Private Ski & Sail adventure with our flagship Valiente!
When embarking on a Ski & Sail adventure in Arctic Norway, we recommend doing it with style! Aboard our flagship expedition vessel, Valiente, you’ll enjoy all the comforts of a floating ski lodge. With space for up to 10-11 skiers, you can bring your entire group of friends or family. As we sail and ski through the remote parts of Lyngen in search of fresh snow, favorable winds, and breathtaking views.
From Tromsø to Lyngen and back to Tromsø
Imagine yourself aboard our sturdy expedition sailboat, as we set sail from Tromsø towards the majestic Lyngen Alps, navigating through the islands and peninsulas of the region. The low sun in the west casts long shadows of the boat and mountains, guiding our way. As we glide north on a deep blue mirror, the stress of everyday life fades with each nautical mile away from the city. Then, suddenly, you see them. Around the next headland, the mighty Lyngen Alps appear.
At first only small white teeth on the horizon. Before they grow. And grow. And grow.
Raising from the sea like petrified giants. Bigger and bigger. The closer we sail. Until they fill the entire horizon to our east. Towering towards the sky in all shades of red, orange and yellow from the low evening sun. With their pointy peaks, sharp ridges and mighty faces. The adventure is on!
Ski touring and summits in Lyngen
The Lyngen Alps rise over 1800 meters above the fjord, making them one of the most spectacular mountain areas in Norway. This trip is dedicated to exploring this wonderful peninsula and the surrounding mountain islands of Kågen, Arnøya, Vannøya, and Ringvassøya. Here, you’ll find both steep peaks and gentler snowy slopes, all offering fantastic views of the sea and mountains. This incredibly rich and exciting area is perfect for ski touring and sailing. On these trips, we can encounter powder snow, spring slush, blizzards, and wind slabs. Our guides know exactly where to find the best conditions.
Ski & Sail Lyngen is the perfect trip for those who want to sail to the mountains, put on skis and skins at the beach, tour up to the peaks, and ski down some of Norway’s most beautiful mountains. This adventure is ideal for those who love challenges and being outdoors, and for anyone seeking a unique, wild, raw, and beautiful experience. Whether you have extensive ski touring experience or have only been doing it for a season or two, this trip is for you.
Ski & Sail on board Valiente
This itinerary doesn’t feature just any sailboat, but our 70-foot expedition boat, Valiente. With our flagship, you’ll enjoy an exclusive and adventurous Ski & Sail experience. The boat comfortably accommodates groups of 10-11 skiers, plus space for two ski guides, in addition to our skipper and chef/crew. On these trips, we typically provide a designated chef who prepares great meals on board, featuring local flavors, food traditions, and ingredients to keep you energized for skiing and adventures on both land and sea. We provide you with one or two ski-guides depending on your group size (1 skiguide normally takes 6 skiers), or if you are a guide-company you can provide the guides for your group yourself.
For groups of 6-11 adventurers!
The price here is an example price per person for a week (7-days) for 10 people with two skiguides and a designated chef onboard Valiente. All boat related cost, skipper and full board is included as always. Are you a smaler group? Send us a message, and we will make you an offer that suits your wishes!
These departures with Valiente is only possible to book as a group for the whole boat.
Valiente has three double cabins with en-suite bathrooms, one twin bunk cabin, and a four-person cabin in the bow. The boat is well equipped with a large RIB for landings near suitable skiing mountains, and with its steel hull, we can access icy waters. She boasts large outdoor areas, a wheelhouse, and a saloon with a 360-degree view. Click here for pictures and more information about the vessel Valiente.
A normal day at Ski & Sail
On our Ski & Sail trips, we plan to go skiing every day, adjusting for weather and conditions. If it’s windy and snowing one day, and the mountains are less inviting, we hoist the sails and cover some of the nautical miles on our itinerary. If someone wants to take a break during the trip, that’s completely allowed! After a day of ski touring and summit climbs, we spend the afternoon sailing to the next port or anchorage, preparing for a new peak the following day.
This is an active trip where the focus is fully on experiencing nature, whether behind the helm or with skis on your feet. We can worry about being tired and sore once we get home!
