Norway Ski & Sail

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SAILING BETWEEN TROMSO AND ALTA

The Lyngen Alps in northern Norway have become very popular in recent years .

The traditional routes are very busy and sometimes the crowding and marked snow make it seem like you’re skiing on the Alps…

Travelling by sailing boat, however, changes everything! Mooring close to the ideal departure points for excursions, ascents and descents on virgin terrain and free from crowding, a North environment. To this we add the magic of travelling aboard the Rembrandt van Rijn, a classic 50 m schooner with three masts and sails masterfully prepared by the captain and crew.

SKI TOURING DAYS

Our excursions all set off from the sea and reach the peaks of a spectacular landscape of fjords and islands with the taste of the North, often with excellent snow cover.

A typical ski mountaineering excursion sets off in the morning from Rembrandt van Rijn, landing by Zodiac dinghy. We usually cover altitude differences of 800-1200m (3-5 hours in ascent) and normally descend along a different route, sometimes even crossing to a different return point.

The peaks we may climb have names that recall the Vikings: Trolltinden (the only famous and popular mountain), Arnoyhogda, Stoltindn, Øksfordjøkelen, Nordmannsfjellet and more. The altitude difference corresponds exactly to the height of the summit, as we always set off from sea level.

THE SCHOONER  REMBRANDT VAN RJIN

A stunning, three-masted sailing ship, able to carry 30 passengers, the Rembrandt van Rijn is a fully equipped passenger schooner.

All the logistic support, breakfast, dinner, showers, rest, etc. is provided on board in much greater comfort than in a standard Alpine hut. The cabins accommodate two people and come with a shower and private bathroom. The ship also has a large dining room and bar area. The most charming area is the deck, with the three masts and great sails that are unfolded whenever possible. In fact, the Rembrandt van Rijn normally uses its engine, but as soon as the wind is favourable, the sails are unfolded and she sails along in silence using the same techniques that have been used at sea for centuries.

The comfortable cabins have bunk beds, private bathroom and shower. The low-cost twin private inside cabins do not have a porthole and there is a limited availability. The twin private porthole cabins are larger and have a porthole: these are always available with an extra cost.

OUR TYPICAL DAY

The days on board slip by following a pleasant routine, starting with breakfast served in the dining room, with a wide choice of sweet and savoury food. We than get ready for the day’s activities with boots, backpack, skis in hand and, for landing in the Zodiac, a life jacket too.

Upon return from the excursion, we are welcomed aboard with hot soup, after which we can shower and rest. But there is also plenty of time to chat with our new friends from all over the world, to stand on the deck and perhaps to help the crew with the sails and, of course, to take photographs. The schooner will move on to the next destination in the afternoon, sometimes sailing without the engine, to reach a bay or a sheltered and calm place and where she can stop to offer guests a quiet dinner and an enjoyable evening.

THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

The season of the aurora borealis at the latitude of Tromso draws to an end precisely in mid-April. There’s nothing to say that we won’t get the chance to see this amazing sight, though it does take a bit of luck…

TRAVEL DETAILS

DAY BY DAY

GEAR AND CLOTHES

The complete ski touring set is necessary:

• Ski touring skis + poles + skins + ski crampons + ski boots;
• Helmet (mandatory);
• Safety kit: TransReceiver, Shovel, Probe (mandatory);
• Backpack (30/35 liters);
• Harness, crampons, axe, one screwgate carabiner (optional reccomended);
• Goggles or sun glasses;
• Water bottle / Thermos;
• Camera
• GoreTex and wind stopper jackets and pants;
• Down jacket;
• Light and warm gloves, hat, buff, etc.

MAP

GALLERY

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