The trip across Finnmarksvidda has all the ingredients a good ski trip should have: Fantastic mountain terrain, many hours of skiing each day, sometimes a lot of changing weather and last but not least, the opportunity to see the northern lights. In the course of four days we go from Øvre Stilla and to Assebakti, via three of the mountain cabins located in the area. If you are curious about such polar expeditions, this can be a good place to start. Here, long days of skiing are combined with a nice level of comfort in the evening.
BOOKING DEADLINE: 30 days before departure (unless the trip is already guaranteed)
Nordic skiing adventures are closer than you think! This trip is in fact one of the most accessible ski expeditions we have in our country. From Alta Airport it is only 45 minutes to drive to the starting point of the trip at Øvre Stilla. And from here we go into the wilderness, towards Joatkajavri Fjellstue, and further across the mountain plateau towards Mollisjok Mountain Cabin and Ravnastua before we finally end up at Assebakti.
The ski trip across Finnmarksvidda is a nice starting point for people who want to try out longer ski trips, and not only that, this area is perfect on cold, cloudless winter evenings to see the northern lights. Here, the light pollution is almost zero, which makes the visibility completely unbeatable. Come join us on one of Norway's most beautiful skiing trips this winter!
Thu 04. March - Sun 07. March 2027 - Book by: 02. February
Flight not included
Thu 11. March - Sun 14. March 2027 - Book by: 09. February
Flight not included
Thu 18. March - Sun 21. March 2027 - Book by: 16. February
Flight not included
Wed 24. March - Sat 27. March 2027 - Book by: 22. February
Flight not included
Wed 31. March - Sat 03. April 2027 - Book by: 01. March
Flight not included
Guaranteed departure
Plan it your way
Want this trip just for your group? Or got something different in mind? We've got you.
Departure from Alta Airport approx. 12:00 PM. From the airport we drive up to the historically important point Øvre Stilla. We choose the route based on weather and wind conditions and arrive at Joatkajavri in the afternoon/evening.
Departure from Alta Airport approx. 12:00 PM. From the airport we drive up to the historically important point Øvre Stilla. We choose the route based on weather and wind conditions and arrive at Joatkajavri in the afternoon/evening.
We leave the pleasant hosts at Joatkajavri Mountain Cabin. Ahead of us lies approximately 30 kilometers on skis in gentle terrain, including across Finnmark's largest lake, Iešjávri. The few elevation meters at the start of the day bring us up into the Arctic plateau landscape. You will now truly get the opportunity to rest your eyes on a landscape that is as enormous as it is beautiful. Deep in the middle of the Finnmark plateau lies Øvre Mollisjok, the mountain cabin that has been both home and workplace for the hosts for generations. At Nils Torfinn's we are served dinner, and if the weather is on our side there are few places in the world where you have a better starting point to see the Northern Lights.
We leave the pleasant hosts at Joatkajavri Mountain Cabin. Ahead of us lies approximately 30 kilometers on skis in gentle terrain, including across Finnmark's largest lake, Iešjávri. The few elevation meters at the start of the day bring us up into the Arctic plateau landscape. You will now truly get the opportunity to rest your eyes on a landscape that is as enormous as it is beautiful. Deep in the middle of the Finnmark plateau lies Øvre Mollisjok, the mountain cabin that has been both home and workplace for the hosts for generations. At Nils Torfinn's we are served dinner, and if the weather is on our side there are few places in the world where you have a better starting point to see the Northern Lights.
From Mollisjok we walk around 24 kilometers to Ravnastua. At the start of the day we move slightly uphill in the terrain before heading into an area known for a specific weather phenomenon. There are not many times the much-discussed Hundevidda, or Orroaigiellasat (the Range of the Dog) as it is called by the locals, has been crossed in completely calm weather. With your hood pulled up you will get to feel the expedition spirit as we move in the direction of Ravnastua. Surrounded by sparse forest, the mountain cabin is beautifully situated in wild nature. Here we will be served a traditional dinner, and don't forget to sign the guestbook before turning in for the night. NOTE: For trips departing March 18 and March 31, overnight stays in the dormitory may take place on camp cots.