Blog articles
Check our blog articles from Ski & Sail trips.
Ski & Sail Lyngen
Here is a video from Ski & Sail in Finnmark and Lyngen we did with Helly Hansen & Bård Basberg.
A really nice trip with quality in every aspect. Good experiences one after another, both at sea and in the mountains. Skipper and guide had solid knowledge and experience, and it never felt unsafe. This trip is highly recommended!
Amund Berge (Ski & Sail Easter, 2022)
Itinerary
Day 1: Ship o'hoi - we meet and cast off
Welcome aboard! We meet at the dock in Tromsø at 16:00, settle into the boat, and get to know each other. Before hoisting the sails, we familiarize ourselves with the boat and equipment and go through safety routines. On the first evening, we leave Tromsøsundet and Grøtsundet, heading towards our first anchorage. We will prepare supper once we have cast off, but please eat dinner before your arrival if possible.
Day 2: First ski tour!
After an early breakfast, we take the dinghy to land for the adventure’s first ski tour! We aim for some of the peaks on our way north from Tromsø, with great options on both Ringvassøya and Reinøya. Or perhaps Ullstinden, at 1093 meters above sea level, will be the first peak of the trip! After skiing, we sail towards Lyngen and anchor or moor in a suitable place for the next morning’s ascent.
Day 3-4: Nord-Lenangen and the Lyngen peninsula
The northern tip of the Lyngen peninsula and the surrounding islands is a great starting point for reaching several excellent peaks. The weather, conditions, and our ambitions on board will determine our chosen trips each day. We will explore the beautiful fjords and mountains in this area. If the skipper is in a good mood, she might even drop you off in one fjord and pick you up in the next!
Day 5-6: Kågen, Arnøya or Vannøya
The islands around the Lyngen peninsula are equally spectacular, featuring less-visited bays, fjords, and mountains. These islands are understandably easiest to reach by boat, which is exactly what Ski & Sail is all about!
Day 7: Last summit and return to the Paris of the North
On the last day of skiing, we find a suitable peak on our way back to Tromsø. We have great options on Ringvassøya or Reinøya as we head into Grøtsundet. After a few good hours of skiing in the morning, we set course for Tromsø. During the journey to the harbor, we’ll pack our belongings, clean up, and tidy the boat. We dock and conclude the trip in Tromsø by 16:00 at the latest. Thank you for a wonderful experience, and we look forward to welcoming you again next time!
Changes to the program
The program is an indication of what the days will look like, though it might change according to weather and snow conditions. We start each day with a good breakfast and make a packed lunch before heading out for ski touring. Some days we eat dinner straight after skiing, while other days we have a small snack when we get back to the boat and sail further before cooking a later dinner. Some days we also make time for fishing or exploring the area. If the weather is really bad for skiing, we’ll have a sailing day or find another fun activity instead!
What is included?
- A trip experience with sailboat – experienced skipper and guide with local knowledge on board
- Guided backcountry skiing trips every day
- Small groups – 6-7 participants per ski guide
- All food you eat on board during the trip
- Our Comfort Package which consists of accommodation on board in a shared double cabin (bunk or double bed) with a ready-made bed (warm and nice duvets and pillows!)
- An environmentally friendly, local, sustainable, unique, exotic and exclusive Norwegian adventure holiday
- A shared experience and friendship with like-minded adventurers from around the world
- A lot of time outdoors – raw and honest nature experiences
- Use of our shared equipment if available: dinghies, kayaks, fishing equipment, etc.
- All boat-related costs such as diesel, propane and harbor fees
- Personal safety equipment; Helly Hansen inflatable lifejacket
- Instruction, advice, guidance and practical training in boating and sailing
What is not included?
- Travel to and from the start/end location
- Ski and avalanche equipment (beacon, shovel, probe)
- Personal goodies for the evening and hiking snacks for excursions on land
- Optional meals at cafes/restaurants during the trip
- Entrance to galleries, museums, or other alternative activities that you/we may want to do
- Rental of equipment, transport or activities from external operators if you want to do things outside the program
- Drinks such as wine, beer or exclusive apple juice and other luxuries (yes, we drink beer and wine on board, bring your own)
- Travel insurance and/or cancellation insurance – (up to you, but recommended!)
