Sea to Summit - Spring Skiing Above the Arctic Circle

Back in the spring of 2022, I gathered some friends and a bunch of Majesty equipment, and our destination was an island in the north of Norway. We experienced four days of adventure in nature so splendid that it's hard to believe until you actually see it, even for native Norwegians.

For four days, we enjoyed everything from sunshine and perfect powder to the last spring snowstorm. Join us in our story and get inspired!

On the early morning of May 5th, we departed from the hot black tarmac at Oslo airport in search of epic spring skiing. Despite the late season, even the Lofoten area had lost its snow. However, we had local intel about some quality snow a bit further north, in the Harstad region. We were exhilarated to check it out!

Our destination, the island seen in the distance below.

Harstad is a relatively small town, home to around 24,000 avid skiers. Located north of the polar circle, the daylight at this latitude in spring lasts almost 24 hours a day, making for a spectacular experience. This is the land of the midnight sun.

Just a 90-minute flight from Oslo, followed by a 45-minute car ride and a 20-minute journey on a local ferry, and we arrived at our dream spot - the island chosen by our guide.

We met up with our local guide, Christian Dramsdahl, upon our arrival at the ferry terminal. Christian, like many folks up here, was born with skis (and diving fins) on his feet...

The ocean in this area is crystal clear, with sandy white beaches that are truly breathtaking.

Christian, a 10-year veteran of the Naval Special Operation Forces in Norway, is the owner and operator of Arctic Sea to Summits, currently the only guide company in Harstad.

At this point in the ski season, it's a luxury to find a starting point with snow all the way down to sea level. Skiing from sea level to summit and back again, especially in May, offers a truly special experience.

Three hours after leaving the bustling streets of Oslo, we found ourselves enveloped in paradise - our very own slice of it. With our guide leading the way, we had the entire expanse to ourselves, free to ski and carve fresh tracks in the pristine snow.

As we ventured beyond the tree line, the only other tracks we encountered were those left behind by hares and grouse, reminding us of the untouched beauty of this remote landscape.

 

Christian had told us that we would experience changing weather, ranging from warm sunshine and t-shirt weather to chilly winds accompanied by snow and whiteout conditions

Spring weather's variability is a gift for those who appreciate the beauty of contrasts, but it requires proper preparation and the right gear.

As we ascended, the signs of melting snow became evident, leading us to cross several snowmelt runoffs on our way to the summits. Our anticipation grew as we approached, eager to experience the breathtaking view of the Vesterålen region with its skiable islands and the expanse of the blue sea.

 

Many of the island mountains around Harstad offer the unique opportunity to find yourself completely alone, unlike the crowded conditions often encountered at popular destinations elsewhere.

The view was nothing short of stunning. The ocean was enveloped by steep, beautiful mountains in every direction. The snow, pristine and untouched, gleamed as white as one could imagine. It was a rare opportunity to be the first to carve tracks down those slopes, each turn a testament to the untouched beauty of the landscape.

Selfie time with our guide Christian.

One of Christian's guides, Håvard, led some of us to the highest peak on the island. At this late stage in the season, the snowpack was solid in the early hours of the day. With skis strapped to our backpacks, we began the ascent on foot, eager to reach the summit.

 

After two hours of skinning up a steep 45-degree incline and gaining 2000 ft of altitude, we finally reached the summit. Along the way, we encountered rapid changes in weather, with gusty winds picking up at times.

Skins off at the top, we couldn't wait to begin to ski.

We had an incredible time on the ascent, but as Christian had warned, the weather can change in an instant. We felt the wind pick up, and within a matter of minutes, we found ourselves engulfed in snow, experiencing an immediate whiteout. Thankfully, we were prepared with warm clothes and goggles. We quickly dug a small shelter in the snow and enjoyed some lunch while waiting for the storm to pass.

Our patience paid off as we were rewarded with fresh powder on our descent from the peak.

All of us were equipped with Majesty skis and Majesty-ATK tech bindings.

Christian was on the Majesty Supernova Carbon and couldn't be happier with its performance. Despite owning a full range of super-light rando skis and heavy freeride skis, he agrees that the Supernova Carbon offers the best of both worlds – lightness and agility, providing an exhilarating ride down the slopes.

Our guide, Håvard, took a moment to admire the view from the snow-capped pinnacle at the peak.

As we skied down one of the fantastic lines, the view over the ocean was breathtaking! Our skis performed flawlessly, delivering the necessary high precision in steep lines at high speeds.

Although the peaks on this island are only around 1000 meters high, it's important to remember that you always start at sea level. Christian has actually authored two guidebooks for the Vesterålen region - one about ski touring and the other for ice climbing.

It's truly a vast expanse of stunning nature.

Crossing the upper part of the tree line, descending back to sea level.

A happy group of skiers and their gear, back at the base camp. 

Check out the video that tells the full story.

 

Guides:

Christian Dramsdahl
Håvard Skomedal Torvanger

Skiers:

Thomas Karlsen
Børge Kvinge
Martin Ellingsen
Svein-Erik Tøraasen

Photo and film production:

Emil Kjos Sollie

Many thanks to our excellent guide Christian Dramsdahl.

 

 

 

 

 

Majesty Touring Re//Defined Collection

Supernova Carbon 103 mm	Superpatrol Carbon 95 mm	Superwolf Carbon 91 mm
Superscout Carbon 86 mm	Majesty-ATK Bindings	Superwolf 91 mm