Ski & Sail in the Lofoten Islands

Ski and Sail

Lofoten, Norway

Join adventure yacht Humla in port of Svolvær, Norway. This Ski & Sail experience will tour some of the most remote back-country ski areas, away from the tourist hustle and bustle. All Ski and Sail trips on Humla come with a skipper and a ski guide so you don’t need to worry about any route planning. The crew will plan the ski tour together for each day, according to weather and conditions. If weather and snow conditions permit, we intend to ski every day on this trip (4 skiing days). However, if anyone wants a rest day during the trip, that’s completely fine too! After ski touring during the day, we sail to the next port or anchorage and prepare for a new peak the next day.

Our Ski & Sail trips with Humla tend to sail with two or more boats in tandem, depending on the number of people registered. With multiple boats, we divide into boat teams and ski groups according to skill level, wishes, and prior experience. We often set up two different trips of varying lengths per skiing day, so you can choose whether you want to go on the long or short trip that day. With open groups onboard, there will, of course, be a difference in skiing level inside each group, but we quickly become a good team on board, and we are all flexible!

Ski & Sail is a relatively advanced type of ski trip, but on this trip, we provide a beginner’s boat. This group will make easier and less steep ski trips but sail with the rest of the boats. This is for you if you have some backcountry skiing experience already but are not that confident on the steepest slopes. If you enjoy nature and being in the mountains on skis and want to try Ski & Sail, this is for you. You must still have some ski touring experience and bring your ski and avalanche equipment. Please ask us about availability for specific departures with a beginner’s boat!

Guided Itinerary

After our first evening getting to know one another and the boat, we’ll find our first anchorage for the night. After an early breakfast, we’ll head ashore in Austnesfjorden. Together with the guide, we assess route choices for the day based on weather, snow conditions and wind. Austnesfjorden has many summits suitable for ski touring; Higravtinden and Geitgaljartind are the most famous and demanding, but Rundfjellet, Kvittind, and many other possibilities are available.

The weather, snow conditions, and wind will determine our destination, but we might stay in Austnesfjorden and try a new mountain and lines here, or we could sail further towards Raftsundet. If the weather gods are on our side, we could possibly ascend Geitgaljen, one of Lofoten’s most famous and spectacular peaks! If the snow is stable and good, this peak offers a magical descent all the way down to the rocky beach. We get back on board after skiing, eat and relax a bit before we sail out of Austnesfjorden towards our next destination.

We start the day in Trollfjorden! With its steep mountainsides and remote location, this fjord is accessible only by boat. Early in the morning, before the sun starts to warm the mountainsides, we find a suitable mountain that is not among the steepest. We assess the conditions and go out touring after a good breakfast. In the afternoon, we might light a bonfire after a swim in the sea!

On our last morning, we’ll do a short ski tour to a small summit before returning home to Svolvær in the afternoon.

Please see this itinerary as a rough plan that we adapt as needed according to weather and conditions. We often also try out new places if we feel like it. We reserve the right to improve our programs constantly.

All voyages for Humla

Humla

Guest berths: 8 Rig: Sloop

Expedition yacht Humla is a safe and comfortable Bavaria Cruiser, making her a top choice for exploring the coasts, islands, and fjords of Norway. With a simple fractional rig, she is easy and fun to sail and handles well in many conditions. 

Humla is fully equipped to withstand all types of sailing adventures, from the tough icy conditions of Northern Norway to the beautiful Springs and Summers along the fjords of the West Coast. She even offers epic Ski and Sail adventures across Norway’s Lyngen Alps.

Perfect for adventurers and explorers of all ages, you don’t need any experience to join most of Humla’s sailing holidays in Norway – just a love and appreciation of the natural world and as the skipper requests – a good sense of humour!

Sailing with Humla is certainly a hands-on, team-inspiring experience. You’ll become part of the crew, taking part in all aspects of sailing. From the day-to-day running of the boat to cooking up meals with your fellow guests, the crew of Humla will be on hand to guide you every step of the way. 

Below Decks

A large saloon seats 10 around a communal dining table opposite a well-equipped galley. All cabins have heating, comfy beds, thick duvets, and wool blankets for those colder nights! The cabins are a mix of double beds and twin bunks, but they are not allocated until all guests are on board so that everyone is matched with the right size bed and the right facilities for their needs! 

Humla is fully equipped for trips and expeditions, including four independent heating systems, navigation equipment inside and outside, a quick-launching dinghy in davits, and safety and rescue equipment for 12 people.

Deck plan

You don’t need any experience to join Humla’s adventure sailing holidays, just a love for the natural world and a real sense of adventure.

