Lofoten Legends: Thrilling Ski & Sail Expedition

Discover the Majestic Ski & Sail Paradise of Lofoten, Norway: Unveiling Nature's Crown Jewel

Embark on a ski touring expedition in Norway's breathtaking Lofoten Islands, where jagged peaks emerge from the ocean, offering unrivalled terrain for skiers of all levels. From summit to sea, the exhilarating descent awaits.

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of S/Y Stella Oceana, a custom-built luxury sailing yacht that exudes breathtaking beauty. With meticulous craftsmanship showcased in its intricate design, this certified passenger ship boasts an ice classification of 1c. Unleash your sense of adventure as Stella Oceana unlocks the hidden gems of the Arctic, venturing into remote islands and fjords inaccessible to larger vessels.

Indulge in a safe and comfortable holiday experience aboard this 34-meter marvel, featuring spacious communal living areas and exceptional amenities. Accommodating 8 guests, the cabin arrangements include 2 twin bunk cabins and 1 four-berth bunk cabin. Each cabin offers cosy comforts such as spacious closets and adjustable heating.

Outside, the main deck beckons with a hot tub and ample walking and lounging spaces, while the top deck invites you to savour the outdoors with an outdoor kitchen and seating area. The yacht showcases a grand saloon with high ceilings, multiple lounging areas, and three dining tables. The coffee bar adds a touch of convenience to your journey.

Equipped with an array of amenities including a hot tub, charging station, Wi-Fi, TV, Bluetooth sound system, tender boat, thermal suits, and even a washer and dryer, S/Y Stella Oceana ensures your voyage is nothing short of extraordinary.

2024

The price includes:

• 6 guided days with IFMGA
• 1-night accommodation in a hotel on an HB basis in Evenes on arrival day
• 6 nights of yacht accommodation on 4 berth cabin basis
• All meals and onboard amenities

The price does not include:

• travel to/from Evenes
• kit hire
• Beverages/alcoholic drinks
• uplift costs
• insurance

The remaining spaces available are in the 4-berth cabin. We cannot guarantee single-sex sleeping arrangements.

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE

Your Financial Protection
ATOL
£2.50 per person of the cost of any air package is paid to the Civil Aviation Authority to provide ATOL Protection to you. This means the money paid for these arrangements is fully protected. Our ATOL number is ATOL 2911. For more information see our booking terms and conditions.
ABTOT
ABTOT provides protection for your booking as set out in Holiday Information.
Ski Club Winter Arrangements limited (trading as Mountain Tracks)
Registered in England No. 2099115. VAT No. GB 461 5692 34

We accept the following payment methods

This is an extensive list of the equipment you will need if you are coming on one of our Ski & Sail trips.

During the trip, you will be staying most nights in a comfortable yacht on a full-board basis. You will just need to carry a daypack with your avalanche safety equipment and a few personal items.

• Ski Touring - Ski Equipment

  For all touring trips it is essential you ski with an all-mountain/freeride type skis, ski touring boots and ski touring bindings. If you have your own skis but they do not have ski touring bindings then you will need to rent skis. The same applies if you have downhill ski boots, you will need to rent ski touring boots.
  
  Skis
  

  This winter our lead guides are using Elan skis. Praised by magazine testers and professional skiers alike for its unique blend of lightweight performance, the Ripstick 96 is proven to be the ultimate freeride ski in all snow conditions. The Ripstick 106 is the ultimate freeride ski for any terrain. From boundary line to the base lodge, peak to the parking lot, and trailhead to tailgate this ski excels in all conditions. The new Ripstick Tour 94 is designed on a wider platform, enabling the skier to float better, ski faster, and turn easier in backcountry conditions.

  It is built to blend high performance at a low weight, for the perfect mix of freeride downhill performance and efficient ascending capability. With Ripstick Tour 94, the confidence to conquer long ascents and charge challenging descents is the name of the game.

