Freeriding above the fjords – skiing, surfing, and sauna in Lofoten

One of GoBeyond’s most unique freeride camps takes place in the stunning Lofoten Islands of Norway. Here, in one of the northernmost archipelagos on Earth, snow is guaranteed even in April, thanks to the Arctic Circle’s proximity. But it’s not just the extended winter season that makes the experience surreal – where else in Europe can you ski right down to the edge of the ocean? We spoke with Albert Gáspár, an experienced guide who keeps returning to these Norwegian slopes year after year, to hear more about this incredible adventure.

When did you first visit Lofoten, and what captivated you the most?

I first traveled to Lofoten in the spring of 2023. What immediately blew me away was the dramatic contrast of the landscape – massive mountains, steep slopes, and wide-open terrain that offers almost endless route options for skiing. But the most mind-blowing part? Snow-covered peaks surrounding a true oceanic landscape – something you just won’t find anywhere else in Europe.

Who did you travel with?

I went with a friend who was already an experienced guide – he later led the GoBeyond camp as well. He and his wife were living in Norway at the time, organizing campervan trips, so I didn’t hesitate to join them.

I followed them in a rented old beater – a Toyota Yaris with studded tires, which is pretty much a necessity for safe driving around the fjords. We also had an Austrian mountaineering crew with us who were shooting a film for a sunglasses brand – no surprise, the scenery here is cinematic. With them, we took on some serious challenges, climbing and skiing down 3,000 meters of elevation gain daily, using crampons, ice axes, and ropes.

What did a typical day look like, and what was the highlight of the trip?

Every morning started with checking the weather forecast – it’s crucial because conditions in Lofoten change fast. Once we picked a good area, we drove to the base of the mountain and started our ascent at dawn when the snow was still frozen, making for safer travel. The terrain is technical, so we constantly monitored snow conditions and avalanche risks. We always aimed to descend by early afternoon to avoid any mishaps in the dark – rescues get exponentially harder once visibility drops.

Afternoons were all about unwinding. The fishing villages have amazing local seafood spots, and sauna culture is huge here. The best part is jumping straight into the icy fjord after a scorching sauna session. It sounds intense, but it’s unbelievably refreshing and really helps with recovery between ski days.

Lofoten is also famous for Arctic surfing. Did you try it?

Absolutely! That’s one of the huge bonuses of this place – you can ski in the morning and surf in the afternoon. I jumped at the chance because you can rent everything locally, and with a thick wetsuit, the freezing water isn’t a problem at all. The waves here are surprisingly good, and the whole setup is just surreal.

What lessons did you bring back that later shaped GoBeyond trips?

As a guide, I’m always looking for the most epic spots and figuring out how to make them accessible for people of different experience levels.

These scouting trips also help dial in the details – where to stay, what areas work best, how to balance skiing and surfing in the itinerary. It’s also about the practical stuff – accommodations, car rentals, food options – making sure everything complements the adventure. Plus, we gather tons of photos and videos, which really help bring the experience to life for others.

Who would you recommend Lofoten to?

Lofoten is ideal for ski tourers and splitboarders – if you have at least a year of experience, you’re good to go. The mountains here aren’t as tall as the Alps, but the combination of fjords and steep terrain means you get breathtaking views even from just 500 meters up. The whole place feels like stepping into a National Geographic cover – snowy peaks, ocean, cliffs – it’s unreal.

The culture is also special. The Viking heritage isn’t just something you see in museums – it’s alive in the fishing villages and the way people live here. If you’re drawn to truly unique destinations, Lofoten is for you. And honestly, just sitting back at the GoBeyond HQ and taking in the view is already an experience on its own.