most spectacular things a Norwegian winter can offer.

Safety first – this is not the Alps

Lofoten's maritime climate produces fast-changing and at times unusual snow conditions, and too many avalanche incidents involve visitors. Our clear advice, which the locals give too: hire a certified local guide unless you know these mountains and have solid avalanche skills of your own. The guides know both the terrain and this year's snowpack – and they'll find the best snow, too.

• Varsom.no – check the avalanche forecast every day, no exceptions.
• Standard avalanche kit (transceiver, probe, shovel) and the skills to use it are the minimum outside the ski areas.
• The guidebook: “Lofoten – Skiing in the Magic Islands” describes 51 ski tours and is considered the standard reference. Sold in bookshops and outdoor stores in Svolvær and Henningsvær, among other places.

The alpine ski areas

Lofoten has two small, charming ski areas that open when conditions allow – good for families, and for days when the high mountains are unsafe:

• Kongstinden alpine centre, Svolvær (approx. 65 min from the base)
• Stamsund alpine centre, Stamsund (approx. 20 min from the base)

Check opening hours before you drive – both are weather-dependent and largely volunteer-run.

Winter without the summits

With skis or snowshoes on, even the easy walks are magical in winter. Lower peaks like Tjeldbergtind in Svolvær are popular winter hikes when conditions are stable – and the winter light, with the sun barely clearing the ridgelines, is an experience in its own right.