Lofoten Islands Norway
The Lofoten Islands of Norway provide an arctic ski experience like no other. Connected to the Norwegian mainland by a series of bridges, the island chain provides amazing ski touring & freeride descents in spectacular coastal landscapes. Despite its location above the Arctic Circle, winter temperatures are relatively mild (due to ocean current influences) when compared to the usual extremes in other places during winter.
It is not hard to see why Lofoten is increasingly popular with ski-tourers & freeriders. Exceptional peaks rising directly from the sea providing descents of up to 1,000m vertical are a serious drawcard. The gorgeous coastal villages situated incredibly on small islands dwarfed by mountains, fabulous accommodation & food, plus the chance to see the Northern Lights make a visit here a no-brainer.
Pros & Cons for Lofoten Islands
Pros
- Reliable snowpack until late in the season (early June).
- Seemingly endless backcountry powder skiing, split-boarding & ski-touring options.
- Easy adventure above the Arctic Circle.
- Stunning peaks, surroundings & views.
- Terrain includes everything from easy bowls to challenging couloirs and trees.
- Beautiful villages & accommodation options.
- Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) viewing possible, even probable in some months.
Cons
- Weather can be extreme (wind, snow, rain) & quickly changeable.
- Some popular 'easy access' terrain gets tracked quickly during the peak season.
Pro or Con (depending on your perspective)
- Limited to no public transport on the islands; private car, rental car or guide required to get to the start of the ski terrain.
- Isolated & dark in mid-winter (Dec to Feb), long days later in the season (Mar to June).
- Becoming increasingly popular.
- Access to the ski terrain is all human-powered on skins or boot pack (with a couple of exceptions!).
Skiing, Snowboarding & Terrain
The Lofoten Island chain consists of 4 main islands, is around 75km long with a highest point of 1,161m on Higravstinden. The mountains rise precipitously from the sea, but the ski terrain has something for all abilities from gentle bowls to steep couloirs. Summits typically skied in the Lofoten Islands are less than 1,100m high, with descents going all the way down to sea level. Some tree-skiing is possible at lower elevations (less than 300m above sea level) and usually consists of birch woodland and the odd pine tree. The taller woods are fantastic fun to ski through during stormy weather. Feels a bit like Japan on a powder day. Most routes start and finish at the same place, allowing for simple logistics to a roadside car park. As with the other well-known Norwegian ski-touring regions (Lyngen Alps, Sunnmøre & Finnmark), "skin-up, ski-down" is a reasonable motto for any visit to the area.
Whilst all the best skiing & snowboarding (splitboarding!) here is human-powered on skins to get up the hill, in case you were wondering, for skiing of the lift-assisted variety, there are two very small ski areas in the Lofoten Islands - Kongstind and Stamsund. Kongstind Alpine Centre (check out the trail map) is a few minutes’ drive north of Svolvaer. It has 235m of vertical served by a stick poma lift and operates during most afternoons, earlier on weekends. A delightful warming hut serves up affordable drinks and treats including the classic waffles & brown cheese. Stamsund has nearly 300m vertical off its ski lift but opening and closing times are harder to define. Regardless, you are here to climb without lifts, so unless you need to practice for a slalom race, stay away from them! The nearest real ski resort is in Narvik (read below).
Where are the Lofoten Islands Norway?
The Lofoten Islands are located above the Arctic Circle & start 90km west of the Norwegian city of Narvik. The archipelago's main town of Svolvær is 220km (over 3hr by road) west of Narvik & 940km north of the Norwegian capital, Oslo. Driving distance to Svolvaer from Oslo is over 1,400km & potentially 20hr on the road, making flying the only reasonable option to get there.
Flights to the area can be direct to the Harstad-Narvik airport at Evenes (EVE) (recommended if touring in a private group) or via Bodo (BOO) to Svolvær (SVJ). An alternative option on the islands is further west of Svolaer at Leknes (LKN), with flights to the small airport also coming via Bodø. Regardless of where you land in the region, all flights are via Oslo (OSL) & flight times are around 2 to 3hr. We flew from Oslo direct to Evenes where our rental car was waiting for us. From Evenes we drove with ease to Narvik, Lofoten Islands, Swedish Lapland & up to Tromsø and the Lyngen Alps.
Public transport in the region is of little use in winter (unless travelling between Svolvaer & Narvik) and it is essential to get a rental car (if not part of an organised tour). Access most portions of the Lofoten Islands ski terrain is possible via car when based in Svolvær or other central villages. If not travelling as part of a tour, cars can be rented at Evenes airport, Svolvaer or Narvik. All rental cars should come fully winterised, Most are 'all wheel drive' and include studded winter tyres which are essential for safely travelling on the icy roads. Search & book car rentals from Evenes airport or Narvik.
Lofoten Islands Accommodation
The Lofoten archipelago jutting out into the Norwegian sea. One road, the E10, links the four main islands & all the villages to the largest settlement of Svolvær - a thriving town of 2,000 people. Svolvaer is spread across numerous small islets and is an excellent base for exploring the region. A stunning array of hotels are dotted around its beautiful harbour. The town has a small ski centre nearby called Kongstind - good for some leg stretching turns before a serious tour. Nearby Kabelvåg provides a ready alternative with numerous houses & apartments for rent.
Search & book here for all Lofoten Islands accommodation at Svolvaer & Kabelvåg.
Beyond Svolvaer & Kabelvåg there are numerous lodging options all through the archipelago ready to provide an authentic Norwegian ski touring & freeride experience. Many of the lodgings are guesthouses, holiday homes, cabins or apartments, often converted from historic fishing industry buildings, so locations are more often than not absolute waterfront. Another village worth visiting and spending a few nights in is Henningsvær, 20km southwest of Svolvaer.
Search & book here for all Lofoten Islands accommodation at Henningsvær.
Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) at Lofoten
Another of Lofoten’s geographical benefits are shared with much of the Arctic - its proximity to the stunning phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis (otherwise known as the Northern Lights).
The Northern Lights can be viewed from September to April. You need a clear night with no light (artificial or moon!) & the right solar activity. We were lucky enough to view a stunning aurora display during our visit to Lofoten. Waves of green & purple danced across the night sky from dusk to dawn. An incredible experience.
The forecast for the northern lights (yep, there’s a forecast!) can be viewed here.
Nearby Ski Resorts
Away from Lofoten, Narvikfjellet is the closest 'real' ski resort option. Its piste trails seemingly ending right in the Narvik city centre; however it is over 220km (3 to 4hr drive) from Svolvaer. From Narvik, the railway into Sweden links the city with the interesting Swedish Lapland trio of Riksgransen, Bjorkliden & Abisko.
Review
The Powderhounds are visiting the Lofoten Islands now (late March 2023). It was a phenomenal trip with amazing snow, landscapes & skiing. Stay tuned for our photos & insights.
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