my personal favourites
The 5 Most Impressive Ski Tours in the Lyngen Alps
The Lyngen Alps are widely regarded as one of the world's finest destinations for ski touring. Stretching for almost 100 kilometres across Northern Norway, this spectacular mountain range rises directly from the Arctic fjords, creating an extraordinary landscape of steep peaks, wide glaciers and unforgettable descents.
My home base is the Magic Mountain Lodge in Lyngseidet, right in the heart of the Lyngen Alps. From here, almost every major ski touring area can be reached within just five minutes to one hour. This flexibility allows me to choose the best objective each day based on the latest weather forecast, snowpack and avalanche conditions—an advantage that makes every guided week unique.
After more than a decade of skiing in Lyngen, I have explored countless peaks throughout the region. Some have become internationally known classics, while others remain hidden gems that only a few visitors ever discover.
The tours I include in my guided ski touring weeks combine spectacular scenery with enjoyable skiing. Most involve around 1,000 metres of ascent, with descents that generally stay below 30–35 degrees, making them ideal for experienced ski tourers with solid fitness and confident off-piste skiing skills.
Choosing only five favourites is almost impossible. Every mountain has its own character, its own light and its own unforgettable moments. Still, these are the tours I return to year after year. Together, they showcase everything that makes the Lyngen Alps so special—from breathtaking fjord panoramas and elegant summit ridges to long powder descents in one of the most beautiful mountain landscapes on Earth.
Balcony with a view of the Lyngen Alps
1st Storhaugen
Although Storhaugen is technically not part of the Lyngen Alps, it offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views of the entire range. From its summit, you look directly across to some of Lyngen's most rugged, glacier-covered peaks—a perspective that perfectly captures the dramatic beauty of Northern Norway.
The day begins with the morning ferry from Lyngseidet to Olderdalen, followed by a scenic 15-minute drive towards Djupvik. Even before putting on your skis, the surrounding fjords and mountains make the journey worthwhile.
The ascent starts in sparse birch forest before emerging onto wide, open slopes with ever-expanding views across the Lyngenfjord. With gradients rarely exceeding 30 degrees, Storhaugen is a relatively safe and enjoyable ski tour, even after fresh snowfall or during more challenging avalanche conditions. Combined with consistently excellent snow, breathtaking scenery and a rewarding descent, it has become one of my favourite tours and a perfect introduction to ski touring in Northern Norway.
Wonderful Slopes, Endless Views
2. Giilavárri
Like Storhaugen, Giilavárri is located in the Kåfjord region and is easily reached by taking the ferry from Lyngseidet to Olderdalen. From the ferry terminal, the trail starts almost immediately, making it one of the most accessible ski tours in the area.
After a short but steeper climb through sparse birch forest, the terrain opens into wide alpine slopes. From here, the ascent becomes more relaxed, following gentle ridges and rolling terrain while the surrounding mountain scenery grows more impressive with every step.
The summit offers magnificent views across the fjord towards Lyngseidet and the glacier-covered flanks of Tafeltinden in the Lyngen Alps. On a clear day, the panorama stretches across countless Arctic peaks, making this one of the finest viewpoints in the region.
Giilavárri combines a relatively short approach with varied terrain, reliable snow conditions and an unforgettable summit panorama. For me, it is one of those tours that perfectly captures everything I love about ski touring in Northern Norway.
Magic mountain over Lyngseidet
3rd Kavringtinden - Goalsevárri
Kavringtinden rises directly above the village of Lyngseidet, just a few minutes from the Magic Mountain Lodge, making it one of the most accessible and rewarding ski tours in the Lyngen Alps.
The ascent begins through sparse birch forest and passes Skihytta, a charming unmanned mountain hut that provides the perfect spot for a short break. Beyond the hut, the scenery changes dramatically as the terrain opens onto broad alpine slopes that gradually steepen towards the summit ridge.
One of Kavringtinden's greatest strengths is its versatility. Depending on the snow conditions and the group's experience, several excellent descent options are available. My personal favourite is the descent into Kvalvik, or alternatively starting the tour from there. From this side, the neighbouring summit of Goalsevárri can easily be combined into a longer and even more rewarding day.
With its varied terrain, reliable snow conditions and magnificent views across the Lyngenfjord, Kavringtinden perfectly represents what makes ski touring in the Lyngen Alps so special. It is a mountain I never tire of returning to, no matter how many times I have skied it.
Endless Slopes and Deep Blue Arctic Waters
4. Storgalten
Storgalten is located at the northern end of the Lyngen Alps and can be reached from the Magic Mountain Lodge in around 50 minutes. It is one of the region's true classics, combining spectacular Arctic scenery with one of the finest ski descents in Northern Norway.
The tour begins on gentle terrain before climbing onto wide, open mountainsides that gradually lead towards the summit. With every metre gained, the views become more impressive, stretching across the Lyngenfjord, the surrounding peaks and the distant Arctic coastline.
The reward is an unforgettable descent of around 800 vertical metres on beautifully shaped, wide-open slopes that offer enjoyable skiing in a wide range of snow conditions. Few mountains in the region provide such a long, flowing run back towards the fjord.
With a total ascent of 1,219 vertical metres, Storgalten is a rewarding full-day ski tour. Starting almost at sea level and finishing high above the fjords, it perfectly showcases the dramatic contrasts that make ski touring in the Lyngen Alps so unforgettable.
Gentle Slopes and Stunning Views
5. Fastdalstinden
After a short drive to Rottenvik, we reach the starting point for Fastdalstinden, one of the classic ski tours in the Lyngen Alps. Unlike many other tours in the region, the ascent bypasses most of the birch forest thanks to a cleared access track, allowing us to gain elevation quickly.
After the first 400 vertical metres, the landscape opens onto the beautiful Rottenvik plateau, with its frozen lake surrounded by impressive mountain scenery. From here, the climb continues through increasingly alpine terrain before reaching the broad upper mountain and the final ascent to the summit.
From the top, magnificent views stretch across the Lyngen Alps in every direction. The descent is equally memorable, offering long, flowing turns on wide-open slopes with several excellent options depending on the snow conditions. Whether skiing back to Rottenvik or choosing one of the alternative descents, Fastdalstinden perfectly combines varied terrain, outstanding scenery and superb skiing.
It is one of the mountains I look forward to returning to every season and a perfect example of why the Lyngen Alps are considered one of the world's premier ski touring destinations.
Curious? I would be happy to take you and show you the unique landscape of the Lyngen Alps. Here you can find more information about the ski touring weeks in Lyngen!