Join us in winter for a great backcountry day tour through the incredible mountains surrounding Voss. This trip is designed specifically for those who have little to some experience in the backcountry and are looking for a long day to get to know the backcountry areas better and improve their skills.
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 trip, we require at least a satisfactory level of riding in piste skiing and had some off-piste experience riding on resorts. So you should ski in control at all times .
BACKCOUNTRY SKIING OVERVIEW and Explanation
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.
PRICES
SEASON TIMES
INCLUDED
PRIVATE GUIDE
WHAT TO WEAR
GEAR REQUIREMENTS
GUIDE RATIO
COVID REFUND POLICY
PRICES
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.
SEASON TIMES
DATES & DESTINATIONS
Our Experienced/Advanced backcountry excursions 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 of
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 normally start at 8:30 am and end around 4 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.
INCLUDED
WHAT’S INCLUDED BACKCOUNTRY SKI TOUR – ADVANCED
INCLUDED
Private guide
Transportation (from Voss town)
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
Equipment, clothing, or rental fees
PRIVATE GUIDE
PRIVATE GUIDE
Are you a group of 3 or more persons or you simply want to be sure that your guide will adjust the trip and pace according to your specific wishes? Book your private guide!
Prices start at 4.500kr 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.
Up to 3 people: 4.500/day per group
4 people: 5.500/day per group
5 people: 6.000/day per group
6 people: 6.500/day per group
For safety reasons, our guide ratio is 6 persons 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 NOK 2.000 will be added per guide to cover accommodation costs.
WHAT TO WEAR
WHAT TO WEAR
Shell jacket with hood (water & windproof)
Shell pants or bibs
Down or synthetic jacket
Mid-layer sweater or vest (if it’s too cold)
Base layers, wool is best
Gloves, hat, socks, goggles & sunglasses for the hiking up if is a sunny day
GEAR REQUIREMENTS
GEAR REQUIREMENTS
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 (all the items above you can rental this with 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
GUIDE RATIO
GUIDE RATIO
For safety reasons, our guide ratio is 6 persons per group. If two or more guides need to be booked, each group will receive a 5% discount.
COVID REFUND POLICY
Covid Refund Guarantee
If your trip is cancelled due to Covid choose from:
AVALANCHE GEAR = Personal ski backpack, transceiver, shovel and probe
TOURING SETfor SKI = Skis with walk bindings, skins, ski poles and ski boots
TOURING SETfor SNOWBOARD = Splitboard, skins, ski poles and snowboard boots
Unfamiliar with all the jargon? Don’t worry! We’ll get you up to speed with our SKI DICTIONARY, click here!
What to expect
Step into a winter world of mountains and fjords! As your tips dig through the snow you throw a big turn, and smiling ear to ear. This is an authentic Norwegian backcountry ski tour adventure!
Great winter nature94%
Winter adventure ❄️100%
Off piste skiing100%
F.A.Q. - BACKCOUNTRY SKI TOUR BEGINNER to INTERMEDIATE with Outdoor Norway and our answers.
When does your season start and end?
We start skiing as soon as the snow is on the mountains, and up until the snow falls ends! This is usually between the start of Dec to the end of April. It’s all depending on Mother Nature!
What to bring with me?
An explicit list of what to bring will be sent out to travelers before the tour. In most cases, it includes a recommended clothing and gear lists like:
Ski jacket and pants, hardshell, gloves, hat, hiking boots
Woolen underlayers and socks
Backpack
Snacks & water
Skin protection against cold
Do we need to be physically fit to go skiing?
We recommend that all of our guests be in good physical health.
If you have a medical issue but you still want to go skiing, we always recommend you check with your doctor first.
Inquiry with us if you have further questions.
Are any of the skiing trips suitable for seniors?
There is no maximum age limit for our backcountry skiing tours – so long as you’re physically fit you can join!
Can I bring my own skis?
Only if they have a touring binding that allows the heel to be released for hiking uphill with skins.
Will split-board loose performance?
No, in powder most riders do not notice a performance drop compared to a solid board. In hard, icy snow, however, there is definitely a difference.
Does this tour fits for Snowboarders?
Yes, and you’ll have to hike uphill on snowshoes and carry the board on your backpack with strong strap and attachment points.
Split-snowboards are recommended because they are much more efficient on the way up.
Should I tip my guide?
Tip is not a regular thing in Norway as it’s in USA. Your guide works hard to ensure that you have a fun, yet safe skiing adventure and always committed to the Outdoor Norway high standard guided tour.
Tip is widely accepted as the industry norm; and tipping is always appreciated but never expected. It stays totally at your own discretion.
Refund Guarantee
If your trip is cancelled due to COVID, choose free between date changes, account credit or full refund.
FULL FINANCIAL PROTECTION
Your money is safe!
Every booking is fully secured and financially protected.
Send an email below with your requested date(s) and we will get back to you within 24 hours!
Looking for even long range adventure? We offer an exclusive 9-day ski holiday across Western Norway’s Fjord Region, for more infos click here Norway Ski Road Trip!