Ski Touring
With an unparalleled variety of landscapes, from towering peaks to deep valleys, pristine lakes, waterfalls, glaciers, and rugged mountain terrain, this area offers one of the most spectacular backdrops for alpine ski touring and off-piste adventures.
Narvik serves as an exceptional base for those seeking both adventure and accessibility. Within just a one-hour drive from Narvik city center, skiers have access to nearly 100 high-quality ski touring peaks, offering endless opportunities to explore untouched powder and breathtaking descents. Whether you're an experienced backcountry adventurer or a novice looking to explore the beauty of this remarkable region, there's no shortage of incredible peaks to discover and conquer in Narvik's stunning mountain landscape. Thanks to the region’s diverse climate zones, it is often possible to find excellent snow conditions and favorable weather within a short distance.
The ski touring season in Narvik is long and varied, stretching from the polar night—where the northern lights illuminate the sky—to the late spring, where the sun never sets, providing endless daylight for extended adventures. For those looking for the ultimate challenge, ascents and descents can reach up to 1,700 meters in vertical distance, with some of the world’s best chute skiing, including 1,200-meter descents that drop directly to the fjord. Gangnesaksla, located in the Skjomen fjord south of Narvik, is home to Norway’s longest couloir, a must-visit for experienced skiers.
Narvikfjellet has some of Norway`s best backcountry terrain.
Mathias Fredriksson
A Unique Ski Touring Experience
Narvik offers a range of unique ski touring experiences that set it apart from other destinations:
- Train-Accessed Ski Touring: The region provides the rare opportunity to access ski touring terrain via train, making backcountry skiing both convenient and environmentally friendly.
- Hut-to-Hut Touring: A well-developed network of huts enables multi-day ski touring trips through breathtaking landscapes, providing both shelter and an immersive experience in nature.
- Alpine Resorts and Heli-Skiing: Five alpine ski resorts are within an hour’s drive or train ride, offering the best of both worlds—backcountry exploration and lift-accessed skiing. Narvik is also home to Scandinavia’s premier heli-skiing operation, granting access to over 200 peaks for those seeking the ultimate off-piste adventure.
- Lift-Based Summit Tour: Take advantage of lift-assisted summit hikes, perfect for exploring Norway's top backcountry terrain. Use the lifts to reach about 1000 meters in just an hour, landing you at the Third Peak. From there, you'll discover various slopes, including the famous Mørkholla, known worldwide for its thrilling runs and stunning vistas.
- Certified Ski Guides: The nature of the region has led to a remarkably high number of internationally certified mountain guides residing here. As of today, six guides hold the highest certification, which is unique in a national context. If you really want to explore the possibilities for ski touring, we strongly recommend using these guides. They have invaluable knowledge about the local area.
By availing the services of a certified guide, you can guarantee a ski touring trip that will be the adventure of a lifetime.
Mathias Fredriksson
Certified ski guides
For those looking for expert guidance while ski touring in the Narvik region, Gálav Ski Guides offers professional guiding services tailored to all levels of experience. Founded by Mikael af Ekenstam, who has lived in Riksgränsen and Narvik since 1993, Gálav Ski Guides specializes in ski touring and lift-accessed backcountry skiing. Mikael has dedicated decades to exploring the region’s ski touring possibilities, resulting in several guidebooks on Northern Scandinavia.
Gálav Ski Guides provides customized guiding on Narvik’s spectacular summits and the vast backcountry areas of the Narvikfjellet ski area. One of their unique offerings is a multi-day ski tour along the Iron Ore Railway, traversing from Norway to Sweden via train and skis. Their excursions are tailored to the technical level and preferences of each guest, ensuring a high-quality experience in some of the most scenic terrain in the Arctic.
Other featured tours include:
- The Stetind Skiing and Heritage Experience: Explore Norway’s national mountain, a famous summer climbing destination that also offers excellent ski touring terrain.
- Narvikfjellet Backcountry: With Narvik selected as the host of the 2029 Alpine World Championships, this area provides some of the best off-piste skiing in Scandinavia, boasting up to 1,100 vertical meters of continuous descent.
- The Matterhorn of Narvik – Rombakstøtta: A stunning seaside mountain with a silhouette resembling the Matterhorn, featuring a rewarding ski tour topped with short steep sections leading to breathtaking summit views.
- Avalanche Courses: Learn essential avalanche safety skills with expert instruction, ensuring a safe and enjoyable ski touring experience.
Additionally, Mikael af Ekenstam has authored multiple guidebooks on ski touring and climbing in Northern Scandinavia. These guidebooks provide in-depth knowledge of the region and are available for purchase through Fri Flyt’s webshop.
The view of Ofotfjorden and the surrounding mountains from Tredjetoppen.
Rune Dahl
The Best Lift-Accessed Skiing in Scandinavia
For those who enjoy combining ski touring with resort skiing, Narvikfjellet Ski Resort provides some of the best lift-accessed skiing in Scandinavia. Offering stunning views over the fjords and varied terrain for all skill levels, this resort is an excellent complement to any ski touring trip.
With its combination of urban skiing at Narvikfjellet, world-class heli-skiing, and breathtaking backcountry terrain, the Narvik region is a true haven for ski enthusiasts. The stunning scenery, top-notch facilities, and welcoming locals make this one of the most sought-after ski destinations in the north.
Shred the Slopes, Embrace the City Comforts
Michael Ulriksen
Enjoy skiing in an urban setting
If you love skiing but also appreciate the convenience and amenities of city life, Narvik is the perfect destination for you. After an exhilarating day in the mountains, you can return to town and indulge in a delicious meal at a cozy restaurant, enjoy a drink at a local bar, or shop in trendy boutiques. Narvik also offers a variety of accommodations, from charming lodges to luxurious 4-star hotels, ensuring that every visitor can find the perfect place to stay.
Whether you're looking for extreme descents, scenic backcountry routes, or a combination of adventure and urban comfort, the Narvik region delivers a ski touring experience like no other. From the thrill of heli-skiing to the solitude of a hut-to-hut journey, the possibilities here are as vast as the landscapes themselves.
