EXPLORATORY MISSIONS

Global | 8-14 days | Northern and Southern Hemisphere Winter/Spring

Turning the unknown, into magic.

Over the years we have lead a number of small, hand-selected groups on exploratory missions to places we have never been before. Places like Siberia, East Kazakhstan, and Greenland.

Places we have researched meticulously, setting up the logistics and connections for success. A step into the unknown, where all of us, including the guide(s), are immersed in an experience for the first time.

With our extensive experience guiding in uncharted terrain at Tebay Lodge in Alaska, our guides are particularly adept at turning the unknown, into magic. This is adventure in the truest sense of the word.

CASE STUDIES | going far

These are three notable exploratory missions of the last few years. Why we went, what we found, and why in two out of three cases, we are going back.

LAKE BAIKAL, SIBERIA

Located above the arctic circle at 70 degrees North, the island of Arnøya is a striking place of steep mountainsides tumbling into deep fjords. The island lies at the north end of the Lyngenfjord facing out towards the stormy North Sea. It is the winter playground of orca whales, and a nesting spot for clouds of arctic terns and other seabirds. A handful of tiny villages hold the island’s 300 residents.

ALTAI MOUNTAINS of EAST KAZAKHSTAN

The peaks of the Lyngenfjord region are almost entirely “alpine” in nature, as just a narrow band of sparse birch and mountain ash forest clings near sea level, at the mountains’ feet. Many of the peaks and cirques hold small to moderate-sized glaciers. While the highest peaks in the region top out at a relatively modest 4000-6000’ (1200-1800m) in elevation, the skiable terrain extends all the way to sea level. Interestingly, the island of Arnøya is a segment of Lyngen geology, separated by a merging of fjords and sea.

MANIITSOQ, GREENLAND by SAILBOAT

Similar to Alaska, the best season for ski touring in Arctic Norway is March into May, as daylight increases at an impressive 9+ minutes per day. This brings more windows of stable weather along with milder temperatures, and of course visibility. While the frequency of storms tends to decrease throughout the spring months, we prepare ourselves for a range of temperatures and micro-climates including cold and dry (arctic), melt-freeze (spring) and potentially warm and wet (maritime).

Overview

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ITINERARY | the flow

B = Breakfast included, D = Dinner included

Day 1 — TROMSØ

Tromsø arrival day. You may consider arriving to Tromsø a day or two early to explore the city, unwind from the travel and let the jet-lag subside.

Day 2 — FERRY to ARNØYA

In the afternoon we set off on a beautiful 2.5 hour ferry ride from Tromsø to Arnøya, settling in to our Singla base for the week. B, D

Days 3-7 — SKI TOURING in LYNGENFJORD: ARNØYA, KÅGEN, and the LYNGEN ALPS

Every day is a new adventure as we explore the potential of the island's beautiful alpine terrain, jump on a ferry to Kågen, or set off on day boat excursions to the Lyngen peninsula or Olderfjorden. B, L, D

Day 8 — RETURN TO TROMSØ

Ski on Arnøya or closer to Tromsø depending on the ferry schedule. Ferry back to Tromsø. B, D

Day 9 – DEPARTURE

Outbound flights from Tromsø can be planned for anytime on this day. B

Itinerary

Ski touring Arnøya, Norway and the Lyngen Alps with Pacific Alpine Guides

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Details

DETAILS | the logistics

GROUP SIZE

This a small group, low ratio experience limited to 6 skiers & 2 guides.

COST INCLUDES

6 days of guided skiing on Arnøya and the Lyngen peninsula, with Steph Williams and Drew Lovell at 3:1 ratio.
8 nights lodging (double occupancy)* including 2 nights in Tromsø
Most meals as stated in the itinerary, prepared by our private chef
Roundtrip ferries
Daily transporation to our ski touring locations by van, motorboat or ferry