Arnøya & Kågen Summit to Sea skitouring

In April we are heading to the islands of Arnøya and Kågen which lie to the northeast of the Lyngen Peninsula. Why there? For good reasons - spectacular scenery, one of the best summit-to-sea skiing in Norway, cozy accommodation, and no crowds!

The two islands are a skitouring wonderland. Excellent variety of terrain, fantastic views with contrasts of snowy peaks and blue sea, and breathtaking summit-to-sea ski runs. Nowhere else are the skiing and the sea so close together. Some peaks are even glaciated.

There are mountains to ski for all skill levels. Breikågen (683 m), for example, offers easy-moderate skiing from the summit right to the sea. The tour to the summit of Arnøyhøgda (1165m) is a stunning, true alpine experience. Store Kågtinden (1228 m) has demanding ski terrain that will satisfy the strongest skiers.

In 2024 I run two different programs - Standard and Steep Skiing:

Standard is what we usually do on skitouring programs, and suits most of the skiers and snowboarders - about 1200 vertical per day, occasional bootpacking. Nothing really demanding, but good skiing is guaranteed! Max group size is 6 people.

Steep Skiing is a demanding program, for those who are keen to skitour at least 1500 per day, do some ski-mountaineering and ski steeper lines. Requires very good fitness and ski levels. Max group size - 4 people.

Prerequisites for the Standard program

• Intermediate or higher level of skiing in any snow conditions.
• Good physical shape.
• At least 15 days ski-tour/backcountry skiing experience.

Prerequisites for the Steep Skiing program

• Advanced/expert level of skiing in any snow conditions.
• Very good to excellent physical shape.
• Basic ski-mountaineering skills (confident use of boot crampons and ice axe).

Our journey begins in Tromsø. On Saturday, upon your arrival, we stay in the city for one night. On Sunday early morning, we depart towards Arnøya. Depending on the weather and snow conditions, we either skitour some summits on the way or arrive at Arnoya and skitour there. Next 5 days - skitouring on Arnøya and Kågen islands.

On Friday, after a full day of skitouring we depart to Tromsø, where spend a night in the hotel. Sunday - flight from Tromsø to your destination.

There are two accommodation options. One of them will be selected after group formation, depending on availability.

Private self-catering holiday house on Arnøya island. Located in a tiny Lauksletta village, on the seashore. It’s in a good location for exploring the area, with the nearest ski venues being just 5 mins drive away. Single and double occupancy, spacious living room, shared bathrooms, beautiful sea view.

Private self-catering holiday house located in small town Skjervøy. This is a small fishing town with a good infrastructure and some historical attractions. Nearby island Kågen provides a lot of good ski lines within 10 minutes of drive, and within 30 minutes (drive plus ferry) to Arnøya island. Single and double occupancy, spacious living room, shared bathrooms, sea view.

For both accommodations, we will self-cater and buy most of our food for the trip in Tromsø. Please let me know if you have any special dietary requirements.

2024 DATES:

April 20-27, Standard program

April 27 - May 04, Steep Skiing program

Price:

2180 € per person for the Standard program

2480 € per person for the Steep Skiing program

Price includes:

• 6 days of skitouring and guiding.
• Accommodation in Tromso, 2 nights, TWIN with breakfast.
• Accommodation in private chalet, 5 nights, TWIN or SNGL.
• Meals - self-catering, food included.
• Transportation, 7 days - 8-seat van.
• All road expenses - ferries, tolls, fuel.

Extra expenses:

• International and domestic airfares.
• Personal insurance.
• Meals in Tromso.
• Alcoholic beverages.

Photos - © Grigory Mintsev, Peter Schoen, Claude Hediger.