From the Fjords, Lyngen Alps: 8th and 15th March, 2008

A unusual yacht based ski touring experience in the Arctic Circle

Tour from fjords to Alpine peaks and ski glaciers down to the Sea

Another first tour for Pyrenean Mountain Tours as we link up with Bernard Audrezet on the yacht ‘The Southern Star’ and head off to ski the Lyngen Alps, north of the Arctic circle. This trip is entirely yacht based so that after each days skiing you return to the yacht where you will eat and sleep. There will be some help needed on deck as we head off to our next destination of course, but this will only add to the unique sense of adventure on this tour. And it wont all be hard work. Of course there will be time to relax, fish from the deck, take photos and later on potentially enjoy the phenomenon of Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights.

With glaciers coming right down to the sea, islands in every direction and steep Alpine peaks and ridges, this is a land made for ski touring. When you add to that the cold conditions of this Arctic region, and the light powder that this is likely to bring, then you have a ski tourers paradise!

There is no fixed itinerary really for this trip as the options are seemingly limitless. There are more than 30 routes varying between 800 and 1800 meters of climb. There are circuits, linear routes, and traverses where you are dropped off on one side of the mountains and picked up in the neighbouring fjord on the other side.

We need to recruit for this trip a full year in advance as it is very difficult to reserve the boat. If you might be interested in coming in 2008, let us know now.

This year we have opted for the Southern Star, a 24 meter yacht, as we are looking for an experience in which we can participate in all aspects of the trip. If the sailing doesn't appeal, but the Sea to the Mountains concept does, then get in touch as there are other options.

OUTLINE ITINERARY
It is difficult to describe an itinerary for this trip as it is so dependent on conditions and what the group, captain and guide agree is best. However, we can give details of logistics and perhaps what you can expect from the boat and an average day on and off board.

Day 1- Flights from London to Oslo and then on to Tromso
It is best to coordinate the booking of these flights through Wendy in the UK office. We need to be in Tromso by 17.30 where we will be transferred to the port and welcomed aboard the Southern Star. We will set sail and dine on board.

The Boat- The Southern Star
24 meters in length, capacity of 10 people(5x double bunks), 2x WC/shower, laundry facilities, TV and music, Ski storage space, Crew members x2

A Typical Day
After an early breakfast we will be dropped off by the captain at the foot of a mountain. At sea level we will don our skins and begin the climb. One thing we can be sure of is that starting at sea level, every day will start with an ascent! With light bags, some snacks and potentially axe and crampons depending on the itinerary we will head off to our chosen peak or ridge. It goes without saying that the climb will be followed by a descent in perfect powder conditions, with clear views over the Sea of Norway and the Arctic Ocean. (Well, we hope so anyway!) At the end of our descent at an agreed point, we will be met by the Southern Star and welcomed with a hot soup before we settle into an afternoon of rest or crewing, as we consider the possibilities for tomorrow and head off out to sea once more.An evening meal will follow before we head to our bunks.

Please Note: This itinerary may be altered if conditions, weather forecasts or the overall fitness of the group are judged to put the safety of the group at risk. Pyrenean Mountain Tour Guides reserve the right to make changes to the itinerary without notice. These changes will be explained to the group as and when they occur.

EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING NEEDED FOR THIS TREK
We recommend that people joining this trek are equipped with the following. Please note that you will need a sleeping bag on this tour:

Technical equipment
Ski Touring Skis with Touring Bindings
Ski Poles
Skins (with good glue!)
Ski Crampons
Ice Axe
Crampons
(please note: you do not need to carry an ice axe on this trip)
Ski Strap (for tying top of the skis together when carrying on rucksack)

Clothing suggestions
Thermal underwear- 1 set as a base layer
Fleece
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof over trousers
Warm hat
Warm gloves
Warm walking socks
Sun hat or peaked cap
Sunglasses/Goggles

Other useful items
40-60 litre rucksack (needs side straps so that you can carry skis)
Head torch and batteries
Sun block for face and lips
Personal First Aid kit (plasters,compede, paracetamol)
Water bottle or Platypus
Penknife
Sleeping bag

Optional items
Change of clothing to include: underwear,tracksuit bottoms/ long-johns,dry shirt, spare socks.
Camera and film
Paperback novel
Maps
Ear plugs(there is always one snorer)
Snack bars/dried fruit/chocolate
Sheet sleeping bag (if you like them)

Ski Touring Equipment Hire
Pyrenean Mountain Tours offer a full equipment hire pack. You can hire everything you need for this tour or individual items at the costs shown in the table below. We are unable to provide equipment "last minute" so you need to book what you need well in advance.

Please remember to carry as little gear as possible. A heavy rucksack will make the trip hard work and less fun.