GETTING INVOLVED

Sailing with Humla is a real hands-on experience as you work with the crew and fellow guests to navigate the wild coasts of Norway together. Get stuck into all aspects of life on board, from taking the helm to setting and trimming the sails, basic sail theory, and domestic duties.

The skipper and first mate (co-skipper), will be onboard during Humla’s sailing holidays. Along the way, preferably by sailing but sometimes under a motor, we will include all guests in the sailing experience.

The physical sailing of Humla is relatively straightforward, so she’s a great boat to learn about if you haven’t sailed before. Her simple rig has two sails, the main and genoa, all working off a winch system. You can take the helm, working with the skipper to watch your course. The crew that sail in these waters are wildly skilled, resourceful and calm and they are always on hand to guide guests.

The boat works on a relaxed watch system, usually 4 hours on and 8 hours off. This gives guests a real chance to have some focussed sailing time but equally have the time to just be. To sit, watch the world go by, relax, nap, read a book in your cabin, play cards in the saloon or just simply sit at the bows, watching and reflecting as the world glides by. If Humla spends time on anchor, the watch system will run overnight, but with all guests and crew participating, you wouldn’t be on watch on consecutive nights.

Once guests have settled onboard, there is always a thorough safety briefing and introduction, followed by a “man overboard” procedure (don’t worry—this is a fender, not a real person!) and a fire safety drill.

BELOW DECKS

Central heating runs continuously throughout the boat, so she is wonderfully cosy! The spacious saloon and galley are set mid ships with 360o windows at deck level – perfect for cooking with a view. All cabins have heating, comfy beds, thick duvets and wool blankets. The cabins are a mix of double beds and twin bunks, but cabins are not allocated until all guests are on board so that everyone is matched with the right size bed and right facilities for their needs!

There are three shared bathrooms with boat showers/hot water, although, as with all sailing experiences, guests are asked to be respectful of their water consumption. There will also be times when there are options to use the marina facilities. A small bath towel is provided per person, but you’ll need to bring an extra hand towel or swim towel if you wish.

EATING ABOARD

Aside from setting the sails and taking the helm, the next most important aspect of sailing on Humla is definitely the food! Once you’ve boarded the boat, a crew member will split all guests into pairs, who are then divided over a rota for breakfast, lunch and dinner duties. With an average of 10 people on board, you’ll normally do one of each service over a week’s voyage.

If you’re not much of a cook, fear not! There will be a menu plan for the whole voyage already planned out with all the provisions on board. The menu plan is entirely flexible depending on the plan for the day. Maybe you catch a fish, or maybe the more confident cooks will want to experiment a little! Alongside the menu plan, there is a correlating recipe book, especially one made with ingredients, quantities, and cooking methods to match the meal plan. Cooking on board is an integral part of how a sailing ship operates. A hearty feed after a sailing adventure, a chance to bring everyone together, confidence to grow, and cultural culinary tips to be shared.

Things to note

Sailing vs Shore time

Night-watches?

Kit List

Humla has limited space for possessions, so please be considerate and travel as light as possible. Rigid cases cannot be stored, so please bring your items in a soft bag or rucksack. We recommend a travelling light principle with lots of lightweight, easy-drying layers.

CLOTHING & SAIL WEAR

• Woollen/thermal underwear, two sets
• Woollen socks and thermal soles, two sets
• Hat and gloves (preferably wool with wind and waterproof outer layer)
• Scarf, buff (something to keep you warm around your neck), preferably wool.
• Warm sweater, preferably with a high-neck
• Warm trousers, preferably with an inner layer
• Down Jacket or fiber-jacket (like Primaloft)
• Nice/party/”Restaurant clothes.”
• Watertight sailing boots
• Trainers/light shoes to use onboard
• Hiking shoes for hiking trips ashore
• Waterproof sail-wear / oilskins. Preferably, one light shell set for hiking and one heavier for sailing
• Sailing gloves (not a must). You may also use bicycle gloves or ski gloves
• High water-tight boots of the kind you use when fishing in a river. It’s not a must but smart when going ashore in the dinghy on unsheltered beaches

OTHER EQUIPMENT

• Sunglasses, Sun cream
• Small towel, soap
• Swimming wear
• Thermos for hot water if eating freeze-dried food on a hike or hot beverages
• Personal water bottle
• Backpack for trips onshore, 40-60 litres
• Earplugs and eye-cover (if you’re a sensitive sleeper)
• Cash – NOK (sometimes useful when going ashore at smaller places)

EQUIPMENT

Equipment for ski touring and backcountry skiing is required for this trip, which means an avalanche/ski backpack with beacon, probe and shovel, and touring skis (or split board) with skins and ski crampons. Humla has a few sets of avalanche equipment that can be hired through us if you let us know beforehand, and ski equipment can be rented through our partners.

