Snowshoeing in Norway north of the Arctic Circle
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationNorway / Tromsø and its region
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions82.76 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
North of the Arctic Circle , the islands of Kvaløya and Senja reveal a pristine Arctic paradise , with majestic fjords , wild beaches , and rugged peaks plunging into the sea. This star-shaped trip, departing from our ideally located seaside ecolodge Båthuset, offers a perfect balance between polar adventure and cozy comfort . From this base camp, decorated in the style of Nordic expeditions , each snowshoeing excursion leads to spectacular new panoramas , from gently sloping valleys to soaring peaks . The long April light transforms the landscapes into almost surreal scenes, while the influence of the Gulf Stream ensures pleasant conditions, even 340 km north of the Arctic Circle. This journey invites contemplation , escape , and an intimate connection with the elements , at the rhythm of your footsteps in the snow, facing the vastness of the sea horizon. An immersive and rejuvenating stay , far from the beaten track, to experience the Great North gently.
The highlights
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Discover a vast, still relatively unexplored playground, guided by a pro.
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A star-shaped stay in an eco-lodge on the beach designed for relaxation.
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Very long days allowing you to fully enjoy the scenery
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 4h
- Average distance/day: 15 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 400 m
Management
French
Rémi has extensive experience in racing in the region, he is passionate about his job and knows how to share his passion with his group
Program
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Arrival day in Sommarøy
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
For those arriving with their own transport or on the last bus from the airport, we will meet you on Sunday at 5:30 pm at our eco-lodge in Sommarøy. For those arriving by plane after the last bus and who have registered for the free shuttle, we will meet you on Sunday at 7:00 pm at the airport.
Arrival in Sommarøy at 5:30 pm or 8:30 pm depending on the case, welcome at the lodge, check-in to rooms and preparation of the evening meal. First evening on the island of Sommarøy.
Day 1 -
Star-shaped hikes starting from our ecolodge
- Transportation Minibus - 01h30 - 35kmper day
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h per day
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure on Monday morning for the first hike.
The snow doesn't melt during the day, so there's no need to get up in the middle of the night. The first hike allows the guide to assess the group's fitness level, which will determine the rest of the week's program.
Return to Sommarøy after a 3-4 hour hike.
The guide will tailor the week's program to your preferences, taking into account the weather conditions, the group's skill level, and everyone's goals. The region where we snowshoe is vast, offering endless possibilities. Kvaløya Island and the northern part of Senja Island remain largely untouched. It's wonderful to wander along the snow-covered slopes, enjoying the majestic views of the immense fjords, the mountains stretching to the horizon, and the vast open sea.
A private conference is planned at the lodge during the week, relating to a polar maritime expedition by Olivier, followed by a question and answer session and sharing.
On Friday afternoon, the week comes to an end, the last evening at Båthuset.
Days 2 to 6 -
Departure day from Sommarøy
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Saturday morning after breakfast, departure for the airport by bus.
Day 7
Note
The snowshoeing program, based at our ecolodge, is developed throughout the week. We intentionally don't offer a pre-set itinerary because 30 years of experience in the Arctic have taught us that planning ahead is pointless. We analyze the situation daily to create the best possible route.
Accommodation
Our eco-lodge is a peaceful and welcoming place, designed for rejuvenation. Many guests who have stayed at the ends of the earth during their stopovers have told us they felt right at home. It is located in the heart of Sommarøy, an exceptional location. Sommarøy is easy to find; it's at the end of the road. Beyond, the vastness of the Norwegian Sea stretches all the way to the shores of Greenland. Our lodge caters to those for whom silence, space, and time are the true ingredients of luxury.
The photos of the ecolodge we're showing weren't taken in winter. Winter is whiter :-) Perhaps they give a better idea of its location. In any case, we promise to try and take seasonal photos next winter.
Access
The meeting time in Sommarøy coincides with the bus schedule which leaves the airport at 16:01 and arrives in Sommarøy at 17:21.
For those arriving later, we can arrange a free shuttle on request at 7pm from the airport.
On the day of your return, there are no buses, so we provide a free shuttle service. Departure from Sommarøy is compatible with the first flight in the group.
Go to the starting point
For those with time to spare, it's possible to travel by train. Night trains are available, allowing you to visit the stopover towns during the day. The railway line ends in Narvik. A bus then takes over for the Narvik-Tromsø section. This option takes approximately three days to complete.
Allow at least one hour for layovers at intermediate airports. To reduce the carbon footprint of your trip, try to limit layovers, as takeoff consumes a lot of energy.
Free airport shuttle option upon arrival: the last public bus of the day leaves the airport at 4:01 PM. For those who haven't found a flight that allows them to catch the last bus, we can organize a free shuttle upon request. Please note that we only run one shuttle; the meeting point is at 7:00 PM at the airport.
For the day of departure, there is no bus service; we provide a free shuttle (only one trip possible).
Bus fare approximately €4 per trip
Price details
The price includes
- guided snowshoe hikes in a star-shaped pattern
- the snowshoes
- the sticks
- business-specific liability insurance
- Accommodation at the lodge in a shared double room
- the supply
- Olivier's private conference on a polar maritime expedition
The price does not include
- the airplanes
- bus transfers
- meal preparation
- personal insurance, repatriation, cancellation
- possibly cereal bars for hiking.
- alcoholic beverages (+ more info under "accommodation/food")
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry requirements for Norway. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website.
For the validity of identity documents, Norway only takes into account the expiry date written on the document (identity card or passport).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- snowshoes
- sticks
Equipment to bring
- A 30/40 litre backpack to which you can attach snowshoes and poles.
- 1 rechargeable headlamp or spare batteries
- Sunglasses (side protection recommended)
- Water bottle or hydration pack
- Thermos
- A pair of binoculars is always welcome for observing nature.
- Camera tripod (northern lights)
Clothing to bring
- Waterproof walking shoes (with working laces or a spare pair)
- Gaiters or trousers covering the opening of the shoe
- Mountain pants
- Windproof fleece jacket
- Puffy jacket
- Windproof and waterproof softshell shell
- Warm gloves or mittens
- Silk gloves
- Balaclavas or beanies
- Fleece neck warmer
- Thermal underwear and tights (merino wool is a natural material that dries quickly and does not retain odors)
- Warm socks
- 1 pair of slippers or light shoes for comfort once at the lodge
- Toiletry bag
- Personal pharmacy
- Swimsuits for the bravest