  There are many ‘all-mountain/freeride’ skis to choose from and we also recommend skis from Salomon, Dynastar, Movement, Black Crows, Trab Skis, Scott and Volkl.  Look for a ski that is the right size for your height, typically the tip of the ski should be somewhere around your nose height.  As for the width of the ski or “side cut” a mid-fat ski – 90-110mm under the foot is a good place to start; this offers plenty of flotation off-piste while remaining suitable for day tours and they should also handle reasonably well on piste and mixed terrain.

  Elan Skis: www.elanskis.com

  Dynastar Skis:  www.dynastar.com

  Movement Skis: www.movementskis.com                                       

  Black Crows Skis: www.blackcrows-skis.com/

  Trab Skis: www.skitrab.com/en-us/

  Scott Skis: http://www.scott-sports.com

  Volkl Skis: http://www.voelkl.com

   

  There are plenty of other great skis to choose from so if you’re planning on buying skis for ski touring or general skiing and have any questions do not hesitate to call us, or Lockwoods, to discuss the options available.

  If you are planning on buying skis for ski touring and general skiing and have any questions do not hesitate to call us to discuss the options available to you.
  
  Boots

  It is essential that you have ski touring boots for these trips as walking uphill is much more comfortable in these types of boots with a walk mode and great flex; a dedicated touring boot or a hybrid hike & ride boot is best. 

  Our guides are using ROXA boots. They recommend R3 ski boots, the lightest high-performance alpine ski boot in its class. The 110 TI is geared for big mountain chargers who may use “Tech” and/or Alpine bindings and often hike or skin to find their lines. The RX Tours is targeted toward skiers who prefer to blaze their own trail and leave the lift lines behind.

  Scarpa has led the way in touring boots for many years but they have been joined by other manufacturers like Dynafit, Salomon, Scott, Black Diamond, Dalbello and K2; all producing their own versions of ski touring boot.

  ROXAR3 and RX Tour ski boots provide a range of models suitable for all sorts of terrain and snow conditions. It is a family-owned company located in Italy, focused on advanced materials, and ultralight compounds and one of the first companies to use
  

  • Scarpa’s Freedom boots are their Hybrid offerings, with great ski performance, a walk mode and Vibram sole. Their Maestrale (men’s) and Gea (women’s) boots are also highly recommended.
  • The Scott Celeste and Cosmo boots have stood the test of time and are good all-around choices.
  • Salomon’s Quest Max series offer boots with a walk mode in various flex’s with good downhill performance.
  • Dynafit offer the Mercury or Vulcan boots plus a range of lightweight options like the TLT6.
  
  The best of the rest are:
  Fischer - Transalp
  Black Diamond – Quadrant and Factor
  K2 – Pinnacle boot
  Dalbello – Lupo or Sherpa
  Langue – XT series offer a ski boot with a walk mode in various flex options
  
  Boot Liners
  These days many manufacturers offer ‘thermo-fit¹ liners as standard equipment. You may also want to consider a custom liner as these are heated and molded to your foot and boot for a perfect fit. They can make all the difference especially if you have trouble finding really comfortable ‘off-the-shelf’ boots. Zipfit liners are a great option for anyone seeking total customisation in fit and comfort. They will replace the original liner.
  
  Custom Footbeds
  Essential kit – to provide additional comfort and ski control. If you want to get footbeds made or a pair of new boots fitted then we suggest you visit somewhere like Profeet for a professional fitting. Don’t forget if you have footbeds in your downhill boots but need to rent touring boots then you can bring the footbeds with you and put them in the hire boots.
  
  Bindings
  For all ski touring trips ski touring bindings are essential. Fritschi and Marker both make excellent ski-touring bindings and you have a few different options to choose from. Many more people are seeing the advantage of the “pin” binding system now offered by a number of manufacturers as these are light and offer ever-improving security despite their minimalist looks!