From Mollisjok we walk around 24 kilometers to Ravnastua. At the start of the day we move slightly uphill in the terrain before heading into an area known for a specific weather phenomenon. There are not many times the much-discussed Hundevidda, or Orroaigiellasat (the Range of the Dog) as it is called by the locals, has been crossed in completely calm weather. With your hood pulled up you will get to feel the expedition spirit as we move in the direction of Ravnastua. Surrounded by sparse forest, the mountain cabin is beautifully situated in wild nature. Here we will be served a traditional dinner, and don't forget to sign the guestbook before turning in for the night. NOTE: For trips departing March 18 and March 31, overnight stays in the dormitory may take place on camp cots.
From Ravnastua we walk in the direction of Karasjok. The first 9-10 kilometers of today's leg are in slightly more rolling terrain than we have had earlier on this trip, before we finish with a long, gentle downhill slope to Assebakti. When we arrive at Assebakti we find ourselves right outside Norway's coldest place, Karasjok. The drive back is 2,5 - 3 hours depending on the weather, and on the way we drive through a fascinatingly vast landscape, with small communities along the way. We plan to be back in Alta so that we make the evening flights from 6:00 PM onwards. NOTE! On March 28 there are no flights to Oslo. You must therefore take the flight the following day, March 29. On April 5 the last flight to Oslo departs at 4:35 PM. We will arrange the logistics so that you make this departure.
From Ravnastua we walk in the direction of Karasjok. The first 9-10 kilometers of today's leg are in slightly more rolling terrain than we have had earlier on this trip, before we finish with a long, gentle downhill slope to Assebakti. When we arrive at Assebakti we find ourselves right outside Norway's coldest place, Karasjok. The drive back is 2,5 - 3 hours depending on the weather, and on the way we drive through a fascinatingly vast landscape, with small communities along the way. We plan to be back in Alta so that we make the evening flights from 6:00 PM onwards. NOTE! On March 28 there are no flights to Oslo. You must therefore take the flight the following day, March 29. On April 5 the last flight to Oslo departs at 4:35 PM. We will arrange the logistics so that you make this departure.
Departure from Alta Airport approx. 12:00 PM. From the airport we drive up to the historically important point Øvre Stilla. We choose the route based on weather and wind conditions and arrive at Joatkajavri in the afternoon/evening.
We leave the pleasant hosts at Joatkajavri Mountain Cabin. Ahead of us lies approximately 30 kilometers on skis in gentle terrain, including across Finnmark's largest lake, Iešjávri. The few elevation meters at the start of the day bring us up into the Arctic plateau landscape. You will now truly get the opportunity to rest your eyes on a landscape that is as enormous as it is beautiful. Deep in the middle of the Finnmark plateau lies Øvre Mollisjok, the mountain cabin that has been both home and workplace for the hosts for generations. At Nils Torfinn's we are served dinner, and if the weather is on our side there are few places in the world where you have a better starting point to see the Northern Lights.
From Mollisjok we walk around 24 kilometers to Ravnastua. At the start of the day we move slightly uphill in the terrain before heading into an area known for a specific weather phenomenon. There are not many times the much-discussed Hundevidda, or Orroaigiellasat (the Range of the Dog) as it is called by the locals, has been crossed in completely calm weather. With your hood pulled up you will get to feel the expedition spirit as we move in the direction of Ravnastua. Surrounded by sparse forest, the mountain cabin is beautifully situated in wild nature. Here we will be served a traditional dinner, and don't forget to sign the guestbook before turning in for the night. NOTE: For trips departing March 18 and March 31, overnight stays in the dormitory may take place on camp cots.
