Are you searching for the best ski touring conditions?

Do you dream of a summit hike with untouched snow?

At Senja you can combine skiing with relaxing après skiing in spectacular surroundings. With around 50 mountain peaks that rise over 750 meters above sea level, Senja is an eldorado for skiers. You can simply pick and choose among many peaks with perfect snow, where you can ski right down to the sea. Even several tours a day!

Senja is located amongst the more famous summit destinations, such as Lofoten and Lyngen. However, only in recent years have the mountain peaks of Senja really started to be discovered by Norwegian skiers. Øyvind Aanes, a mountain-skiing guide, is one of these Norwegians. He has worked for many years in Canada and the Alps.

- “I got tips on travelling to Senja, and wow - what a place! Senja has a stable cold climate, which makes it good for the snow”, says Aanes.

Magnificent views from the mountain peaks

Starting at Hamn in Senja, you will find it is only a short way from the sea and fjord to the dreamy landscape of the mountain peaks. You can hike up to the highest peaks without having to go too far. Often, you can get several peaks run in one day.

- “There is an incredible difference to each mountain on Senja. The experience and views change for each peak. You will get a magnificent view, especially with the beautiful combination of mountains and fjords”.

But even though there are plenty of steep peaks, Aanes is more concerned with finding the right peak for the right day, exactly for your liking. - “You can drive steep, but at Senja it's mostly about having a good time. I want to take trips where you have a lot of energy left when you are at the top, to enjoy the view and enjoy the scenic trip down”.

Looking for quality snow for skiing?

Many mountains on Senja are starting to become famous, such as Segla, Kvænan and Hesten. Aanes is less concerned with the name of the mountain and rarely wants to commit to one particular peak when he is a guide. - “In my head, I have made a plan for where we are going, but when we get up and check the weather, it can be different than expected. I choose to ski where I get the best snow and where there is the lowest possible risk”. This way of thinking also provides another benefit. - “Everyone goes to well-known mountains, but fortunately for me I often get to go on trips where there are not so many people. Therefore, the chance of driving in untouched snow is much greater”.

There is no doubt that you should think about safety when skiing in the mountains, but Aanes believes that the risk of skiing is not greater than driving a car. - “In the spring it can be mild and lovely temperature down by the sea, but up in the mountains, it can be colder, especially in the shade. In Senja, you often have to think that you have midwinter conditions even though it is well into the spring”.

The landscape on Senja varies, with everything from deep valleys to steep mountains, from deep fjords to idyllic archipelagos with white sandy beaches.

- “The nice thing about Senja is that there are short distances when travelling, and the peaks are easy to hike. In addition, you can experience more than just skiing. From Hamn in Senja you can also join a boat trip or kayak trip in an archipelago with crystal clear water and beautiful white beaches. In fact, you can also sit on a head bone from a large whale lying here. It was a great experience”.

And once you have skied on Senja, you will return. -“It is easier to travel to Senja than to the Alps. When you travel to Senja, you can work during the day, travel in the evening to Bardufoss or Tromsø, and then you can ski the next day, says Aanes. He has already planned the next Senja trip for 2024 - “Yes, and I'm really looking forward to it!

IT IS EASY TO GET TO SENJA

From Oslo Airport to Bardufoss or Tromsø, there are several direct flights every single day. From Bardufoss it is only 1.5 hours to Hamn in Senja. If you fly to Tromsø, you drive either via E8 / E6 to Buktamoen before setting the course for Finnsnes and then Hamn in Senja.
You can also take "the scenic route" along the beautiful National scenic road along the coast with a Ferry from Brensholmen on Kvaløya, to Botnhamn on Senja. You will get a taste and impression of the mountains on the trip. Both trips are about 3 hours with magnificent scenery. If you are multiple people and want us to assist in arranging joint transport, we are happy to do so.

A REALLY GOOD BASE CAMP FOR THE SKIING EXPERIENCES

.... is a must-have, and Hamn in Senja is an excellent starting point for skiing on Senja. Here you stay either in comfortable suites with 1-3 bedrooms, where all rooms have their own private bathroom. Or you can treat yourself really nicely and stay in deluxe Aurora rooms with raw views of the mountains and colourful fjord.

All meals should be ordered beforehand. Also, preferably packed lunches, thermos and tour snacks for the trip if you need them. A delicious breakfast buffet is always included in the accommodation rates though.

You can get après ski "with a view" in one of our outdoor hot tubs, or make a visit to the sauna and take a fresh bath in the Atlantic afterwards.

Hamn i Senja can also be helpful with a top tour guide. Plan 2024 and 2025 already to be sure you get your guide on your preferred dates!

WHEN SHOULD YOU TRAVEL TO SENJA?

The answer is of course always - but the best time for summit skiing on Senja is most often February, March and April, but it can also be fantastic conditions well into May when the midnight sun approaches, and it is bright all day. Welcome!