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Best BACKCOUNTRY SKI TOUR In Norway

BACKCOUNTRY SKI TOUR – ADVANCED

Looking to get out of the city and enjoy classic Norwegian nature away from the hustle and bustle of work, crowds and responsibility? Join us today on a guided backcountry adventure in the mountains outside of Voss to rediscover a wild world filled with perfect powder conditions.

Pristine powder snow Professional guide 
 Clean mountain air Beautiful Fjord vistas

 

SKIBACKCOUNTRY ADVANCED

Expert Backcountry Skiing

Join us in winter for an exclusive backcountry day tour through the incredible mountains surrounding Voss.

This trip is designed specifically for those who have extensive experience in the backcountry and are looking for long days with endless powder and steep drops.

Our local guides will have two objectives on every trip: providing you with the best possible experience and keeping you safe. That is why for our big mountain runs, we require a good level of off-piste skiing, no exceptions. These days will include long ascents that require both a high level of fitness and previous hours spent hiking in backcountry conditions

BACKCOUNTRY SKIING OVERVIEW

Backcountry Skiing, sometimes referred to as Alpine Touring, is skiing on unmarked or unpatrolled areas outside of ski resort boundaries. Most often, backcountry ski-areas are secluded, untouched parts of nature, which require long uphill hikes in order to get to the top of each run. To effectively hike through snow, a specialized tour binding is required. Such bindings are hinged so that the heel stays unattached while walking uphill, much like a cross-country set up, but then lock in place when ready for descent. Climbing skins are also a necessity, which attach to the bottom of skis and are used to prevent the skier from sliding backwards. Climbing up with skins is referred to as “skinning”.

Backcountry touring for snowboarders use to be much more challenging before the invention of the splitboard. Also fixed with special bindings and skins, these are snowboards that can be split in half in order to make for an assent on ‘skis’, only to be locked back in place when ready to descend.

Off-piste skiing is typically done off the main groomed runs of ski resorts, yet still uses the lifts to get back to the top each time. Backcountry skiing differs in that it takes place completely outside of ski resorts. The exception is that occasionally skiers will use the lift once to access the initial backcountry terrain.

location
Location
Voss
leaf
Season
Jan - Apr
price
Price
1750 NOK (adult)
1575 NOK (youth)
price (1)
Included
Transport + expert guide
user-time
Duration
7 Hours
skiing
Difficulty
Intermediate to advanced
check
Requirements
14+ years
Experience on skis
check (1)
Recommendation
This tour is suitable for intermediate
and advanced backcountry skiers.

Details

For Backcountry ski Advance

WHAT’S INCLUDED

INCLUDED
 ✔️ Private guide
 ✔️Transportation from Voss town to the skiing location and back to Voss


NOT INCLUDED

 ❌ Lunch, beverages and snacks
 ❌ Avalanche safety kit (beacon, shovel, probe and backpack) You can rental this with us
 ❌ Lift tickets (should you want to ski near the local resort)
 ❌ Accident/travel insurance (one which specifically covers skiing)
 ❌ Transportation costs if staying at a location outside of Voss town

Note: If you’re in need of equipment see our rentals offers or please contact our staff to discuss the rental options in our area.

ITINERARY

Show up 10 minutes before your scheduled time outside the Visit Voss shop, in the same building of the Gondola, and Train Station + Bus Station.

  1. Meeting and greetings
  2. Drive to the start location 
  3. Gear outfitting
  4. Theoretical instructions
  5. Hit the slopes
  6. Lunch break
  7. More slopes
  8. Drive back to town
  9. Return gear, if rented it
  10. Time to celebrate an awesome adventure in the Norwegian mountains 😄

GUEST REQUIREMENTS

  • +14 years old (the guardian signs waiver for minors)
  • Confident on skis
  • Good physical health

Before your trip, please inform us or your guide of any medical conditions like asthma, epilepsy, etc.

WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU

If you’re in need of equipment see our rental offers table below or please contact our staff to discuss the rental options in our area. Otherwise, minimum gear requirements include:

  • Skis with walk bindings (alpine touring, Telemark or split-board set up)
  • Climbing skins
  • Ski boots, poles & helmet
  • Avalanche safety kit (transceiver, shovel, probe)
  • Personal backpack 
    (items above you can rent from us, prices below)
  • Shell jacket with hood (water & windproof)
  • Shell pants or bibs
  • Down or synthetic jacket
  • Mid-layer sweater or vest (if its too cold)
  • Base layers, wool is best
  • Gloves, hat, socks, goggles & sunglasses for the hiking up if is a sunny day

DATES & DESTINATIONS

Our backcountry tours are available every Saturday and Sunday, from January to April. For special departure dates you can inquiry a private tour via the contact form bellow. We will determine where the ski tour will take place 48-hours before the assigned departure time. Our decision will be based on the group’s wishes, as well as the weather, snow conditions, and avalanche forecast. You will find the list of possible destinations listed below.