From Ravnastua we walk in the direction of Karasjok. The first 9-10 kilometers of today's leg are in slightly more rolling terrain than we have had earlier on this trip, before we finish with a long, gentle downhill slope to Assebakti. When we arrive at Assebakti we find ourselves right outside Norway's coldest place, Karasjok. The drive back is 2,5 - 3 hours depending on the weather, and on the way we drive through a fascinatingly vast landscape, with small communities along the way. We plan to be back in Alta so that we make the evening flights from 6:00 PM onwards. NOTE! On March 28 there are no flights to Oslo. You must therefore take the flight the following day, March 29. On April 5 the last flight to Oslo departs at 4:35 PM. We will arrange the logistics so that you make this departure.
Norwegian-speaking guide on programs with Norwegian language.
All transportation within the itinerary.
During the expedition, in shared double or multi-bed room.
Meals as specified in the program.
All shared and safety equipment (such as navigation, communication and basic first aid).
At all mountain cabins.
Due to delays due to weather or safety assessments.
We reserve the right to change prices. The day by day program is indicative and changes may occur. We also refer to our general travel conditions.
On all our trips, we require you to have full health and accident insurance which will also cover any transport home. Read more about travel insurance.
For departures with Norrøna Adventure guides:
On our trips, it is important to understand that we often will be traveling far off the beaten track. We will, of course, do everything we can to assist if anything should happen, but a potential rescue operation can be demanding. It is therefore extremely important that all participants arrive well-prepared and ready to handle unforeseen situations.
Some segments of the journey may prove challenging. It's essential to possess a solid level of fitness prior to departure. Persistence will be required in reaching the trip's goal.
Simple accommodations, such as cabins or guesthouses, often with multi-bed rooms. Sometimes with bunk beds and often with a shared bathroom.
Activities/trips with some risk. Certain incidents may occur, and they may be of such a nature that they may require professional help.
The ski trip across Finnmarksvidda is approx. 80 km in total. The distances will vary from day to day, between 8 and 30 km. The trip does not require fitness levels beyond normal, but you should be in decent shape and have skied a lot before to get a positive experience from the trip.
You should also have experience skiing with a multi-day backpack.
The terrain itself is relatively flat and easy, with a few uphills and downhills, most of which are gently sloped. You will learn about routines and get information and tips on how to carry out a winter expedition on skis.
We stay in simple but cozy mountain cabins along the way, and you will either sleep in double- or dormitory rooms. Single rooms will not be available on this trip. We eat breakfast and dinner in the mountain cabins, and bring packed lunch with us that we eat along the way.
Only the first cabin has simple serving/drinks for sale outside of the regular meals. The mountain cabins do not have a shower, but there are opportunities for washing. All the mountain cabins have a sauna which will be available upon arrival. There is electricity in all the cabins, and it is possible to charge small electric devices (except during the night - power is turned off when we sleep).
In the first two cabins, bed linen and towels are included. The third cabin has sleep liners and towels.
For trips where flights are not included, please check our website to confirm that the departure is guaranteed before booking your own plane tickets. For each trip, we require a minimum number of confirmed participants before the departure can be guaranteed.
The easiest way to get to Alta Airport is to either fly from- or via Oslo with either SAS or Norwegian. Widerøe also has flights to Alta from several places in Troms and Finnmark.
See more under the equipment list. Do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about equipment!
This list is intended as a guideline, so that we have what we need regardless of the weather we get on the trip. Remember that you can also get used outdoor equipment that works perfectly. Get in touch if you have any questions. TIP: We recommend that you have the most important equipment in your hand luggage, for example hiking boots and gore-tex jacket/trousers.
We recommend wool underwear for both men and women. Wool sportstop is recommended for women.
2 sets of top and bottom. Not too thick, instead use multiple layers.
Wool, 2-3 paris.
2-3 pairs. Wool or synthetic material.
Fleece or wool.
Big and warm! Big enough that it fits over everything else. It must have a hood and cover the butt. Down is recommended.
