FINNMARK - NORWAY
10th - 17th May
17th - 24th May
Ski Touring Boat Trip
Itinerary TBC
Day 1:
Fly from your location to Alta (ALF).
Rendezvous with Terry, Rich and the team at the airport.
The transfer arrives at the boat at about 15.00.
There is a supermarket close to the boat for snacks and beers.
Day 2 - 6:
After a big breakfast and making of a packed lunch.
Ski Touring in the mountains around the Stjernøya island area.
Each day we head out directly from the boat and sometimes arrive back at the same location.
Some days we will arrange a pick up from the boat in a different Fjord.
The boat moors or anchors in the best spots each evening.
Any aches or pains from the day can quickly be cured by a dip in the water!
Afternoon Tea/Soup is served, then a wholesome traditional dinner each night.
Day 7:
Morning sail to the dock and take a transfer back to Alta airport
Exact flights tbc.
The Expedition
Sleeping and eating in a 100-year-old Arctic Sailing Ship. Ski Touring each day from sea level (which is significantly less oxygen intensive) up and around the local mountains. This time of year we expect a mixture of spring snow and occasional fresh snow.
The area is 100+ kilometres into the arctic circle, there is a wealth of sea and bird life all around these Fjords and Daylight 24 hours per day.
This part of Norway is exceptionally remote, do not expect to see other skiers or boats in the area. We will likely ski twice per day, with up to 3-4 hours of ascent. Some days will be a linear tour with the boat picking us up in a different Fjord.
The Accomodation
This 74ft ship was built in the 1940s serving as a fishing and cargo ship. It travelled regularly from the north of Norway to the south of France. In the late 1990s, the boat was majorly renovated to accommodate passengers on charters with a 290 square meter sail for some power and speed.
Now there is a wood-burning stove and underfloor heating to make the boat as comfortable as possible through the spring nights. There is also an option to visit the crow's nest at 21 meters up the mast.
There are 4 cabins with 5 single beds and 2 doubles. So with 2 guides, we can take 5 clients on this adventure.
There is a clean bathroom with a shower, and sauna to relax and recover.
The trip offers full-board: big breakfasts, sandwiches, tea, cakes, soups, and two-course dinners.
The boat also has all the relevant safety equipment, life vests, thermo-suits, Radar, VHF, GPS etc.
The Ski & Snowboard Touring
We will tour each day from shore, either returning for lunch or spending the whole day on the mountain and skiing down to the ship in a different location. Some days may include 1000+ meters (3-4 hours) of ascension. You will be happy to know that ski touring at sea level is far easier than in than at altitude. The snow is also likely to be spring conditions. Therefore skiing a mixture of open faces and couloirs back to the ocean on smooth spring corn.
Due to the 24 hours of daylight, we have many options about when to ski and for how long, it's extremely flexible
It is an exciting trip of a lifetime, the ship, the water, the whales, the skiing, the food and the company make it profoundly memorable.
Equipment
Skis: Moderately wide and light skis are ideal. Something around 90mm underfoot for this trip. The snow will likely be consolidated and smooth, there is a chance of fresh powder, so our skis cannot be pure race style touring skis.
Boots: Lightweight and comfortable with pin binding inserts for the bindings. You should be happy touring in all day in them.
Bindings: We prefer pin bindings for all of our trips. Once you've skied them and realised the ease with which they ascend, you'll never go back. I.e. Plum Guide, Dynafit TLT Radical, Diamir Vipec, Salomon MTN.
Please ask for any further information, a full kit list will be issued. We may also be able to help with ski, snowboard, binding rental.
Costs
Price £4900. 30% deposit to reserve your place. Balance to be paid on 1st January 2023. Bookings to be made through terryjameswalker@gmail.com or through. Contact us for any further information, we would like a pre-booking phone call with all potential team members.
The expedition cost includes:
Return transport from the airport to the ship.
All food and non-alcoholic drinks.
Cabin accommodation, bathrooms and sauna.
6 Days Ski Touring and coaching in a max ratio of 1:3.
Coaching in planning, performing and risk assessing a ski tour in a remote location. Coaching in remote navigation, communication and mountain hazards.
What is not included:
Return Flights.
Ski, Boot, Binding, Kit hire.
Personal Travel insurance we recommend the British Mountaineering Council or www.world-first.co.uk
FAQs, Information & Links
The trip has a minimum number of people required to run. We will advise on buying flights as soon as the minimum number of participants is reached.
30% deposit is non-refundable. Balance is non-refundable unless we are able to re-sell your place.
Alpine & Ski Travel insurance is recommended from the BMC.
There is no pharmacy or medical centre near the boat, therefore please bring any medication with you. Our first aid kit will also be extensive.
This section will be updated as more questions come to us.
Places to explore
Things to see
Earn Your Turns
End of Trip Ship
