Our skisailing outposts in the extreme northwest corner of Norway offer some of the most amazing mix of adrenaline and romanticism one could even dare to dream. Here is a quick reference guide and some stunning images
Peaks: Keipen (978m), Store Hesten (874m), Langlitinden (1276m), Stortingen Drangen (1022m)
Area coordinates: approx 69°25′ N, 17°39′ E for Senja, 68°51′ N, 17°08′E for Andorja
Level of difficulty: Most peaks on Senja are difficult, although Kalpen is approachable by mid level skiers
Exposure: mainly to the north and west
Main features: Senja is the biggest and possibly the most beautiful island of Norway, some say of the World. Although some of its peaks are famous, not many travellers venture to this faraway corners because connections to the rest of Europe are not immediate. Moreover, many bays and peaks are only accessible by boat. There are literally tens and tens of slopes and peaks where only very few passionate locals go. Therefore perfect isolation and amazing views are the main features.
Further reading:
Senja
http://kugo.no/2016/04/keipen-938-moh/http://kugo.no/2016/04/store-hesten-874-moh/
Andorja e Rolla
http://kugo.no/2017/04/langlitinden-1276-moh-2/http://kugo.no/2017/04/stortinden-drangen-1022-moh/
Practical information
When: custom departures between March 1 and May 1 without mountain guide. Departures March 13 and March 21 with mountain guide.
Where: cruises start and end very close to the airport of Tromso. Occasional one way cruises to and from Skjervoy.
Weather: classic Atlantic winter weather, changing frequently. At least 2 bad weather days must be expected. Temperature ranges between –13 and 0. Water in harbours occasionally freezes. Wind conditions vary greatly and a couple of windy or even gale days can be expected but most sailing is done in sheltered waters. Seas are generally calm or choppy in the fjords. Snow conditions are always excellent in March and varies in April depending on the wind.
Aurora Borealis: the area is blessed with magnificent Auroras, that can be enjoyed until around April 10, very rarely later as the light is often excessive
Route: the cruise is organized according to the weather between Tromso and Skjervoy. The harbours used are Oldervik, Nordlenangen, Skjervoy, Vannvag, Lyngen and Uloy. Basic services such as electricity are present in all harbours.
Vessel: Swan 44 Cadeau. The cruises with mountain guide will be with 2 vessels.
Equipment: the normal skialp equipment will be fine on the boat as well. Sleeping bag is essential. Ski equipment can be rented in Tromso at around 280 euros a week.
Charter rates and cruise types:
· without mountain guide: 1000 euros for 8 nights/7 days cruise, plus shared expenses (average 150 euros per person per week)
· With mountain guide (minimum 6 pax): 2800 euros a week included flights within Europe, full board
A typical day: according to the weather, skiing is generally arranged around the middle of the day, while sailing in the morning or during the evening if necessary. Sailing pleasantly among the Norwegian islands covered with snow is simply magnificent and we often search for a perfect line of ascent while sailing silently right under the slopes.
