Guided backcountry Ski & Sail; Lyngen Alps in Norway

YOUR SAILING AREA

Tromsø, Norway

High above the Arctic circle in Norway sits the city of Tromsø, a top destination for watching the mesmerising Northern Lights and back-country skiing in the Lyngen Alps. With direct flights from London Gatwick, Tromso is a great place to begin your ski and sail  holiday in Norway. 

Cruise into the Lyngen Alps fjord wilderness of dramatic Arctic scenery and steep snow-covered mountains running straight into the sea. Ski untouched slopes with breath-taking 360° panoramic views on land and enjoy fishing, kayaking and wildlife watching from the boat. Explore small Norwegian towns and unwind on deck in the boats very own hot tub!

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Spend the first night on anchor as you settle into the boat, meet the crew and get to know your fellow guests. As the Arctic morning breaks, enjoy hot coffee on deck as you soak in the natural landscape and local wildlife.

Over the next six days, you’ll be skiing in some of Europe’s best snow conditions. Your guide will provide local weather knowledge, wind conditions and snowpack to decide where the best skiing will be on the day. Check your skis and pack your gear before heading ashore for 4-8 hours of earning your turns.

“There was nothing for it but to climb up under your own steam” — #earningyourturns

Every day is a unique opportunity to sail to a new spot, drop anchor and head ashore for another fresh peak. You’ll experience everything from dry Arctic powder to perfect spring corn snow or even some glacier skiing. With reliable snow pack and quality snow until late in the season, there are endless backcountry skiing adventures to be had on the Lyngen Peninsula.

As the evenings draw in, enjoy apres ski snacks and drinks paired with a polar dip and relaxing soak in the hot tub. Soul nourishing, heart warming evening meals (perhaps even some line caught fish) ensure you’re well fuelled for another day of sailing and skiing. The evenings here are incredibly still and tranquil, making them the perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature. 

After six days of exploring this winter wonderland, Stella Oceana will set sail back to Tromsø, offload the ski gear and say our goodbyes!

What could be better than ski touring in a magical untouched wilderness high above the arctic circle with a sailing yacht as your floating ski lodge? Watch for the aurora borealis that may appear in the night sky and keep your eyes peeled for whales as we sail from fjord to peak.

This trip is covered by our Package Travel Regulations. Minimum passenger = 6

If the minimum number of participants is not reached within 45 days of the departure date then the tour may be cancelled or rescheduled, but in most cases, we are still able to run the tour without additional charges, and may ask for your cooperation to make modifications to your tour itinerary, but keeping the original tour start and end dates. When the number of participants is below the critical level, we will inform you 6 weeks prior to the departure date and consult you with your options, which can include additional supplements for the cabins (depending on the number of participants).

If the tour is cancelled you will receive a full refund of all payments made including the deposit made at the time of booking and the remaining balance that was paid 90 days prior to the departure date. We cancel because it is both financially and ecologically unsustainable to do a cruise with too few participants. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility. 

All voyages for Stella Oceana

Stella Oceana

Guest berths: 8 Rig: Gaff Ketch

A custom-built charter yacht, Stella Oceana is the perfect boat for sailing and exploring the beautiful remote island and fjords of Norway. Based in Tromsø and Svolvær, she sleeps 8 guests in private cabins offering individual voyages and whole boat charter holidays in Norway. Explore the remote islands of Lofoten and the breathtaking Arctic fjords in utmost comfort.

Built in 1991 using the 40T keel from her predecessor Anna Marie of Donsö (a Swedish cargo ship), Stella Oceana has spent the past 30 years sailing in Norway, Sweden and Denmark. She’s a beautiful example of Scandinavian craftsmanship with hardwood and metal used throughout her hull, deck and interiors. Her slim but heavy build offers a stable, slow and smooth sailing experience and her 1C ice classification means she can sail through ice up to 50 cm thick! Her unique design allows her to explore the more remote islands and fjords that are not accessible to the larger, more common small cruise ships. 

The resident Captain of Stella Oceana, is a world class sea Captain with the highest international designation by SOLAS, the United Nations International Maritime Organisation. His partner takes care of the front of house operations aboard, ensuring guests have a first class, professional and relaxed experience. With a further two crew on hand, you don’t have to have any previous sailing knowledge, just let the crew take you to discover some of the most beautiful places in Scandinavia.

Read more about the crew here 

BELOW DECKS

There are two exterior deck levels with plenty of space for relaxation. The main deck is perfect for taking in the view, practicing yoga or even unwind in the boats very own hot tub! The upper deck level has an outdoor kitchen and dining area – a great spot to enjoy any fresh fish you’ve caught! 