Important info
Travel
This trip start and ends in Tromsø.
You find more information on travel, equipment and other tips under Practical info.
Deposit and payment
You only pay a deposit (NOK 6000) upon registration, the remainder of the payment is due 60 days prior to departure.
Safety and risk on board
We are all about people, and so we also take safety very seriously. On our trips we practice sail- and boat handling also for safety, and we spend time going through various situations that can arise at sea, how to handle them and how to avoid them.
On board a boat everyone must know what to do in critical situations and in the event of an emergency. Our philosophy is that partaking and participation builds safety. It is important for the safety of the whole boat that you are a participant on board, not just a passenger.
Therefore all our trips are to be considered sailing courses in addition to being great holidays and adventures: You are trained to make up the crew on board and so we build a capable team on board.
Feel free to contact us for a chat about safety and risk on our adventures.
Level of the trip
No sailing experience? No problem! Our sailing adventures welcome both novices and seasoned sailors for an inclusive and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re new to sailing or a salty sea dog, our trips cater to all levels.
We aim to transform beginners into sailors quickly while offering experienced participants greater responsibilities and challenges. Our mainland sailing journeys involve 44-50 feet boats navigating coastal and protected waters, occasionally crossing open stretches for excitement. Route adjustments based on weather and conditions ensure a safe and adaptable voyage.
Trips are not overly strenuous; with rotating positions, participants can balance sailing and relaxation. Active engagement minimizes seasickness, and if it occurs, it passes swiftly. Weather, however, is unpredictable, with the potential for stronger winds and various conditions in northern Norway and the Arctic, making each trip a true sailing adventure. Be prepared for calm winds and rough weather—embracing the elements for an unforgettable experience.
What we expect from you
Our trips require a little effort from you who are joining – everyone on board must be ready to contribute and to give of themselves also socially; the more you open up, share and interest yourself in the others on board, the more enjoyable it gets.
When you’re sailing with us you are invited to take part in the running of the ship and all that comes with it. You will be sailing, docking, navigating, looking out for whales and icebergs, but also making food, serving others, doing dishes and helping clean the boat during the trip, and contributing in other ways when needed. On board we are all in the same boat and when all help out, the ship is most happy.
Our experience is that doing things together with others out in nature, and not least cooperating and doing activities with new people and different personalities than you might have around you normally, is what creates the best, most interesting and memorable moments and stories:)
Equipment and packing
As with all activities, there is plenty of special equipment and clothing for sailing. If you don’t have any of this, you will get very far with normal hiking/outdoor equipment. You do not need to buy a lot of new equipment to join our trips. Use what you have, borrow what you need from a friend, purchase used equipment, and if you have to invest in new equipment – buy quality items that will last! What you need is something waterproof and windproof on the outside, and layered warm clothing underneath.
Some jackets may not be waterproof “enough”, or might not perform too well in salt water, so you can consider a set of oilskin for the wettest days (available for rent or purchase on board). A pair of higher rubber boots for disembarking from the dinghy is very good to have, as well as indoor shoes below deck. Out at sea and in the Arctic it can be cold even in summer, so bring both swimwear and plenty of warm clothes. Well before departure, we will send you a detailed recommended packing list.
Read more and see our packing tips here:
PS: In a sailboat, you pack in a bag or sack, not in a rigid suitcase. 🙂
Food & cooking on board
On our trips, you will be part of the crew on board and get the chance to participate in all tasks for the operation of the boat. This includes cooking and preparing food – everyone take turns in the galley! Skippers and crew assist as much as they can along the way.
We have great menus with tasty, healthy and “boat-friendly” food, and for each trip we order provisions for all meals on board. If you have allergies or preferences, let us know in the registration form and we will take that into account as best as we can. You are also most welcome to bring any special food or drink with you. Why not bring some specialities from your country or region for the boat to enjoy?
During a weeklong trip we often sail by a good restaurant or two where we can have dinner on land. Some places we need to pre-book and we will then need to choose a menu before we arrive. More about all of this when you come on board!
