Lyngen Lodge Guest Information
Everything you need to know before heading off your Norwegian ski adventure
The Lyngen Lodge offers a unique combination of relaxation and adventure for ski enthusiasts. With its stunning location and professional guides, it provides an unforgettable skiing experience in the beautiful Lyngen Alps.
Skier Ability
Our aim is to provide you with a safe and enjoyable skiing experience under the guidance of our professional qualified guides. To assist us in this aim we require you to rate your off-piste/backcountry skiing skills and ski touring experience as described below with the highest accuracy possible. This will enable us to allocate you into the correct group and week.
Intermediate
Ascending
You have a minimum of 1 week ski touring/randonee experience. You are a competent off-piste skier and able to ski safely in control in all types of snow conditions including powder snow up to 20cm deep, wind-packed snow and tight forest skiing. You can ski off-piste in full control and link short turns in the fall-line. You can put skins on skis unassisted and have basic knowledge of skinning/walking techniques.
Fitness
It is important that you rate your current fitness level. You need to be in good personal physical form in terms of endurance and stamina. You will climb a minimum of 1,000m and need a minimum ascent rate of 350m per hour.
Advanced
Ascending
You have many years of ski touring/randonee experience and an advanced understanding of the skinning/ascending techniques, uphill kick-turns (spitzkern/switch-backs) and can handle steep mountain ascents.
Fitness
It is important that you rate your current level of fitness as this should not be influenced by your skiing skills. You need to be in excellent personal physical shape. You are able to climb a minimum of 1,300m per day at an ascent rate of 450m per hour.
Health
Guests need to be in good physical condition and comfortably fit. Doctor prescribed medication, historical sports injuries and guests over 65 years of age need to notify the team during the booking process.
About Your Guides
All of our guides hold either the IFMGA or UIAGM qualification. The IFMGA was founded in 1965 by the National Mountain Guide Associations of four countries; Austria, France, Italy and Switzerland. Today it has 22 member countries all over the world (of which 15 are in Europe) and is the only global representive of the mountain guide profession.
There are currently around 6,000 IFMGA member guides worldwide, with over 85% in Europe alone. IFMGA member countries include Canada, USA, Argentina, Peru, Switzerland, France, Austria, Italy, Norway, Japan, New Zealand, and many others.
Transportation
Tromsø Airport/City to Lyngen Lodge (2.5 hours).
Arrival day
There is a group transfer by minibus from Tromsø Airport (or your hotel in Tromsø if you arrive the day before) at 16:30. Please bear this in mind when booking your flights.
Departure day
The group departure is generally between 08:00 – 09:00 from the lodge, which is enough time to make a 12:00 flight. Note that an earlier departure time might occur.
Early Departure
In case you need to leave the lodge earlier than the set group transfer, our local airport Sørkjosen is located 25 minutes from the lodge. It is also possible to combine an overnight stay in Tromsø (at your own expense) to accommodate flight times. We can arrange transportation to Sørkjosen for an additional cost of 1,000 NOK. Please speak with us to arrange this in advance.
Hotels in Tromsø
- The Edge Hotel
- Scandic Ishavshotel
- Thon Hotel
- Smart Hotel (cheaper option)
Flights
Flights are not included in the package price. Tromsø Airport is typically reached via transit from Oslo International Airport. Flights arriving on the day of travel to Lyngen Lodge should be no later than 16:00 (4pm) and flights departing on the day of check-ou should depart no earlier than 12:00 (12pm) from Tromsø.
Note
Due to customs, sometimes the luggage needs to be collected in Oslo and re-checked for onward flights to Tromsø. Check with your airline for more details on your flight.
Catering
Lyngen Lodge provides full-board catering for all guests. The following meals are included:
Full Buffet Breakfast
Enjoy a variety of bread and cereals, milk and yoghurts, fruit and vegetables, meats and cheese, as well as hot food like boiled/fried eggs and bacon.
Lunch
Home-made packed sandwiches are provided for the mountain, or you can have a served lunch if you are embarking on an Arctic adventure. A warm drink for your thermos is also available.
Afternoon Tea
Enjoy a selection of cakes, fruit, and snacks after returning from the mountain.
Dinner
A three-course meal or buffet is served at around 19:30. Wine, beer, spirits, and bottled soft drinks are available at an additional cost.
Special Dietary Requirements
Let us know about any special dietary requirements when booking, as the chef can cater to all types of diets.
Fine Local Produce
All meals are made from the finest local produce available in the area, including fresh fish, king crab, reindeer, lamb, and beef.
Alcohol and Smoking
Smoking is prohibited at Lyngen Lodge, and alcohol consumption is governed by Norwegian law. “Duty free” alcohol cannot be consumed in any public areas of the lodge, but can be consumed in bedrooms. Bar bills, laundry, and shop purchases can be added to the bill and paid upon departure. Payment by credit card (Visa and Mastercard only) is accepted.