Below decks, she has a large saloon with high ceilings and plenty of natural light. There are two twin cabins and a larger four-berth cabin that works well for families or groups of friends. For only 8 berths on a 100ft vessel, Stella Oceana gives guests a spacious, relaxed sailing experience. Her voyages are focussed on the beautiful landscapes, fjords and coastline of Norway with plenty of time to explore ashore. 

Read more about what to expect from life on board here

Life on board

Our ski and sail holidays in Norway on Stella Oceana are an awe-inspiring experience into the wilderness of the Arctic Circle. Immerse yourself into the natural, dramatic landscapes of the Norwegian fjords, islands and coastline as you experience living as a community aboard this purpose-built sailing boat.

RELAX IN NATURE

Soaking in the natural wonders of Norway while relaxing in pure comfort is at the top of Stella Oceana’s offering. From the hot tub on deck (yes, you read that right!), to an outdoor kitchen for cooking our very own catch of the day (fishing rods/lines are included if you fancy a go) to a spacious saloon below decks, there are plenty of opportunities to relax under sail. There are also two kayaks and two stand-up paddle-boards for guests to use so you can explore the nooks and crannies of the coastline.

SLEEPING & RELAXATION

Both above and below decks, Stella Oceana is not short of comfortable spaces to relax in. The exterior deck is split into two levels. The upper deck has seating for al-fresco dining under the stars and an outdoor kitchen for BBQ feasts. The main deck is home to the boats pièce de résistance – a hot tub. Channel your inner Wim Hof with a quick Arctic dip before retreating to the warmth of a luxury 6-person hot tub on deck.

Below decks, the space continues with a high-ceiled large saloon housing a dining area, large corner sofa, bar, coffee machine and even WIFI. The private cabins are made up of two twin bunks and a four-berth cabin all sharing a shower and toilet. Each cabin has wardrobe storage space, adjustable heating and a natural light hatch with all linen and towels included.

FOOD & DRINK

Inspired by northern Norwegian traditions, the menu is ever-changing while using local, ethical, fresh and organic produce. A popular activity aboard is to run fishing rods and lines while moving through the fjords so anything we catch can be served up fresh for dinner! There is a dedicated chef on board to cook all meals with snacks, hot drinks, juices and clean arctic water available throughout the day and all included in your ticket price. An onboard bar sits to the end of the saloon with alcoholic drinks on a tab system.

Climate

What is the weather like in the Lyngen Alps in winter?

The Lyngen Alps offer mild and stable winter conditions due to the proximity to the ocean. The average temperature is around 0°C/32°F. It is often cooler in the mountains and in the shade but during the sunny days on the boat or beach, you can expect highs of 5-6°C/41-43°F.

Mild winds mean calm seas with almost no waves which makes life on the ship very comfortable. Light winds also mean great visibility, no windchill and less wind-loading or packed snow.

WHAT’S INCLUDED 

• All inclusive (breakfast, lunch, dinner and 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
• Use of boats kayaks, stand-up paddle-boards and fishing rods/lines
• Thermal suit for use on board
• Ski guide

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

• Alcohol – please bring your own but be mindful this is not a booze cruise!
• Ski/snowboard equipment (please bring your own or let us know if you need to hire some)
• All 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

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  Yes - all meals are included in the price (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, hot/soft drinks)

• Are there any added extra's?

  No, unless you go ashore.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Yes we can cater for most diets, please check at time of enquiry.

• What language is spoken onboard?

  English/Norwegian/Japanese

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  There are 2x twin bunk cabins and 1x 4-berth bunk cabin

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  one for guests, one shared with the boat

• Is there WIFI?

  Yes, although please bear in mind that it can be intermittent at sea!

• Can I charge my phone/Camera?

  Yes

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  Yes, thermal suits are provided.

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a need for adventure.

• 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. Ginger tea and biscuits also help with sea sickness.

• Is bedding included?

  All bedding and shower towels are included.

Travel Planning

From: Tromsø, Norway

To: Tromsø, Norway

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

Getting There

By Air

Fly direct from London Gatwick to Tromsø Airport (TOS)

Take a 20 minute bus journey operated by Troms Fylkestrafikk running every 20 minutes or Bussring hourly into Tromsø. Alternatively a taxi is about 10 minutes.

Indirect flights go to Tromsø Airport (TOS) from;

• London Gatwick (LGW) w, Norwegian Air
• London Heathrow (LHR) w, SAS
• London Stansted (STN) w, Ryanair, Scandinavian Airlines, Norwegian Air
• Manchester (MAN) w, SAS