Gore-Tex or similar. Must have a decent hood, and hold out wind and rain. Should have space for midlayers underneath. Ventilation under the arms is recommended.
Gore-Tex or similar. Must be waterproof and windproof, zips for ventilation are recommended.
Warm hat for cold days.
Thick, warm, large mittens are important. Make sure you have plenty of room inside and that they are long. There are several good expedition gloves in down/primaloft.
Warm ski boots for binding type BC (with manual closure), 75mm/3-pin, or Xplore. Slightly large, so that there is room for thick socks (or even two pairs). The shoes must be well used to avoid blisters. May have integrated gaiters. Make sure that your bindings and boots are compatible.
50-60 liter capacity.
Waterproof pack bags to keep your clothes and gear dry, organized, and help reduce volume. It is especially important to have dedicated waterproof bags for essential equipment on your trip, such as your sleeping bag, down jacket, and electronics.
They can be used in your backpack while hiking or skiing, in your sled bag on ski expeditions, or in your duffel bag on trips where the bag is carried by porters, mules, or similar.
Remember new/extra batteries.
Personal medicines and, for example, band-aids, blister plaster, sports tape, throat lozenges, nasal drops, Paracetamol/Ibuprofen, stomach regulators, etc.
We need to know about all medicines you are taking, in case something happens.
Toilet paper, antibac, and waste bags for the paper. Remember leave no trace.
Alpine snow glasses. To protect your face and eyes in snow, wind and cold conditions.
Nordic backcountry skis, preferably with steel edges. The binding type can be BC with manual closure, 75mm/3-pin, or Xplore. Make sure that your bindings and boots are compatible. The poles should have large baskets.
We mostly use short skins, but should we be unlucky with the conditions (hard and icy or lots of powder snow), long skins often work best.
For example Nalgene bottles with wide mouth. 1-2 liters.
Down or synthetic insulation. Should be roomy, making them easy to wear over shell pants, preferably with a full-length side zipper.
For evenings and leasure days.
For those who want to use the sauna.
High gaiters for protection against wind, snow, moisture, and icing on boots and laces. Mandatory if you don’t have ski boots or pants with integrated gaiters.
Lightweight and low volume footwear for indoor use. Slippers or similar.
Tooth brush, tooth paste, small towel, ear plugs, wet wipes, biodegradable soap, etc.
There are few or no possibilities to buy this at the cabins. Bring such as chocolate, power bars, nuts, hot drink powder, etc. (We get mostly coffee and tea at the cabins).
We provide all necessary safety equipment, including navigation, communication, basic first aid supplies, as well as insulation mats and snow shovels carried by each guide. Additionally, we have a large safety tent as part of our gear. At least one guide will pull a sled during the trip to transport this equipment.
Since you'll be carrying your own backpack, we strongly recommend packing as lightly as possible to ease your journey across the plateau. Light packing is crucial for a successful trip. Use a well-tried backpack with a sturdy hip belt. Don't forget to bring windproof and waterproof clothing, and ensure all items in your backpack are stored in waterproof bags.
In the first two cabins, bed linen and towels are included. The third cabin has sleep liners and towels. All cabins are equipped with electricity.
Read more about gear, clothing, and how to pack and prepare for your trip.
NB! It is highly recommended that you have tried your gear and done a few trips with your skiboots to prevent blisters.
NOTE: Travel in your skiing clothes. We recommend that you have the most important skiing equipment in your hand luggage, for example ski boots and gore-tex jacket/trousers.
Nordenskiold with skis and sled
From the Swedish border to the fjord of Trondheim
Learn all you need to know about ski expeditions
Skiing across Europe's largest mountain plateau
Professional guides, good accommodation, nice people and fantastic scenery. Highly recommended!
– Grete, 2022
A wonderful trip together with wonderful people.
– Dag, 2021
Exotic, desolate and beautiful.
– Solveig, 2022