Packing List
Clothing
To prepare for normal alpine ski touring conditions, it is recommended to use a layering system with Gore-Tex weather protection. In addition, a down jacket or thick expedition PrimaLoft jacket is necessary as the Arctic can produce extreme weather conditions in a short time.
Equipment Checklist
- Ski equipment (touring skis/splitboard, telescopic poles, skins, touring boots, ski crampons)
- Avalanche equipment (transceiver, shovel, probe) and backpack (35-40 litre)
- Ski clothing (ski jacket, ski pants in Gore-Tex or similar, light-weight down jacket or PrimaLoft jacket)
- Underlayers: wool/fleece underwear
- Casual clothing for the lodge
- Goggles and sunglasses
- Gloves x 2 (thin ones for hiking up and thicker ones for the summit and skiing down)
- Water bottle/camelback (not optimal for colder days) and thermos
- Sunscreen
- Waterproof bag for phone
- Compeed plasters/sports tape to prevent blisters
- Camera/GoPro
- Swimwear (for use in sea and hot tub)
- Magnesium to prevent cramps
- Snacks such as nuts and chocolates for the ski day (also for sale at the lodge)
General Information on Equipment
Guests can bring their own touring skis, telemark skis (with spare parts), and snowboards (splitboards only) or rent from the lodge. Ski touring boots with rubber soles are recommended for boat transportation and walking on the rocky icy beaches on the fjord. Ski boots (racing style) are not recommended for safety reasons. Helmets are not mandatory but it is recommended to bring your own. All skiers must carry a transceiver, shovel and probe. A safety package can be rented.
Looking to purchase some new gear? Check out Mabey Ski’s Ultimate Ski Touring Gear Guide.
Typical Day
Daily Program
08.00 – 09.00: Enjoy breakfast and prepare your lunch for the mountain while filling up your thermos
09.00: Guide briefing
09.15: Depart for skiing
16.00 – 17.00: Return to lodge
17.00: Enjoy afternoon tea, relax in the sauna, unwind in the hot tub, or celebrate your day with cold beers
19.30: Dinner
21.30: Relax before heading to bed
On the Mountain
Each day, the group will ski a new mountain in various regions surrounding the Lyngen Alps and islands. The chosen locations will depend on weather, avalanche risk, group experience, tide, and sea wave height. The summits typically range from 1,100m to 1,400m, and 1 to 1.5 descents can be made per day, depending on the group’s fitness and experience.
Off the Mountain
The Lyngen Lodge concept combines relaxation and adventure. Once your ski day has concluded, you are encouraged to relax inside the lodge in the various areas available or outside in the hot tub or sauna.
Mountain Guides
All Lyngen Lodge mountain guides hold the international UIAGM/IFMGA Mountain Guide qualification and are specially trained for Arctic guiding. Each day, a guides’ meeting is held to plan daily routes and ensure safety.
Dogsledding in the Reisa Valley
Duration: 4 hours (18:00 – 22:00)
A picturesque 30-minute drive, can take you up to the Reisa Valley, the site of our dogsledding expeditions that explore the wilderness of the Northern Lights. Your adventure begins by familiarizing yourself with the dogs that will accompany you on your journey through the Reisa Valley. These dogs are agile, powerful, and most importantly, friendly and sociable. They will be the ones responsible for pulling your sled through the forests and tundra of Northern Norway. You will learn about their important role, how to prepare the sleds, and all the necessary safety information for your dogsledding experience.
For added fun, a professional guide will provide instructions on how to “mush” your team of dogs, offering careful supervision and guidance. Each sled accommodates two guests who take turns driving, following a guide in front. The trail leads through trees and open valleys, with the stars illuminating the way, and the Northern Lights dancing overhead.
At the halfway point of the trail, we stop for some snacks that will be prepared over an open fire. After completing the tour, bidding farewell to the dogs, and returning to the lodge, you can enjoy a restful night’s sleep.
Dogsledding clothing provided by Lyngen Lodge:
- Arctic Overalls (available in sizes from XXS to XXL)
- Arctic activity boots
- Gloves/mittens
- Warm hats
Price: 3300 NOK/ person (minimum 4 guests)
Travel Insurance
Mabey Ski strongly recommends that you enroll with Global Rescue prior to embarking on your trip. Medical and security emergencies happen. When they do, we rely on Global Rescue, the world’s leading membership organization providing integrated medical, security, travel risk, and crisis response services to our travelers worldwide. Without a Global Rescue membership, an emergency evacuation could cost you more than $100,000. That’s why over 1 million members trust Global Rescue to get them home when the worst happens.
Travel Insurance Upgrade – Coronavirus Coverage
If you’re concerned about the effect of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on your travel plans, and having the right travel insurance coverage, we recommend Global Rescue. Through their IMG (International Medical Group) Signature Travel Insurance policies, they offer upgrades called “Cancel and Interrupt for Any Reason”. If you need to cancel or interrupt your trip, you’ll be covered up to 75% of the trip cost if you cancel your trip for any reason that falls outside the normal specifications of the policy you purchase with them. The cost of this upgrade is only 8-11% on top of the premium you pay for your policy.