On our Ski & Sail adventures in Norway , we often travel across snowcovered glaciers on the trips on land. This means that the guides will ask you also to bring personal glacier equipment (harness, slings, prutzics, carabiners) in addition to the touring equipment, this could also be rented through Humla.

Sample Menu for Humla

This is an example of what could be served while sailing with Humla. There is not a dedicated cook on board Humla. Guests take turns rotating to cook for the boat. This is an enjoyable part of sailing with Humla as you make firm friends and experience recipes from around the world!

Breakfast

• Eggs, bacon, beans and toast
• Pancakes with jam and spreads
• Oatmeal with various toppings
• Bread and spreads
• Yoghurt and/or milk with cereal

Lunch

• Cauliflower or onion Soup
• Fish soup (using fish we’ve caught from our lines!)
• Cream porridge with cured meats
• Tomato soup and omelette
• Pancakes

Dinner

• Fish or veggie burgers
• Pasta with smoked salmon
• Chilli con carne
• Tacos
• Vegetable lasagne
• Bali chicken stew
• Salmon with root vegetables and sour cream
• Pasta bolognese with salad
• Sautéed reindeer stew
• Self-caught cod with pea puree

Dessert

• Fruit salad with vanilla sauce and firkløver chocolate
• Cream buns
• Sweet biscuits or chocolate

We usually have fish burgers on the first evening, as this is a simple meal to make on the first night, and it has been a tradition to start the trip with fish burgers for many years. Sometimes, we go out for dinner on land (each guest pays for themselves) on the final evening of the trip if we are back in the harbour in time. But this is up to the individual group of guests. Other times, we might also go out for dinner on land the day the trip has ended if people are still in town!

Snacks

We provide a small amount of snacks for the trip, but we usually suggest that guests bring some of their own snacks as well, especially for trips on land (nuts, cookies, chocolate, chips, dried fruit, crackers, etc.). It is always fun when people bring a little something from their home country to share with the rest of the crew. Guests are also welcome to supplement with other food items if they have very specific wishes or needs that we are not able to cater to.

What’s included

• Full Board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, soft/hot drinks)
• All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet) and wash towel
• Full crew plus tuition
• Marina and fuel fees
• All tender trips to and fro the boat
• Lifejacket
• Fishing equipment
• Use of the onboard small sailing dinghy for extra practice!

What’s not included

• Alcohol
• Wetsuits
• Swim towel
• Any flights
• Transit hotels
• Travel to and from the boat on the day of joining/leaving
• Travel Insurance
• Sailing Insurance (Please read our Sailing Insurance page for more information)
• Crew tips
• Personal expenses
• Any meals ashore
• Ski equipment

Travel insurance notes

As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise everyone to have the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.

Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.

This voyage will not be more than 12 miles offshore.

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  Yes, all meals and soft drinks are included. Guests work on a rotation basis to cook together onboard.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Yes - please specify at time of enquiry.

• Are there any added extras?

  There's an honesty bar for soft drinks and alcohol that can be settled at the end of the voyage.

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  There are 3 double cabins and 2 twin bunk cabins. The double cabins can be split by lea cloth and the berths are allocated once aboard.

• Is there a porthole in my cabin?

  Yes, all cabins have portholes and deck hatches.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  Three in total all shared across all cabins. One bathroom tends to be designated as a wet store for coats etc.

• Are bedding and towels included?

  Yes, all bedding and a towel is provided.

• Is there a hairdryer on board?

  No, please do not bring one. The sea breeze makes a great natural alternative!

• Will I be able to wash my clothes?

  No, Humla does not have laundry on board.

• Is there heating on board?

  Yes! There are four independent systems.

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• What language is spoken onboard?

  English is the common deck language but there will be international guests and crew.

• Is there WIFI?

  No! It's time to disconnect from the modern conforms and reconnect with nature! When within shore range, you should be able to reach 4/5G. Please make sure you have international roaming set up on your data plan.

• Can I charge my phone/Camera?

  12v charging available 24/7 in every cabin and 220 EURO 2pin when connected to shore power/generator.

• What is the currency on board?

  Norwegian Krone.

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes, every bunk is numbered with an allocated life jacket.

• How do I get on and off the boat?

  Humla is often at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy and climbing up the boats step ladder over the gunwale - there will always be a crew member to steady.

• Are waterproofs provided?

  No, please bring your own.

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.

• Does the boat have any water toys?

  No

• Will I be sea sick?

  Everyone reacts differently but we recommend if you are at all worried to take some medication 24 hours before departure.

• Is there an age limit?

  Minimum age 14, between 14-18 need to be accompanied by parent/guardian.

Travel Planning

From: Svolvær

To: Svolvær

To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.

Getting There

BY AIR

Fly direct to/from London Gatwick to Svolvaer (SVJ).