Guided Skitouring Arnøya & Kågen
Guided ski touring on Arnøya and Kågen - two islands full of ski terrain and pure summit-to-sea skiing. I have been guiding here for over 10 years, pioneering the island for ski touring. These two islands continue to be my absolute favourite spots, even after all these seasons. Mountains, glaciers and ocean - it’s just a unique place. Some terrain here gets rarely skied because only a few people know the place well.. Year after year, I come back - the summit-to-sea skiing, lovely accommodation and local food are a combination that also makes many of my guests come here repeatedly.
Compared to more popular places in Northern Norway (e.g., Lyngen or Lofoten), Arnøya and Kågen have wide open slopes; bushes or trees are mostly absent. Combined with a snow-rich climate, Arnøya allows for skiing from summits right to the coastline well into May. Summits range from 600 m to 1228 m, with countless ski options on all aspects. Arnøyhøgda (1168 m) is among the most rewarding summits to climb and ski, while the smaller peaks with straight runs to the sea are guest favourites for skiing. Here, we often do several laps where the skiing is best. The skitours on the neighbor island Kågen - my absolute favourite - have a more alpine feel, with glaciers, steep slopes and terrain for all skill levels, culminating in the great Store Kågtinden (1228 m).
The time frame for this trip is the beginning of April into May. At this time, the snowpack has typically stabilised, and the days are long. In April, it it is not uncommon to have corn snow on south and powdery snow on the north aspects. In May, the sun only sets for a few hours, allowing for flexible tour planning and long days out.
Accommodation
We are based on the island of Arnøya. Accommodation is at >>Lauksletta Overnatting, with cosy rooms and excellent, abundant food - a guest favourite since 2015. Several tours start directly at house. Warm wafles, cake, and coffe or tea await us each day after returning from skiing.Logistics
The tours run typically 6 days, Sunday to Saturday. There are several ways to get to Arnøya. One is driving, which takes about 4 hours. Faster, and more convenient, is the speedboat from Tromsø to Skjervøy.I meet either in Tromsø or Skjervøy and take you to the accommodation when you arrive. The boat leaves 14:30 in Tromsø and arrives at 16:40 in Skjervøy. On Saturday, we take the Hurtigruten boat back, which leaves at 16:45 in Skjervøy and arrives at 23:45 in Tromsø (2024 schedule - 2025 times might differ and times will be updated here when available). This allows us to ski on the last day. Prices for boat tickets are included in the package price. Other days of the week are possible on request.
Once in Lauksletta, driving times are short (with some tours requiring no driving at all). The more alpine island of Kågen as well as the town of Skjervøy are all connected by a ferry quickly reached from Lauksletta.
Group size and skill level
The package is designed for small groups. The minimum group size is 1, and the maximum is 5. Contact me if your group is bigger. The varied terrain on Arnøya and Kågen is suited for a wide range of skill levels, but the ability to securely ski off-piste is essential. Basic skills in doing kick-turns is recommended, though I will coach you if you are not secure turning in steeper terrain. Most days involve tours with between 900 m and 1500 m vertical, but more or less are possible depending on weather and group skills.Prices
NOK 25,000 (ca. EUR 2150) per person for a group of 3 or more.Private guiding
- 2 persons: NOK 27,000 (ca. EUR 2300)
- 1 person private guiding: NOK 40,500 (ca. EUR 3500).
What’s included:
- 6 days ski guiding with an ACMG ski guide who has pioneered this island for ski touring.
- 6 nights accommodation and food on full board basis (incl. packed lunch) at Lauksletta Overnatting.
- All transport from Tromsø and on Arnøya and Kågen
What’s not included:
- Travel to and from Tromsø.
- Transfer to and from Tromsø speed boat terminal
- Meals in Tromsø
- Alcoholic drinks (best purchased on the way at duty free).
- Ski touring equipment. If you have any equipment requirements or questions, get in touch!
- Insurance for cancellation, rescue, and medical expenses
Arnøya / Kågen dates 2025
- 30 March - 5 April
- 27 April - 3 May
- 4 - 10 May
- 10 - 16 May
Other dates and trip durations are possible on request.