Lofoten Islands

21 Oct 2014

DavidBrown

Anyone been ski touring/mountaineering in the lofoten islands?

Im looking for any info on prices, best times in March/April, accomm options, flight options and shuttles or car hire etc.

Any info greatly appreciated, even sail/ski options

many thanks,

Dave

10 Nov 2014

IanScorah

Coming to this a bit late...  I have done a couple trips there with Simon Christie.  Both times we stayed at the Nord Norsk Klaterskole (?sp)  in Henningsvaer.  This offers half board, which seems quite rare on the Islands, and is quite well located for many of the well known tours.  Presten Couloir is right on your doorstep if that is your bag.  Somewhere like Svolvaer might be a more convenient location if you want a hotel or self catering but isn't as quaint as Henningsvaer.

We have hired cars both times.  This is pretty practical and access to the skiing by road is pretty good.  Some more remote stuff is accessible by boat (eg Trollfjord), but day rates for a boat are EXPENSIVE (even by Norwegian standards).  Some people use sea kayaks to get to inaccessible spots.

We have gone late March/early April and that seems like a good time to go.  Plenty of daylight; temps OK.  Weather can be very variable - a bit like Scotland.  We flew into Evenes/Narvik the first time, which gives a 2.5-3 hour drive to Henningsvaer.  If the weather is good it's a very scenic drive.  Second time, we flew to Svolvaer via Bodo.  Saves some driving time, but is a bit pricey, like everything in Norway!  Wideroe is the airline which offers those flights.

We're heading back this coming April, but going further West this time.  The mountains are a bit more pointy and get less traffic so hoping for some good conditions!