LOCATIONS
  • Mount Oksen (Hardangerfjord)
  • Lønahorgi – Voss to Afdal traverse
  • Raundalen mountain range
  • Vikafjell
  • Sognefjord, mountain range on the south side

There are few other hidden gems in the area and we do not make them public on the web or social platforms. After your booking is made our staff will contact you 48 hrs before the tour to discuss the better options for the date set. 😉

STARTING TIME

Tours will start at 8:30 am and return to Voss around 3 pm. During the late winter and spring seasons, tours may be extended due to the increased amount of daylight hours.

The meeting point will always be in Voss, at the tourist information center.

Pick-ups for those staying outside of Voss town can be arranged upon special request.

SOLO TRAVELERS OR SMALL GROUPS

If you are traveling as an individual or in a group of up to 2 persons, this product offers a spot in an open group. It’s a great opportunity to meet new mates and share the passion for ski touring!

  • 1 person: 1.650/day per person
  • 2 or 3 people: 4.500/day per group
  • 4 people: 5.643/day per group
  • 5 people: 6.000/day per group
  • 6 people: 6.500/day per group

Be aware that we need a minimum of 3 participants to offer you a spot for 1650,- NOK/ person. In case of 2 and fewer bookings per day, you will be offered to share expenses for a private guide (4500,- NOK/ day) or the trip will be canceled and we will fully refund you.

FAQ

WHEN DOES YOUR SEASON START AND END?

We begin skiing once the snow blankets the mountains, and we keep at it until the snow tapers off! Typically, this spans from early December to late April, but it's entirely up to Mother Nature!

WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME?

Before your activity, you will receive a detailed list of recommended items to bring, including appropriate clothing and gear for the activity. This typically encompasses recommended clothing and gear such as:

  • Ski jacket and pants, hardshell, gloves, hat, hiking boots
  • Woolen underlayers and socks
  • Backpack
  • Snacks & water
  • Skin protection against cold
DO I NEED TO BE PHYSICALLY FIT TO GO SKIING?

We suggest that all our guests have good physical health for skiing activities.

If you have any medical concerns but still wish to go skiing, we advise consulting with your doctor beforehand for your safety. Remember to always ski according to your own skill and fitness level.

DO ANY OF THE SKIING TRIPS CATER TO SENIORS?

Our backcountry skiing tours have no maximum age limit; as long as you're physically fit, and you are enthusiastic, you're welcome to join!

CAN I BRING MY OWN GEAR, SUCH AS SKIS OR A HELMET?

Yes, but only if they have a touring binding that enables releasing the heel for uphill hiking using skins.

WILL USING A SPLIT-BOARD AFFECT PERFORMANCE?

No, in powder, most riders don't experience a performance drop compared to a solid board. However, on hard, icy snow, there's certainly a noticeable difference.

CAN I LEAVE MY BAG/LUGGAGE AT THE BASE?

Yes absolutely, that's not an issue at all.

We have shelves available for storing your belongings while you're out on a tour. Rest assured, there's always a member of our staff present at the base, so your items will be securely looked after— nothing goes missing on our watch!

IS THIS TOUR SUITABLE FOR SNOWBOARDERS?

Yes, it is!

You'll need to hike uphill using snowshoes and carry the board on your backpack with sturdy straps and attachment points.

We highly recommend split-snowboards as they're much more efficient for the ascent.

SHOULD I TIP MY GUIDE?

Tipping isn't customary in Norway, as it is e.g. in the USA. Our guides put in considerable effort to ensure your experience is both enjoyable and safe, maintaining the high standards set by Outdoor Norway.

While tipping is recognized as a standard practice in the industry and is always welcomed, it's never an obligation. It's entirely up to your discretion whether you choose to leave a tip. Your appreciation for the service provided is greatly valued either way.

DO I NEED TO SIGN A WAIVER?

Yes.

Upon joining any activity, a waiver acknowledging risks must be read and signed. For minors, a parent or guardian is required to sign the waiver.

OUTDOOR NORWAY SHOP

OPENING HOURS FOR 2024

Spring
April 27th to May 31st
9:00 am until 5:00 pm, daily

Summer
From June 1st until August 31st
8:00 am until 6:00 pm, daily

Autumn
September 1st to October 12th
9:00 am until 5:00 pm, daily

Winter
October 13th to April 26th
9:00 am until 4:00 pm, Mon - Fri

Meeting Point

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