Discovering Norway by Land and by Sea

A Personal Ski & Sail Adventure in the Lyngen Alps

Norway is a fascinating country not only in geography but also in its history and culture. With over 62,000 miles of coastline and countless fjords, the country’s identity is deeply tied to the relationship between land and ocean. 

When I first visited northern Norway in 2024 to guide a Ski & Sail trip in the Lyngen Alps, I instantly warmed to the harsh beauty, the people, and the sense of adventure that defines this Arctic region. We set sail from Tromsø, a lively town inside the Arctic Circle that has become a hub for guided ski touring in Norway.

The Northern Lights overlooking the Tromsø harbor at night

Tromsø

While I expected a sleepy fishing village, I was surprised to learn that Tromsø’s vibrant university scene gives it a youthful energy. Surrounded by ocean, inlets, and 3,000-foot high mountains, it’s a natural gathering place for those drawn to backcountry skiing, ski mountaineering, ocean exploration, and the northern lights.

In winter and early spring, the days are quite short and the Aurora Borealis dominates the sky. This is the high season for Northern Lights tours and once-in-a-lifetime adventures. For the locals, the transition into the darkness of winter requires some changes in daily life, but it by no means shuts down their lifestyle. Skiing is an essential part of life in Norway, and there is nothing more common than seeing the hills and mountains aglow with headlamps after work shifts have ended. While backcountry skiing in the dark is definitely an acquired skill, the locals have perfected the art of the after-work ski tour. After joining a few of these night tours myself, I can say that skiing under the aurora borealis is one of the most surreal experiences imaginable.

Watching the Arctic sunset from the deck of the Duen III

Sailing the Lyngen Alps

It was this time of year, early March, that I guided my first Norway Ski & Sail trip aboard the Duen III, a 72-foot sailboat captained by Øyvind Nilssen. Øyvind was in need of a ski guide for a group of skiers that had booked a 7-day guided ski touring trip in the Lyngen Alps, and I was more than happy to step into this adventure! I had never seen the northern lights before, nor had I skied in the Arctic Circle, so this was a guiding opportunity I just couldn’t pass up!

We stepped on board the sailboat that would be our home for the next 7 days, and after introductions, orientations, and gear checks, we set sail towards the first island of our tour. Our crew consisted of David, a young sailor from Austria, and Dave, a British expat. I would get to know these two Daves quite well as they returned to crew my future Ski & Sail trips.

Our guests sorting out their gear on deck before the Duen III sets sail

With Øyvind at the helm, the trio gently guided us out of the Tromso harbor and north towards the Arctic. Surrounded by snow-covered islands as we glided through the water, we were already enamored with the stark but powerful beauty of the region. As the ski guide, I had done quite a bit of preparation, scrutinizing maps and creating track after track of possible ski lines and descents for our group. Seeing those lines from the boat was exhilarating — the Ski & Sail experience felt like a perfect blend of exploration, adventure, and tranquility.

Øyvind presenting the ceremonial Aquavit toast after our successful Ski & Sail

Seven Days of Arctic Magic

During the next 7 days, we skied over 15,000 ft of vert, ate like kings from the gourmet meals prepared by the crew, solved crosswords, soaked in the wood-fired hot tub, played games, and shared our stories.

A guest enjoying a powder descent from summit to sea

It was a magical time sailing around with a group of folks from all over the world and meeting new friends, knowing that this shared experience was unique to just us. A week later, as our trip was coming to an end, I just knew this was an experience I wanted to share with others. A goal that I’ve always had as a guide was to be able to provide unique and challenging experiences to my guests, and I felt that skiing and sailing around arctic islands could definitely make that list. Each year I’ve gone back, I’ve deepened my understanding of the terrain, the weather, and the culture — all of which help me craft an unforgettable Ski & Sail trip for my guests.

Join Pika Mountain Guides in Norway

If you’ve ever dreamed of skiing from summit to sea, experiencing the Arctic Circle from a sailboat deck, or exploring northern Norway with an IFMGA certified guide, then come join us for the next Norway Ski & Sail adventure with Pika Mountain Guides.

Each trip is designed to blend comfort, adventure, and skill-building, offering a once-in-a-lifetime way to connect with the Arctic landscape.

Learn more: Norway Ski & Sail with Pika Mountain Guides