  It’s essential you have ski touring bindings on your skis. Although Pin bindings have been around since the Dynafit Low Tech bindings over 30 years ago since their patent expired the technology has advanced substantially. Salomon, with their Shift Binding, are at the forefront; they’re ‘multi norm compatible’ so fit a selection of boots and are lighter than most freeride bindings. Our lead guides are using the Shift binding this winter, so if you’d like to know more about them give Lockwoods a ring.
  
  Ski Poles
  We recommend telescopic poles. They must have wide powder baskets (4-5 inches/100-120mm diameter) otherwise you’ll be up to your armpits on the ascents. Go for an alloy rather than carbon poles which are lighter but have a nasty habit of snapping near the basket due to ski edge nicks.
  
  Rucksack
  For most ski tours especially multi-day hut-to-hut tours you will need a 35 - 40 litre rucksack. You might get away with a big 30 liter pack if you are an experienced ski tourer and know what to pack. Most people will find a 35-40 liter pack is a good size for touring.
  
  Key features of a good ski touring pack:

  • a method of attaching your skis in either an A-frame (one either side) or both together on a diagonal ski carriage
  • easy access into the main compartment without having to empty the sack to get something at the bottom
  • separate pocket for avalanche shovel, handle and probe
  • small top pocket for items like wallet, sunglassed/goggles etc; an ice axe loop
  • built-in rain cover and a secure method of attaching/stowing a ski helmet 
  • good hip/waist belt and adjustable shoulder straps

  Ortovox Haute Route 40 rucksack will be a good choice for ski touring trips. 

  Avalanche airbag rucksacks can be used for touring but they are heavy, adding somewhere between 5-8kg just for an empty pack plus canister. So unless you are sure you can carry it and fit all you need in, we do not recommend you use one. 

  Over a long multiday tour, every gram of weight is important as you have to carry and move it yourself. Carrying a heavy pack will hinder and tire all but the most experienced and fit ski tourer.

   

• Ski Touring - Safety Equipment

  The “Safety Trilogy” - required on all our ski tours and off-piste courses.

  • Avalanche Transceiver/Beacon
  • Snow shovel
  • Avalanche probe

  We recommend Simple and intuitive ORTOVOX AVALANCHE RESCUE KIT 3+ 

   

  Remember it is not enough just to carry this equipment; you have to know how to use it. 

  How about joining one of our specialist avalanche courses – check out www.mountaintracks.co.uk/activity/avalanche-training

• Ski Touring - Clothing

  When choosing clothing for ski touring you want to think light, warm and versatile. During the trip weather conditions will change and you’re likely to go from warm afternoons where you’ll be carrying most of your gear in your rucksack, to icy-cold mornings when you’re wearing everything to keep warm! Getting hold of the best and lightest kit available is always worth it and most of the major brands will be able to supply a suitable kit.

  This season, we’ve partnered with Ortovox to provide us with the very best safety kit and clothing. Our guides will all be decked out in the latest Ortovox jackets and trousers and will keep warm, dry and comfortable thanks to their technical wool base- and mid-layers. Our guides couldn’t recommend their kit more highly.

   

