Arctic Night Ski Touring & Splitboarding in Finnmark
Early Season Guided Ski Touring & Splitboarding above the Arctic Circle in Norway
For dedicated skiers and splitboarders eager to get on snow in the early season, northern Norway delivers even before the days grow long. Skiing by headlamp in the quiet Arctic night offers a unique and rewarding challenge, with thin daylight, crisp air, and long descents that test focus and skill.
These journeys are designed for experienced backcountry riders ready to test their gear, warm up on real terrain, and step boldly into the heart of winter. Small groups keep the experience personal, and travelling early in the year offers the chance to enjoy this adventure at a more favourable price.
Explore deep winter 70° above the Arctic Circle in the Finnmark region of Norway, with a week of intense skiing or splitboarding guided by IFMGA-certified guides in the magical Arctic winter light. From riding in your own headlamp bubble to the stunning blue or red light, get ready for some of the most exotic conditions.
Highlights
Each day you will experience some unforgettable skiing amongst spectacular mountains.
- Ski the incredible terrain of West-Finnmark in the depth of winter, at a time of year when no one is around but us and a few locals.
- Ski at night under the glow of your headlamp.
- Explore forests that seem perfectly designed for skiing, with trees spaced just right for effortless lines.
- Be amazed by the light: far from being always dark, January brings some of the most beautiful colours, from red when the sun hovers near the horizon to blue as it dips below.
- Catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights if the weather plays ball, and why not ski beneath them while you’re at it?
- Discover what it means to live like a Finnmark local, enjoying traditional food and relaxing in the sauna and hot tub by the fjord.
- Dine on gourmet meals made with fresh, local ingredients.
- Travel with the best: IFMGA-certified guides who know the region inside and out, balancing safety with deep local insight.
Itinerary
From the moment you exit the airport at Alta, everything is taken care of on the tour. Your driver will greet you and transport you to your accommodation at Låvan Lodge on Burfjord. The 1-hour road journey along the coast sets the scene for the coming adventure! It is possible to ski directly from the door at the lodge, but on other days you will travel by van a new ski location. By the beautiful glow of the low sun during the day, and then at night under the shimmering northern lights, skin up remote peaks, then carve fresh tracks down pristine slopes with no one else around. After skiing, relax in the lodge, have a sauna and perhaps enjoy the dramatic Northern Lights. For detailed, day-by-day trip information, see the Itinerary tab.
Skiing & Snowboarding
The Arctic Night trip is at Langfjordbotn which sits at the heart of a striking Arctic landscape in Finnmark, where deep fjords cut through broad valleys and peaks rise to nearly 900 metres (just over 2,952 feet). The surrounding mountains offer excellent ski touring and splitboarding opportunities for intermediate level and above.
This trip is designed for skiers and splitboarders who are comfortable being out for full days, touring uphill and riding in weather that can sometimes turn challenging. Night skiing is great fun, but it requires extra focus and is therefore not suitable for ski touring beginners.
On an average day expect to be outdoors for between four and seven hours. The guides will plan according to the weather and available light to ensure we show you the most beautiful moments and make the riding as enjoyable as possible. This may mean going out at unusual times (they can’t plan for the Northern Lights!!) or heading out more than once in a day.
Despite its location above the Arctic Circle, the climatic conditions in the region are not as extreme as one might expect. Even in the depths of winter, the Gulf Stream helps keep the cold manageable. Temperatures below -20°C (-4°F) are rare. In the glow of Arctic winter light, you’ll learn how to stay warm and comfortable in the cold - immersed in nature without facing the most extreme conditions.
Late January/early February is the heart of winter, when reliable snowfall provide great powder skiing conditions from the peaks all the way to the sea.
Lodging & Meals
The tour operator utilises handpicked stays that are locally owned, full of character and deeply connected to the landscape and culture. Expect comfort without excess, welcoming hosts and nature right at your doorstep.
On the Arctic Night trip you’ll be staying for 5-nights at the seaside Låvan Lodge, located an hour west of Alta on the sunny side of the fjord! The lodge is a traditional Norwegian house where you’ll get a real feel of local Arctic life. Expect shared bathrooms and single beds in cosy bedrooms (single or twin-share) - simple comforts that add to the charm of this authentic stay. For the final night, the group will stay at the boutique hotel Altafjord Gjestegaard.
For the duration of the trip, all meals are taken care of, and feature tasty, local dishes prepared by your in-house chef. You will be asked for any dietary requirements or restrictions beforehand. Non-alcoholic beverages are included in the tariff to keep you refreshed throughout the day and with your meals. Each evening, enjoy a complimentary glass of wine or beer with your dinner. A limited selection of additional alcoholic beverages are available for purchase too.
Guiding
Every Klättermusen Experience trip is led by IFMGA-certified guides with deep local insight, technical skill and a flexible, safety-first approach. These professionals don’t just follow the map; they adapt each day to the weather, terrain and group. Their expertise ensures you venture into remote, rugged landscapes with confidence and get the most out of every moment in the wild.
Ski Ability, Fitness & Gear
To get the most out of this trip, a strong intermediate ski or snowboard ability in mixed snow off-piste terrain is best. Some ski-touring/splitboarding experience is essential, as is being comfortable (or even enthusiastic) about skiing in darkness with a headlamp.
You should be comfortable in the outdoors and have a good level of fitness (i.e. sport & exercise are part of your daily routine).
You must have your own ski-touring & splitboarding gear (including required avalanche safety equipment). It is NOT included in the tour price and is NOT available locally.
Getting There & Away
The start and finish of the Arctic Night tour is at the town of Alta in far-northern Norway. You will be picked up at the airport in Alta to start your tour and dropped back there on the final day. Direct flights are available from Oslo (OSL) airport to Alta (ALF) airport, with a flight time of 2hr. Oslo can be reached from anywhere in the world.
Booking, Pre-Trip Support & More Info
The tour operators will make sure you have everything for your trip. You’ll get all the details you need for your itinerary and packing list, plus unlimited support via email if you have any questions.
Make a Booking Enquiry for the tour starting on January 24th ->
Make a Booking Enquiry for the tour starting on February 1st ->
If you are looking for more info or want to customise a private tour, make a General Booking Enquiry ->
If exploring the region by boat and staying overnight on the water is more your style, check out the Ski & Sail Finnmark tour ->