Life on board & accommodation
Life on a sailboat is super social and fun, but it might feel a bit intimate at first. No worries though, that vibe usually fades after the first hour. Everyone chips in to run the boat, and we’re all part of the crew, which means quick bonding.
We’re keen to get to know you and hope you’ll connect with the rest of the crew. It takes some patience, generosity, and an open mind to thrive, but soon you’ll be focused on making new friends and enjoying raw nature experiences once sea life feels like home.
Sleeping arrangements in shared cabins with double or bunk beds can be a bit of a puzzle, but we’re pretty good at figuring it out. Let us know if you have preferences. You’re on your own for land accommodations before or after the trip.
The boat provides heating and good food, but fresh water isn’t always abundant. Water conservation means not showering every day, but when near freshwater sources, we make the most of it. But nothing beats a morning sea swim for that fresh feeling.
Safety and risk on Ski & Sail trips
For ski touring on land, we keep the same high focus on safety. On the first skiing day, we go through avalanche awareness, use of our avalanche equipment and the necessary search and rescue techniques. Many factors determine the safety of a ski touring trip, where us, the human factor, is the triggering factor in most accidents in the mountains. Good planning, awareness of the weather and avalanche risk, and a coherent group are important. In addition, it is crucial that you listen to the guide and follow his instructions in the mountains.
Backcountry skiing in the mountains involves a certain amount of risk, as does sailing. However, as an operator, with our highly skilled and trained skippers and ski guides, we do everything we can to minimize the risk in a professional manner. We all benefit from that, as we have nobody to lose.
Level of our Ski & Sail trips
On all of our Ski & Sail trips you must have some previous experience with ski touring and skiing in general. You must have done some ski touring before and you need to bring your own touring equipment. Having said that, we mostly have open groups on our Ski & Sail trips, with participants at different levels. We usually sail several boats together and divide into boat teams and ski groups based on previous experience, skill level and individual expectation, as best we can.
Our various Ski & Sail concepts are on a slightly different level. The shorter trips in Lofoten and Lyngen are less advanced, while the longer departures as in Lyngen and Finnmark and the Ski & Sail expeditions on Svalbard, are more advanced.
Read more about our various Ski & Sail concepts here.
On some selected departures, we set up a specific beginner’s boat. Feel free to ask us about availability for this and which tour might suit you!
Snow conditions
We have locally known guides on board, that is experts in finding the best snow for us to ski at any condition throughout the season. What is certain about the snow conditions here in northern Norway, is that it’s usually very varied. Often with several types of snow on each single mountain, from fluffy powder or hard packed slabs to spring crust or slush. Depending on the season, how far into the fjords we sail, and of course exposition and height above sea level. We plan the skiing trips along the way based on the latest updated knowledge of the snow conditions and local forecasts.
If we are somewhere without less good snow, we sail to where the better snow is! With the sailboat, we are flexible in finding the best snow, and this can mean that we can go to places that are not on the program or that we ourselves may not have tested beforehand. Then it’s extra exciting and a true adventure for all of us!
Equipment and packing - Ski & Sail
Normal ski touring equipment is required for this trip: Skis with touring bindings and skins (alternatively split board), touring boots and poles. Ski crampons are highly recommended, and mandatory for split board, as this is always needed at some point during a week in our coastal Norwegian mountains. Furthermore standard avalanche equipment is mandatory for everyone to bring: beacon, shovel and probe (this can be rented from us if needed).
On our open Ski & Sail trips, boot crampons and ice axe (or further mountaineering equipment) is usually not needed, except on our Ski & Sail expeditions in Svalbard. More about this in the info-letters you receive after booking.
Avalanche equipment can be rented through us and ski equipment can be rented through our partners, but our best experience is that you bring your own equipment from home. Without too short transfers, flying with a ski bag these days is often as easy as with any other checked in luggage with most airlines.
Til og fra Tromsø er fly det raskeste hvis du skal til Sør-Norge, sjekk ut SAS, Norwegian eller Flyr. Dersom du har tid til å reise sakte så er det likevel noe vi heller anbefaler! Hurtigruten til/fra Bodø og toget derfra er en flott reise i seg selv!