  • Roll neck rather than a scarf. We use and recommend the ‘Buff¹ ¬ a light, stretchable tube. Excellent despite the name! They do both a fleece/cotton version for warmth or just a cotton one (to keep the sun off).
  • Headwear to include warm hat and sun-cap or wide-brim hat for extra protection from the sun. Mountain Tracks fully supports the wearing of helmets for skiing, although not mandatory for any of our trips we do recommend them.
  • An outer shell jacket made of waterproof and breathable material like Gore-Tex or similar with a built-in hood. The lighter the better and so a shell is recommended rather than an insulated jacket.
  • 1-2 thin fleeces - rather than a thick layer between your skin and the outer shell - an approach which gives better heat retention and good flexibility. These tops are known as ‘mid layers’. The principle of ‘layering’ e.g. allowing you to easily add/remove layers depending on the temperature and the activity is recommended to ensure comfort on the mountain.
  • Insulation layer like a down or Primaloft jacket is a good item to have ready to wear in the event of cold weather, it can live in your rucksack as a spare layer and can come in very handy for sudden changes in the weather.
  • For the lower half it’s essential that you have a pair of thermal base layer pants (long johns).
  • These can then be combined with either:
  • (a) a good pair of ‘technical shell’ pants in a waterproof and breathable fabric like Gore-Tex (b) a pair of mountain or alpine pants in a softshell material together with a pair of lightweight, breathable over trousers with long side zips.
  • Top and bottom underwear made of a synthetic, wicking material. Very popular at the moment are the wool based layers from companies such as Ortovox. They are comfy, breathable and warm when needed and can be worn for days without your friends catching a whiff!
  • Good quality Gore-Tex gloves or mitts and a thin pair of softshell or fleece gloves for when it is hot and for ski touring in. Silk inner gloves can be useful if the weather is cold and you suffer from cold hands.
  • Technical Socks - Investing in good quality ski socks will improve fit, warmth and feel when skiing for long periods. Bring along a few pairs.
• Ski Touring - Accessories
  • Good pair of ski goggles with a lens for low light is essential in the event of snow and poor visibility
  • Good quality sunglasses with 100% UV protection
  • 35 – 40 liter rucksack
  • 1 – 1.5 Liter water bottle – we don’t recommend hydration systems (e.g. camelbak) in winter as they can freeze.
  • Food – bring some of your favorite hill nibbles (chocolate, energy bars)*
  • Suncream and lip salve
  • Camera with a large capacity memory card!
  • Money – most hotels, shops and restaurants accept credit cards, but not all the alpine huts do. You should allow about 30-40 Swiss Francs or 20-30 Euros per day for lunch and drinks (amount approximate and depends on consumption)

  Please note that your guide will have a few “spares” and other safety items that he or she will ask the group to carry between them; so leave a small space in your sack for an item e.g. spare skin, spare ski pole, emergency shelter.
  
  For a hut night:
  

  • Lightweight sleeping bag liner – now compulsory in most huts.
  • Wash kit with small personal first aid items – should include:
  • Toothbrush and paste - a mini one is ideal
  • Soap
  • Anti-bacterial hand cleaner
  • Wet wipes – essential to try to maintain hygiene
  • Tissues and toilet roll
  • Plasters – of various sizes and possibly some adhesive wound dressings.
  • Pain Killers – aspirin or Paracetamol/Nurofen
  • Antiseptic cream or wipes
  • Blister kit – compeed and elastic tape to hold it in place (essential)!
  • (Note: Guides will have comprehensive first aid kits and are qualified in mountain first aid)
  • Small light quick dry towel e.g. a Lifeventure Soft fiber towel
  • Most huts have limited washing facilities
  • Earplugs – it can get quite noisy!
  • Headtorch - lightweight and carry spare batteries.
  • Book, pack of cards and or Ipod/MP3 player – It’s nice to have something to read or listen to when you are in the huts or to challenge your fellow travelers to a game of card. These items are not essential but if you have space you might appreciate them.

  What to wear in the hut
  We are often asked by people what they should wear in the hut. It's a good question as you don't want to carry many or any extra clothes with you if they are not required. In the winter you will probably end up wearing your base layer thermals (top & bottom) or you can carry a lightweight pair of loose trousers to wear around the hut in the afternoons/evenings. Your base layer top is what you will probably wear on your top half or you can carry a t-shirt to wear in the hut that can double to sleep in. 

