BACKCOUNTRY SKI TOUR – BEGINNER to INTERMEDIATE

Join us winter 2021 for an exclusive backcountry day tour through the incredible mountains surrounding Voss. Whether you are a local beginner looking for a guide, a fellow Norwegian venturing to Voss for the first time, or an international group of friends looking for an unforgettable winter adventure, Outdoor Norway has you covered.

Our local guides will have two objectives on every trip: providing you with the best possible experience, and keeping you safe. This is why we recommend being able to ski or ride moderate resort blue runs if you plan on touring with Outdoor Norway. This will allow us to craft a well-rounded experience with vertical in bowls, glades, and tree terrain. This type of touring requires only a moderate fitness level.

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.

DATES & DESTINATIONS

Our beginner backcountry excursions are available every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, in the months of February, March and April. 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.

• Mount Oksen (Hardangerfjord)
• Raundalen Mountains
• Vikafjell

Tours will normally start at 8:30am and end around 4pm. 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. Pick-ups for those staying outside of Voss can be arranged upon special request.

PRICES

Prices start at 4.000kr per day. Price per person decreases as group size increases. Prices are listed in NOK (Norwegian Kroner) and are based on the hire of one guide per group. For safety reasons, no more than 6 persons can be booked per group. If two or more guides need to be booked, each group will receive a 5% discount. If an overnight trip is chosen an additional 1.500kr will be added per guide to cover accommodation costs.

• 1 person: 4.000/day
• 2 people: 4.500/day per group
• 3 people: 5.000/day per group
• 4 people: 5.500/day per group
• 5 people: 6.000/day per group
• 6 people: 6.500/day per group

INCLUDED

• Private guide
• Transportation (from Voss center)
• Avalanche safety kit (beacon, shovel, probe and day-pack)

NOT INCLUDED

• Lunch, beverages and snacks
• 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)
• Accommodation costs
• Equipment, clothing, or rental fees

GEAR REQUIREMENTS

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

• Skis and bindings (alpine touring, Telemark or split-board set up)
• Climbing skins
• Ski boots, poles & helmet
• Shell jacket with hood, water & windproof
• Shell pants or bibs, Gore-Tex recommended for ventilation
• Down or synthetic jacket
• Mid-layer sweater or vest
• Base layers, wool is best
• Gloves, hat, socks, sunglasses & goggles
• Personal backpack

Ready to get your backcountry adventure started? Send an email to [email protected] with your requested date(s) and we will get back to you within 24 hours!

Looking for even more adventure? If you would prefer a 9-day ski holiday across Western Norway’s Fjord Region, please check our Norway Ski Road Trip!