  Food and Water
  We suggest you bring with you or buy in resort snack food that you can take out on the hill with you each day. Things like cereal bars, dried fruit and nuts, chocolate, sugary sweets or your favorite hill snacks. When you’re staying overnight in huts its best to take supplies for the days you are away. Huts do sell food but it’s expensive and sometimes stocks run low.
  If you have any food allergies or dietary requirements especially if you are a Coeliac (Gluten free) or have a dairy allergy we strongly recommend you bring some food with you that you can supplement your dinners with. The huts are fairly good at providing for vegetarians but less so for other dietary needs.
  You have to buy bottled water in the huts as usually any running water is non-potable. Bottled water is expensive in French and Swiss huts; you can be paying upto 12-16CHF per 1.5L bottle of water. So please ensure you budget for this cost.

• Travel information

  Located in Nordland County, Evenes is a captivating municipality awaiting your discovery. Arriving at Evenes is effortless, as the Harstad/Narvik (EVE) airport is just a short 6km (10-minute) taxi ride away from the pick-up harbour. Before embarking on your trip, enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at the Sure Hotel Harstad Narvik Airport by Best Western.

  
  To ensure a seamless journey, we recommend arriving at the airport no later than 5 pm on the day of your arrival. Our shared group transfer service will be available, taking you from the airport to the hotel and the next day in the morning to the majestic Stella Oceana yacht. On the day of departure, a shared transfer will be arranged from the harbour back to the airport. For your convenience, please book your return transfer no earlier than 2 pm, allowing ample time for the transfer and check-in process.
  
  Embrace the simplicity and ease of travel as you begin your remarkable adventure in Evenes. 

• SKI TOURING - GUIDES
  All our ski tours are led by the team of IFMGA Mountain Guides. Lead guide for Mountain Tracks is Oliver Allen.

• Stella Oceana custom-built luxury sailing yacht

  Experience Unparalleled Luxury Aboard S/Y Stella Oceana:
  
  Discover the epitome of elegance with S/Y Stella Oceana, a meticulously crafted luxury sailing yacht. Its graceful presence under sail is a sight to behold, adorned with intricate designs and expertly crafted steel and woodwork that showcase exceptional craftsmanship. As a certified passenger ship with an ice classification of 1c, Stella Oceana grants access to remote Arctic islands and fjords, setting it apart from larger vessels.
  
  Indulge in a safe and comfortable holiday experience, as this remarkable ship offers ample communal living spaces ideal for small groups. Immerse yourself in the tranquil ambience and enjoy the sophisticated surroundings.
  
  Embark on a voyage of refined luxury aboard S/Y Stella Oceana and explore the Arctic in unparalleled style and comfort.

  • Cabin Arrangements: 2 twin bunk cabins & 1 four berth bunk cabin for 8 guests. 1 twin bunk cabin for ski guides in crew quarters. All cabins are equipped with spacious closets, adjustable heating, a window, warm duvets, linens and towels.
  • Exterior: Main deck with hot tub and spacious walking & lounging areas; Top deck with outdoor kitchen & seating area.
  • Interior: Large saloon with high ceilings and windows; 2 lounging areas; 3 dining tables; coffee bar.
  • Amenities: Hot tub, charging station, Wi-Fi, TV, Bluetooth sound system, tender boat, thermal suits, washer & dryer, shampoo/conditioner/body wash, hair dryer, coffee table books & playing cards.

  At the helm of S/Y Stella Oceana, you'll find the exceptional Captain Kenneth Tårnes and First Mate Sachi Maekawa. With a commitment to exceeding expectations, they strive to provide a first-class, professional, and relaxed experience for every guest. Our crew's reliability, honesty, and genuine care ensure that you are treated as a unique individual throughout your journey.
  
  On board this luxurious sailing yacht, the crew epitomizes cleanliness, reliability, respect, and attentive service. From safe and seamless transportation to delectable culinary creations, their competence and willingness to serve are evident in every aspect of your voyage. Expect nothing less than punctuality, generous provisions, and immaculate cleanliness.
  
  Rest assured, our crew members have their separate sleeping quarters located in aft of the vessel, guaranteeing their well-deserved rest while ensuring continuous care and attention to your needs.
  
  Join us on S/Y Stella Oceana and experience the exceptional professionalism and unwavering dedication of our crew, as they strive to create a voyage of unparalleled comfort and delight.

   

• Meal plan

  Allow us to provide a glimpse into the delectable cuisine enjoyed during our unforgettable multi-day tours. We make every effort to accommodate various dietary requirements, so please ensure you have provided the necessary information in your Booking Form. If any updates are needed, kindly get in touch with us, and we will communicate the details to our dedicated crew.
  
  Embracing a sustainable approach, we prioritize sourcing local ingredients whenever feasible, ensuring the highest quality while minimizing food miles. Delve into the essence of traditional Norwegian cuisine, which reflects the region's reliance on the bountiful resources found in the mountains, wilderness, and coastal areas. From carefully crafted seafood dishes to hearty creations inspired by the mountainous surroundings, our menu celebrates the ingenuity born out of the Arctic's unique conditions and long winters.
  
  Experience a culinary journey that embraces the heritage and distinct flavours of Norwegian cuisine. Join us aboard S/Y Stella Oceana, where each meal showcases the region's natural abundance, promising a truly remarkable dining experience for every guest.
  
  

  BREAKFAST 08:00-10:00

  Yogurt, granola, fruit, bread, butter, jam, eggs, bacon, smoked salmon, pickled herring, vegetables, pastries, cold-cut meats, cheeses, cod caviar, mayonnaise, waffles with brown cheese. Cow milk, oat milk, apple juice, orange juice, tropical juice.The typical Norwegian breakfast consists of a slice of bread with a variety of sweet and savory spreads with coffee.

  LUNCH 12:00-15:00

  Sandwiches & packable touring food, various soups with bread, fish cake, freshly caught fish battered and pan-fried with lemon and tartar sauce, salads, pasta, reindeer pizza, a cod burger with fries. Modern Norwegian cuisine has been influenced by globalization and includes foods such as soups, pasta, pizza, bbq and burgers with a local flare.

  DINNER18:00-20:00

  Different versions of cod, halibut, pollock & haddock; Arctic shrimp, Slow roasted thigh of lamb; Traditional reindeer stew, pork or lamb cutlet, & fish gratin. Sides include potatoes, root vegetables, purees & boiled vegetables. Norwegian dinners typically include carbohydrate and protein-rich foods such as potatoes, meat and fish.

  DESSERT After dinner

  Tilslørte Bondepiker (Layered Dessert with Apples and Cream); Trollkrem (Lingonberry Cream); Multekrem (Cloudberry Cream); Caramel pudding; Chocolate, Apple or Vanilla Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream. Norwegian desserts combine fresh, delicious forest fruits, cream, and fresh baked desserts with ice cream.

  SNACKS Throughout the day

  Cookies, fruit, chocolate, nuts, gummies, potato chips, cheese plates, pastries, popcorn.

   

  Guests are allowed to bring their own soda or alcoholic beverages. Alternatively, if you email us with your preferred/desired beverages in advance, the Captain can get it for you and you will reimburse the Captain directly.

• World Sea Explorers

  Founded in 2019, World Sea Explorers is a local, family-owned business rooted in the picturesque town of Svolvær, Norway. Their passion for sharing the wonders of the sea led us to introduce immersive tours aboard a custom sailing yacht, Stella Oceana. With a focus on small-group experiences, they offer personalized fjord cruises, fishing trips, sailing tours, yacht charters, and tailored excursion packages, providing an exclusive and captivating exploration of Northern Norway.
  
  Our core values of sustainability, diversity, inclusion, and peace resonate deeply with us. We strive to ensure that these principles are not just words, but tangible elements that enrich each tour we offer. We invite you to join us aboard S/Y Stella Oceana, where you can embark on a journey that fosters a profound connection with the world's seas.
  
  All photographs were kindly shared by the World Sea Explorers.